Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park
National Park Large protected forest in Myanmar, important biodiversity refuge
A national park in Sagaing Region featuring tropical forest, wildlife and seasonal pilgrimage routes; visited by trekkers, birdwatchers and those on religious journeys.
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park is a protected forest area in Sagaing Region, Myanmar, named for the Buddhist hermit Alaungdaw Kathapa. It combines natural forest and a religious shrine that is the focus of local pilgrimage.
The park contains forested hills, walking trails and the hilltop shrine that draws visitors during the cool-season pilgrimage period. Trails through mixed forest provide wildlife and birdwatching opportunities and access to the shrine area.
The area is best known as a long-standing local pilgrimage destination associated with the Alaungdaw Kathapa shrine, later incorporated within a protected landscape to conserve the surrounding forest. Management aims to balance religious visitation with conservation of forest habitats.
Located within Sagaing Region in northern-central Myanmar, the protected area sits in forested hill country rather than on a coastal plain. Access is by road from regional towns and via marked footpaths to the shrine.
- Pilgrimage season: The main pilgrimage season takes place in the cool months each year, when many visitors follow forest trails to the shrine.
What to See #
- Alaungdaw Kathapa shrine: A hilltop Buddhist shrine and associated trails that form the focal point for pilgrimages; the shrine sits within the forested protected area and is reached by seasonal footpaths.
How to Get to Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park #
Access is by road from nearby towns in Sagaing Region; the park’s headquarters can be reached by 4x4 vehicles and sometimes by small-group transport arranged in Mandalay or Sagaing. Arrange permits and local guides in advance.
Tips for Visiting Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park #
- Permits are required for overnight treks - arrange through local park authorities or licensed guides.
- Use a local guide: the park spans remote forest and seasonal tracks that are difficult to navigate alone.
- Bring insect protection during the wet season; the park's jungles are biologically dense and humid.
Best Time to Visit Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park #
Best visited in the cool, dry season (November-February) for trekking and wildlife viewing; wet season can make access difficult.
Weather & Climate near Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park #
Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 11°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1442 mm/year), wettest in June with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 28°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 30°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (255 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C. Heavy rain (224 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 29°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (255 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 29°C. Heavy rain (231 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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