Mount Zwegabin
Mount Zwegabin is a mountain in Myanmar. It is located in Kayin State, in the southern part of the country, around 450 km south of the capital Naypyidaw. The summit of Zwegabin is above sea level.
The terrain around Mount Zwegabin is flat to the northwest, but hilly to the southeast. Mount Zwegabin is the highest point in the region. The area surrounding the mountain is quite densely populated, with approximately 155 inhabitants per square kilometer. The closest major city is Hpa-an, located northwest of Mount Zwegabin. The landscape around the mountains consists of a mosaic of agricultural land and natural vegetation.
History
Mount Zwegabin is deeply rooted in Karen folklore. According to legend, a Karen brother and sister who suffered hardship under their stepfather were granted spiritual powers for their devotion and became guardians of the mountain. Their story symbolizes purity, endurance, and protection, giving the site a lasting reputation as a sacred place for both Buddhists and local communities. The tale continues to be told across generations, keeping the mountain alive in Karen oral tradition and cultural identity.Geology
Mount Zwegabin is part of a local limestone-karst upland north of Hpa-an, in Kayin State. Geological studies refer to the “Zwekabin Range” as a series of isolated limestone hills, where the underlying rock includes the Paungnyo Formation overlain by Moulmein Limestone. The karst landscape is characterized by steep cliffs, caves, sinkholes and rugged outcrops that rise from the surrounding plains, formed through long-term erosion of former shallow marine limestone deposits and subsequent tectonic uplift.The limestone nature of the mountain gives rise to its dramatic twin peaks, steep escarpments and its distinctive karst features that dominate the landscape around Hpa-an.
Wildlife
The forests surrounding Mount Zwegabin are rich in biodiversity and home to several endemic species. Botanists have identified a new flowering plant, Globba zwegabinensis, named after the mountain where it was first discovered. The area also supports a wide variety of native birds, butterflies, and small mammals, reflecting the ecological importance of Kayin State’s limestone habitats. Conservationists have urged stronger protection to prevent habitat loss from tourism-related development and deforestation.Conservation
Mount Zwegabin and the surrounding landscape are currently being reviewed by the Environmental Conservation Department for possible inclusion in Myanmar’s protected landscape program. Local and international organizations, including Fauna & Flora International, have supported community-based conservation efforts aimed at protecting native species and maintaining ecological balance. These initiatives highlight the need to balance tourism growth with environmental responsibility.Tourism
For centuries, Mount Zwegabin has been a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. Pilgrims climb to the summit pagoda, which is said to enshrine a sacred relic of the Buddha. The trail to the top, lined with hundreds of statues of meditating monks, offers one of the most scenic hikes in the region. Since Myanmar’s political opening in 2010, the mountain has become increasingly popular with both local and international tourists seeking a blend of natural beauty and spiritual experience.Community-based tourism projects now aim to preserve the environment while supporting local livelihoods. Many travelers also visit nearby Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, often combining both sites as part of a wider pilgrimage route through Kayin and Mon States.