IT is safe again around the Mt Popa located in NyaungU District’s Kyaukpadaung Township in Mandalay Region, and there are some day trippers going hiking despite overnight stay still being prohibited, said a resident.
Hiking was banned on 28 December for security concerns; however, there are visitors at the Taung Kalat regularly.
An event called Popa Jungle Trail Run 2025 was organized this month at the Mt Popa, and many participants joined.
“It means hiking is allowed for a day trip. But overnight stay is still prohibited. Camping overnight at the summit has been banned since December,” he added.
At present, there are just a few hikers to Mount Popa, but visitors have flocked to Kalaw in Shan State and Hpa-an in Kayin State, he said.
“Daytrip has just resumed, so people don’t know about it yet,” he added. It is expected that the visitor arrival at Mount Popa will rise again in September and October, he said. — Htet Oo Maung/ZS
