I tilted my head up and looked at the towering peak with surprise, noticing white dots scattered across the rocky cliffs.

Those are stupas!

Dozens of small stupas lined up on the sky-piercing cliffs of Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng.

Located in the Doi Phra Bat Wildlife Sanctuary, Jae Hom District, Lampang Province.

It was such an amazing sight that it raised many questions.

Who on earth would have thought of building it, and how did they build it up there?

Because just the way up, I don't even know which way to go.

Or to climb up that steep, just to survive would be hard enough.

If you also have to carry construction materials up there, it's even harder to imagine.

Unless you have to rely on something called 'the power of faith'.

Back then, when Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng was still an unknown temple,

the temple grounds at the foot of the mountain were empty and quiet.

I could only look up with a desire to experience the wonders above,

but I felt lost because I came without any information.

It was a chance visit, and all I knew was that the temple had a beautiful church and pagoda!

What I saw above was beyond my expectations.

I looked left and right, but there was no sign of anyone who could tell me or answer my questions.

So I had to take this lingering question home with me for years.

Until the image of the pagoda on the top of the cliff was published in various media, it became known.

The temple grounds, which were once empty, are now crowded with people and vehicles.

And I am standing here again, at the same spot where I once looked up at the pagoda!

But this time it's different, because in a few moments I'll be standing up there!

Life is so convenient these days, with villagers' pickup trucks waiting to take us up the mountain.

It's a world away from the people of the past.

Because before the temple was built and the road was cut, it took strong faith

To climb the steep mountain, hacking through dense jungle to worship the Buddha's footprint.

Which the villagers have practiced as a tradition every year.

In 2004, Venerable Luang Pho Paibul Sumangklo of Wat Analayothipayaram in Phayao Province

rallied the faithful to build Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng.

The temple was constructed to facilitate access to the revered footprint of the Buddha

and to perpetuate the Buddhist faith. Coincidentally, that year marked the 200th anniversary

of the birth of King Rama IV, King Mongkut.

Hence, the temple also bears the more formal name:

'Wat Chalermprakiet Phra Chom Klao Rachanuson'.

The car climbed the steep gravel road, and soon stopped at the parking lot of Doi Phupha Moke.

From here, you have to walk another 1 kilometer to the top of Doi Phupha Chok.

Then you will reach the temple where the group of pagodas is located.

Just 1 kilometer and I'm already panting!

Because it's a 1 kilometer climb up the stairs.

Sometimes we get too used to comfort, and when things get a little tough, we give up and complain.

Or maybe life is still lacking in faith.

Faith in ourselves to persevere and achieve something.

Even though the sky is not bright today, I am happy

To be able to admire the panoramic view on the top of the mountain of Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng

To be able to release the shackles of what is in my heart

With the beauty and wonder of the group of pagodas on the top of the cliff that pierces the sky nearby

That once I could only look up at from afar

This place was born from the power of faith.

The great power of humanity that has inspired many wonders on this earth.

Although my faith is not comparable to that of the villagers in the past.

But at least the power of faith has brought me back here again.

The route of little I-Fai to Wat Phra Bat Pu Pha Daeng

From Bangkok, take the Asian Highway towards Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani.

Passing through Nakhon Sawan province, cut off Kamphaeng Phet, Tak.

Before entering Lampang city, the total distance is approximately 600 kilometers, taking about 7 and a half hours.

From Lampang, take Highway 1035 to Jae Hom for another 57 kilometers to reach Jae Hom District.

Continue on the same route for about 4 kilometers.

Look for the sign on the left-hand side for Wat Chalermprakiet Phra Chom Klao Rachanuson Memorial, turn into the concrete road for about 200 meters.

At the junction, turn left and follow the signs for another 5 kilometers to reach the temple's car park.

The cost to take a car to the top of the mountain is 60 baht per person. The temple does not allow visitors to drive their own vehicles due to the steep and narrow road.

The first car service starts around 7 am. Once you reach the top, you will need to walk up the stairs to the peak, which is about 1 kilometer away.

Please follow the work of I-Fai Noi at http://www.bloggang.com/mainblog.php?id=ifind&month=24-07-2016&group=13&gblog=9