Pligrims and tourists crammed in to the truck which takes you most of the way up the mountain

Paying for the ride.

You can ride to the top in one of these chairs; just wake the guy to carry you.

A shop along the way to the top.

One of many old monks at the site.

Helping the young novice figure out his robes.

Affixing gold leaf to the rock is part of the pilgrimage.

This is the square of gold leaf I got to apply. An incredible moment for me in many ways.

One of many pilgrims praying at the site.

A monk playing tourist as well.

The sun setting behind Mt. Kyaiktiyo

Prayers at sunset atop Mt. Kyaiktiyo

Lighting incense; the women are not permitted to visit the rock iself.

More candles and incense at Mt. Kyaiktiyo.

The scene as the sun goes down is spectacular.

Mt. Kyaiktiyo, lit up at night.

This young girl wanted a photo with us. I insisted that we get a copy, too.

Last glimmers of sunset.

She asked the older monk to pray with/for her. He obliged.

Early in the morning and many pilgrims were making there way inside the temple.

Young monks begging for their food.

He was selling incense to visitors and willing to pose for a photo or two.

Packed in to the truck headed back down. Quite an effort to cram in there, really.