Introduction
Eleventh to thirteenth century was perhaps the most important and culturally most rewarding period in the history of Myanmar. This was the time when great architectural complex of Pagan or Bagan (as it is known today) was built by the master craftsmen. With over 2000 temples, pagodas, stupas, and shrines located in this ancient capital of Pagan is undoubtedly in the same league of Borobudur in Indonesia and Angkor in Cambodia. Pagan is perfectly located on the east bank of the Ayeyawaddy River in the upper Myanmar and at a distance of around 860 km north from Yangon and 193 km south from Mandalay.

What to do
Being a cultural destination, Pagan gives you an opportunity to explore one of the largest temple complexes in the world. It is difficult to visit the entire area in one or two day, unless you have paucity of time. Make sure that you have visited all the places in the vicinity to complete your visit. Shopping for and handicrafts is another good option that you can certainly pursue in.

City at a Glance

Latitude 21º18'N Longitude 94º92'E Area 42 Sq Km Language Burmese Religion Buddhism Telephone Code 062

History
Not much is known about the early history of Pagan except the fact that it was formed by unifying nineteen villages. The real action started here in the middle of 11th century when Anavrahta (1044 - 1077) unified the country culturally as well as politically. He was the person who brought Thervada Buddhism to Pagan along with an entourage of architects, artists, artisans, and craftsmen to create one of the most known religious complexes in the world. His successors continued adding new structures for the next 290 years after his death and giving it the shape that we see today. According to the archaeological department of Myanmar government they created 2,217 religious structures covering an area of 16 km that are unique in style and grandeur. The city was ransacked by Kublai Khan in the year 1287 and never rebuilt.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Like most of the other places in Myanmar, the climate of Pagan is tropical. Summer takes place between March and May and temperature during the day rises to 43ºC. Winter starts from November to continue till February in Pagan, marking a cool, dry, and clear weather. Remaining part of the year, the skies remain overcast here with heavy rains some times. The best time to visit Pagan is winter.

Attractions
The Ananda Temple
The construction of this temple was started in the year 1091 by King Anawrahta and completed by Kyanzittha. The temple inspired many Burmese kings later to build structures in this style. The temple has central pillar with square central block. This temple also started the construction of double terrace style of temple making at Pagan.

The Gawdawpalin Temple
Gawdawpalin means "platform to which respect of homage is paid" and the temple was built for the purpose of royal ancestor worship. The construction of this temple was started by King Narapatisithu and finished by his son King Htilominio. The temple damaged badly in an earthquake in 1975 and restoration work could not guarantee its earlier glory.

The Shwezigon Pagoda
This is the main centre of pilgrimage in Pagan and greatest temple of King Anawrahta's reign. According to the legends a sacred relic of Buddha was put on the back of a white elephant by the king and Shwezigon marks the place where the elephant knelt down. The construction of the building was started by Anarwrahta but finished by his son Kyanzittha. The pagoda is also believed to contain the collar bone, frontlet bone, and one of the teeth of Lord Buddha .

The Pagan Museum
Situated near the Ananda temple the museum was built in 1979 to preserve many images and relicsthat were either damaged or exposed in 1975 earthquake. The Department of Archaeology of Myanmar government has its office attached to the museum. They are the best source to get information about Pagan and its architecture.

The Maha Bodhi Temple
This temple is quite different in its style from other Burmese temples, having influenced from of Gupta style of architecture in India. The temple is named after the Maha Bodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Myanmar is the land of festivals and almost all the festivals are celebrated in Pagan. Most of the festivals are celebrated in the Pagodas or related with them with their great romantic legends. Main festivals here include Ananda Pagoda Festival in January, Full Moon of Tabaung Lunar Month, The Thingyan in February-March, Water Festival or Burmese New Year celebrates the in the month of April, Waso Festival in June - July, Nat Festival in July, The Festival of Thandingyut or the Festival of Lights in Thadingyut Lunar Month, Shwezigon Pagoda Festival in October, and The Tazaungdaing Festival in the month of November.

Places nearby
Mount Popa
The high-rising mountain cone was created by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago and worshipped by the Burmese as "nat", typical Burmese saints in Buddhism. There are some small Buddhist temples at the top and Popa Nat Festival is celebrated during the month of Nayon, in the lunar calendar.

Pakkoku
Site of many ancient pagodas and temples, some of them older than even those built during Bagan dynasty. It can be reached by a 45 - minute river ride from Pagan

SHOPPING
Pagan has a number of souvenirs shops selling artifacts, handicrafts, and good quality lacquerware. The shopkeepers expect the customers to bargain and prices can be drastically reduced after some times. Don't purchase gemstones here as they are going to be fake in most of the cases.

WHERE TO STAY
After Yangon, it is in Pagan that that you will receive the best accommodation options in the country. Most of the hotels are a fair distance from the main complex. Tariffs are moderate and services cost for money

WHERE TO EAT

Nights are warm and perfect for a dinner in Bagan. There are plenty of restaurants all around that are inexpensive and value for money. Burmese food is a delight in Pagan though you can also have Chinese, European, as well as Indian cuisine.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
From Yangon you can take a flight to Pagan. It takes around one hour to reach Nyaung-U, the nearest airport. From Nyaung-U, it is a 20 minutes journey by road to Pagan. Alternatively, you can also take a flight from Yangon to Mandalay, the nearest big town.

Road and Water
There are no trains to Pagan from any place in Myanmar. From Mandalay, you can take a train to Thazi and then by bus to Pagan. Direct buses are also available from Yangon and Mandalay (3 hours). Overnight cruise from Mandalay to Pagan is good for the ones who love a riverine trip.

Local Transport
From Nyaung-U, horse carts and buses would be available to visit Pagan. Bicycles are available on hire and they are a good way of exploring the place on your own pace. Rickshaws and Jeep taxis are also available at Pagan to ferry the tourists around.