As from December, three-month trekking season is set at Mount Taung Wine which is well-known in Mon State’s Mawlamyine and currently there are about 500 trekkers a day on weekends, according to a Mawlamyine-based parahita group, Bo Bo Win social and rescue association.
Trekking season which starts on 2 December and ends in February aims for those who want to hike for health and those who want to take pilgrimage tour, said Tharthananwe Foundation.
“There are a lot of people during weekends and December holidays. The weather is getting cold so the number of hikers is increasing including children and students. There is a group of people who usually hike the mountain in the evening. Including residents around the area, there are about 400-500 hikers in weekends. The reason they come to hike the mountain is there is road safety and can enjoy the beauty of countryside and sea of clouds,” said an official from the parahita group.
For security concern, the trekking time is set from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and free parking lot is also provided.
“The trekking time is restricted for security concern. There is a checkpoint which allows trekkers to climb the mountain at around 6:00 am,” he said.
Bo Bo Win social and rescue association provides cleaning on the trekking route once a month.
Along the path at the foot of the mountain, Tharthananwe Foundation Sayadaw built a new concrete road and toilets with contribution of donors and also provide cleaning and gardening by hiring cleaners.
The foundation warns walkers not to smoke and trash properly as well as sellers are only allowed to sell at the foot of the mountain and selling of alcohol is also prohibited.
MT/ZS
