Perched on top of a volcano and guarded by monkeys: The incredible Myanmar monastery reached only by climbing 777 steps

Taung Kalat, on top of Mount Popa, in central Myanmar, is part of a pilgrimage site of Nat temples and relics

It is an active place of worship and gathering place for Burmese spirits known as The 37 Great Nats

Rising 2,400 feet above sea level, like Myanmar's own miniature Mount Fuji, Mount Popa, a volcano in the centre of the country is home to a hidden monastery.

At its summit, Taung Kalat is a beautiful Buddhist haven, home to monkeys, statuesque, golden Buddhas, and according to legend, a group of long-suffering spirits.

An active place of worship, Burmese pilgrims visit each year, especially during the full moon festival seasons of Nayon and Nadaw, in May and November respectively.

During December and in April, locals hike from the foot of Mount Popa to its summit, to take part in the Thingyan festival. The incredible spot is also a known gathering place for Burmese spirits known as Nats.

The 37 Great Nats were aristocrats who died in painful circumstances. Having endured such hardships, it is thought they deserve to be worshipped after death, so pilgrims make the mammoth journey up 777 winding steps to leave offerings to them from money to bottles of whiskey.

The magical mountain is steeped in myth and legend, and is known by some as Myanmar's Mount Olympus.

(Lofty pilgrimage: The Buddhist monastery sits 737 metres above the sea on top of the Mount Popa volcano in central Myanmar)

(Taung Kalat, is an active place of worship and a well-known gathering place for Burmese spirits known as Nats)

(Holy abode: The Buddhist monastery is home to elaborately decorated Buddhas and troops of macaque monkeys)

(Panoramic views: From the top of Mount Popa pilgrims can see the spectacular ancient city of Bagan)

(Burmese pilgrims visit the sacred area each year, especially at festival season on the full moon of Nayon and the full moon of Nadaw)

(Pilgrims and visitors admire the colourful shrines to the 37 Burmese spirits known as Nats)

(The incredible spot on top of the Mount Popa volcano is also a known gathering place for Burmese spirits known as Nats)

(The incredible spot on top of the Mount Popa volcano is also a known gathering place for Burmese spirits known as Nats)

(The magical mountain is steeped in myth and legend, and is known by some as Myanmar's Mount Olympus)

Ref: Perched on top of a volcano and guarded by monkeys: The incredible Myanmar monastery reached only by climbing 777 steps (dailymail)