Myanmar is planning to attract foreign tourists to Zalon Taung Pagoda where the number of local pilgrims is increasing, according to Hotel and Tourism Department of Sagaing Region.
More than 200,000 local pilgrims visited the Zalon Taung Pagoda in 2017 and over 400,000 in 2018.
The number of local pilgrim’s arrival in Zalon Taung Pagoda is significantly increased since 2017 and the regional government is negotiating with respective government departments to allow foreign tourists to visit the pagoda since 2018, according to Aung Thu Oo, head of the Hotel and Tourism Department of Sagaing Region.
“We are still discussing to allow the foreign tourists to visit the mountain and it will take time due to security concern,” said Aung Thu Oo.
Ministry of Hotel and Tourism announced on December 5 that foreign tourists need to ask permission to visit Innpauk, Khaungtone, Laytharkone, Butaung, Nantar, Nantkhin, Nantmar, Moetay and Narnanttun villages in Banmauk Township for security season.
The Zalon Taung Pagoda is located on a mountain about 3,090 feet above the sea level about 12 miles north of Banmauk in Sagaing Region. The history of the Zalon Taung Pagoda said the mountain is the place where the fifth Buddha named “Ariya Metteyya” preached.
