Bagan (formerly Pagan) is an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar.From the 9th to 13th centuries, the city was the capital of the Bagan Kingdom, the first kingdom that unified the regions that would later constitute modern Myanmar. During the kingdom's height between the 11th and 13th centuries, 4,446 Buddhist temples, pagodas and monasteries were constructed in the Bagan plains alone, of which the remains of 2,217 temples and pagodas still survive to the present day.The Bagan Archaeological Zone is a main attraction for the country's nascent tourism industry
The Tharabha Gate ( also spelled Sarabha or Tharaba) is the only surviving gate of Bagan (Pagan). The gate is located to the east of the old city. Although the Burmese chronicles assert that the city of Bagan was fortified in 849 CE, radiocarbon dating of evidence dates the foundation of the main walls to c. 1020 CE. If the city was fortified in the 9th century as the chronicles assert, the fortifications must have been built with less durable materials like mud. The present-day gate consists of two brick-walled shrines, each opposing one another, of two guardian nats, named Min Mahagiri and Hnamadawgyi.
Sunset over temples
Watching the sunset over temples is a MUST when visiting Bagan! The sun sets behind the mountains and the Irrawaddy River.Technically it’s not allowed to climb the temples. The poplar spots for sunset are always overcrowded tourists. The two temples on the banks of the Irrawaddy River are perfectly placed for sunset viewing; Lawkananda, is better for catching the local color. Another one is Thisa Wadi temple. The view from Thisa Wadi's upper terrace stretches out to the west and south, with the golden spire of Dhammayazika immediately visible from nearby. This sunset spot is quite some way off the beaten path;which makes it a valuable alternative for tourists looking to avoid the crowds.
ThisTemple is largest & widest of all the temples in Bagan, was built during the reign of King Narathu and is built in a plan similar to that of Ananda Temple. Burmese chronicles state that while the construction of the temple was in the process, the king was assassinated by some Indians and thus the temple was not completed. Sinhalese sources however indicate that the king was killed by Sinhalese invaders. The temple's interior is bricked up for unknown reasons, thus only the four porches and the outer corridors are accessible
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon
Roam the skies of Bagan with Bagan Balloon to get a bird’s eye view of the astounding beauty of this ancient city in Myanmar. A ride on one of hot air balloons sharing a comfortable wicker basket balloon with your friends, familly or loved ones.Bagan Balloon will open up the treasures of Bagan. As your balloon soars higher and higher over the clear blue skies of Myanmar, you will get a panoramic view of the majestic 3000 pagodas and amazing landscapes.Once you touch the ground the pilots will join you in celebrating a memorable journey made in the skies of Bagan with a champagne toast and refreshments.