Mandalay Hill rises 236 metres above the plains immediately north of the royal palace. A covered stairway climbs the southern face, lined with shrines, Buddha images, and astrologers who do a brisk trade with pilgrims and tourists alike. You remove your shoes at the base and walk up in bare feet; the climb takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on pace and pausing time.
At the top, a standing Buddha points his finger toward the palace, indicating the spot where King Mindon would build his city. The views are excellent in all directions — the palace moat directly below, the Irrawaddy glinting to the west, the Shan Hills to the east, and on clear days the mountains beyond. Sunset is the most popular time to climb, and the top fills with monks, families, and tourists. Motorcycles and shuttles go to the top if you don't want to walk.