Pilgrim arrivals to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Kyaikto Township, Mon State, remain high despite an increase in truck fares for the mountain route, according to the pagoda board of trustees.
Truck fares were increased on March 23 due to petrol shortages. Previously, fares were set at 9,000 kyat for front seats and 7,000 kyat for rear seats, but have now risen to 11,000 kyat and 9,000 kyat respectively.
“Pilgrim numbers remain steady during these days. Around 4,000 to 6,000 visitors arrive daily. Despite petrol shortages, arrivals remain high, and numbers are expected to increase further during holidays,” a member of the board of trustees said.
The Kyaiktiyo Mountain Truck Association said the fare increase was necessary due to difficulties in purchasing petrol and rising costs.
Although fares have increased, large numbers of pilgrims continue to visit, and local tourism activities remain ongoing, according to tourism operators.
“Not all vehicles can operate due to petrol shortages. However, visitors are still coming. At times, people have to wait for trucks. We expect more visitors during the Thingyan holidays,” a local tourism operator said.
More than 700,000 domestic and international pilgrims visited Kyaiktiyo Pagoda last year. This year, from the Thadingyut full moon festival to the present, more than 1.2 million pilgrims have visited, according to available data.
