Early wake up call followed by 4+ hrs coach ride to the start of our day's trek. We stopped off at a large monument in memory of those that served in the war. I think we were all surprised how big and well kept it was. Finally arrived in Kin Pun at the foot of Mount Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock). We had our day bags packed with overnight gear as we were staying in a hotel up the mountain. Our group started to split up straight away, an older guy; Stuart, think he must be mid 70's asked to take the truck up, then after an hour 1 lady didn't want to carry on so her friend went back down with her and they also took a truck up. It was a very hot and almost constant climb, we were all drenched in sweat, 1 guy was literally soaked from head to toe, every bit of his clothing was wet and dripping with sweat - I've never known heat like it!! Anyway then our remaining group split into 3! We had to keep stopping for the slower group so a small group of us - 5, carried on with a helper Xi had hired at the bottom of the mountain. We walked past lots of little bamboo made stalls selling water, fruit etc and loads of small local children giving them high 5's which they loved. Finally arrived at the top, must have been 5hrs and it was heaving and the sun had already started to set. Shoes off, knees covered to walk to the golden rock: 1 of the most sacred sites in the country, basically a big golden rock perched at the edge of the mountain top - believed to be held in place by a single hair of the Buddha. Locals were camping out on the ground, lighting incense and candles, praying and guys only could buy a golden leaf to place on the rock. We headed back to our hotel, asked them to check our booking and had a celebratory beer! However, a member of staff came over to say we weren't booked in that hotel (as stated in our itinerary) Ei had just come in and said we had to follow our porter to our hotel which was another 3 miles back down!!!! It was dark, we were tired and didn't fancy walking back down, but finally made it to our hotel, much needed shower food then bed!!!!! Walking distance about 12k which doesn't seem much at all but ascent was 1000metres in super hot conditions! Our group had eventually split into 5, but all ok, what a start!!!!
