DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
national-park
—°2
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))

Weather…

Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Myanmar, covering an area of approximately 1,600 square kilometers in the Sagaing Region. It is located within the Mahamyaing mountain range and is famous for its dense teak and bamboo forests as well as its rich biodiversity. The park is a vital refuge for endangered animals such as the Asian elephant, Indochinese tiger, leopard, and various species of deer. Beyond its ecological significance, the park is a major religious pilgrimage site as it houses the shrine of Alaungdaw Kathapa. According to legend, the remains of the venerable Mahakassapa, one of Buddha's closest disciples, rest here in a golden cave. Every year in January and February, thousands of pilgrims flock to the park to pay homage to the saint, often traveling on elephant back through the jungle. Despite its remoteness, the park gives basic accommodations for nature watchers and religious visitors.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202326303130303029272421
Rain mm631120516056524439105

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Reaching this remote national park often involves a rugged drive from Monywa in a hired 4x4 vehicle, culminating in either an elephant ride or a strenuous hike to access the deepest forested regions.
📅
Best season
The cool and dry months extending from December to February are widely considered the best time to visit, as the monsoon rains have passed, leaving the jungle trails clear and significantly less muddy.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The park has an incredibly wild and undulating landscape characterized by dense tropical forests, steep ravines, and muddy river crossings that demand a high level of physical fitness and stamina.
🎒
What to bring
High-quality, waterproof hiking boots are an absolute necessity, along with robust insect repellent to ward off leeches, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, and an extensive personal medical kit.
🅿️
Parking
Private vehicle parking is heavily restricted to the designated entry camps and rudimentary guesthouses on the park's outer fringes, as driving deeper into the protected jungle is not permitted.
⚠️
Safety
Traveling in this region requires caution due to the presence of wild elephants and venomous snakes; always trek with a licensed local ranger and strictly adhere to all regional safety advisories.
⏱️
Time needed
Given the substantial travel time required just to reach the area, an expedition here typically warrants a minimum of three to four days to properly explore the ancient shrines and spot the wildlife.

Geography

Coordinates
22.31000, 94.46000

Facts

  • The park was officially established in 1982.
  • It covers a total area of approximately 1,605 square kilometers.
  • The terrain ranges in elevation from 200 to 1,300 meters above sea level.
  • The annual pilgrimage season takes place during the Tabodwe full moon.
  • The park is home to over 50 different species of mammals.
  • It is one of the most important sanctuaries for the wild Asian elephant.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Chindwin ValleyChindwin Valley7 km · NWExplore →
Pondaung RangePondaung Range8 km · SEExplore →
Mingin TaungdanMingin Taungdan11 km · NWExplore →
Zibyu TaungdanZibyu Taungdan20 km · WExplore →
Shwesettaw Wildlife SanctuaryShwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary23 km · NEExplore →
Chindwin RiverChindwin River23 km · NExplore →
Somra TractSomra Tract28 km · WExplore →
Kabaw ValleyKabaw Valley32 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (2)

Elephant Camp🎡 recreation

Elephants here are trained to carry pilgrims through the dense jungle to the Alaungdaw Kathapa shrine.

စေတီ📍 landmark

A solitary pagoda in the heart of the national park, surrounded by pristine tropical rainforest.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Alaungdaw-Kathapa National Park?
It is one of the largest parks and houses the famous shrine of Kathapa.
When is the park open to visitors?
The park is usually only accessible during the dry season from December to May.
Is a car needed to explore the park?
Yes, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended to reach remote areas.
Are there dangerous animals in the park?
Yes, there are wild animals like bears and leopards; always stay on the paths.
Is there accommodation inside the national park?
There are very simple government accommodations; camping is often restricted.
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park: where is it located?
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Elephant Camp, စေတီ.
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Myanmar, covering an area of approximately 1,600 square kilometers in the Sagaing Region.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Myanmar (Burma) →

Nearby cities

Monywa — Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))
Monywa
A major commercial city on the Chindwin River, known for its giant Buddha statues.
Sagaing — Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))
Sagaing
The capital of the Sagaing Region, famous for its many Buddhist monasteries on the hills.

History & landmarks

Thanboddhay Pagoda — Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))
Thanboddhay Pagoda
A colorful, unconventional temple complex in Monywa decorated with over half a million small Buddha images.

Nature

Chindwin River — Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))
Chindwin River
The largest tributary of the Irrawaddy, flowing through picturesque valleys and dense jungles in the west.

More places

Chindwin Valley — Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))
Chindwin Valley
A distinct geographical basin in northwestern Myanmar, carved out by the Chindwin River through dense teak forests.
Pondaung Range — Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))
Pondaung Range
A prominent mountain ridge in the Magway and Sagaing regions, famous worldwide for its important paleontological fossil sites.
Mingin Taungdan — Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))
Mingin Taungdan
A deeply forested mountain ridge in the Sagaing Region, forming a part of the complex topography of the Chindwin basin.
Zibyu Taungdan — Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))
Zibyu Taungdan
A rugged sub-range in the northwestern part of the country, known for its steep inclines and relatively undisturbed habitats.
Somra Tract — Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))
Somra Tract
An isolated plateau in northwestern Myanmar, characterized by its rolling hills and remote traditional villages.
Kabaw Valley — Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))
Kabaw Valley
A highland valley in the Sagaing Region, situated between the Chin Hills and the Chindwin River, known for its dense forests.
🗺️
Ponnyadaung Range
A mountain range running roughly parallel to the Pondaung Range, characterized by dry forests and seasonal streams.
Letpadaung Copper Mine — Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (Myanmar (Burma))
Letpadaung Copper Mine
One of Southeast Asia's largest copper mines near Monywa, though highly controversial due to social and environmental issues.