Mingala Zedi  is the westernmost monument,  completed in 1290 and the last to be built before the decline of Bagan.  It is known for it's beautiful glazed Jataka tiles.   They were expensive to produce and although often included in temple plans rarely materialized.  Mingala and Dhammayazika are the only temples to have had a full set.  Many are missing or damaged but a considerable number remain, set into the terrace walls around the base.

This was the first monument we climbed in Bagan and the steep steps can be quite a problem, especially coming down.

It is hard to imagine the Plain of Bagan at dawn without the balloons.  

Famed for the view at dawn, it  is equally spectacular in the late afternoon sunshine.