Mt. Popa Area

Location
Located Between 20 53' N and 95 15'E in Kyaunk Pa Daung township of Mandalay division.

Area
49.63 square miles

Year of Establishment
Established in 1983 and opened as park in 1989.

Approach
      Yangon via Pyay and Kyaunk Pa Daung to Popa 412 miles by car.
      Yangon via Meik Hti La and Kyauk Pa Daung to Popa 400 miles by car.
      Yangon via Nyaung U 320 miles by air and 37 miles by car.

Birds species
Situated in central Dry zone of Myanmar, where many of medicinal plants are grown. There are about 176 forest birds species inhabit in Popa Mountain Park.

Forest / Vegetative Types
(a) Than-Dahat Forests
(b) Low Indaing Forests
(c) Upper Mixed Deciduous Forests
(d) Hill Evergreen Forests
(e) Pine Forests
(f) Hill Grassland

Objective & Characteristic
        (a) To preserve the forest area of Popa Mountain and to conserve the unique dry
              zone ecosystem and biodiversity with various plants and wildlife species.
        (b) To preserve the forest area of Popa Mountain and to conserve the unique
              dry zone ecosystem and biodiversity with various plants and wildlife species.
        (c) To ensure continuous flow of water supply to Kyaukpadaung and nearby
               villages from natural springs.
        (d) To conserve medicinal plants and climbers.
        (e) To preserve unique geological features and to conserve cultural and religious
              heritages.
        (f) To promote eco tourism.
    One can enjoy birds watching, trekking and achieve refreshment. Horse riding enthusiastic, long or short rides are available within the Popa Mountain Park vicinities.

Wild Life
      Monkey, Barking Deer ,Wilds Pigs, Jungle Cat, Wilds Dogs and about 140 avifauna species inhabit the Popa area. The dusky leaf Monkey is a scare animal and about 150 monkeys lives in the Popa Mountain park.

Medicinal Plants
      In accordance with the collected data, about 40 medicinal plants and some climbers are being explored through fields research works.

Conservation, Development and Research Programmes
(a) Conservation of natural forest
(b) Enrichment planting with indigenous tree species.
(c) Establishment of Popa Mountain Resorts, construction of mountain circuits and maintenance of golf course to facilitate recreation and promote ecotourism.
(d) Conducting of research works on the conservation of flora and fauna.
(e) Establishment of watershed Plantations.
(f) Conservation and planting of medicinal plants and climbers.
(g) Promoting, public awareness of environmental conservation.
(h) Conducting of Socio-economic surveys in nearby villages.
(i) Implementation of buffer zone management.

Opportunities for Study and Recreation
(a) Observing dry zone ecosystem, avifauna species and other wild animals.
(b) Enjoyment of the natural beauty of Popa, Oasis of the Dry Zone.
(c) Studying the naturally regenerated of sandalwood species.
(d) Studying geological features and minerals from and extinct volcano which erupted 25,000 years ago.
(e) Studying the natural forests by trekking on foot or on horseback along the forest paths.
(f) Observing the medicinal plants and climbers and conducting field research works.
(g) Enjoyment of natural beauty by car, horse or on foot and playing golf.
(h) Lodging with meals at the Popa Mountain Resorts of the Forest Department.
(i) Studying at the environmental education centre.

Note : visit all the year round.