Sunset in Bagan. Temple building was in its heyday 1000 yrs ago. There are about 3000 stupas, monasteries and temples in Bagan as sign of the enthusiasm for Buddhism which started more than 50 generations ago. Another 3000 were destroyed in the earthquake of 1975 -- and there were also quite a few wars over 1000 years taking their toll. At its best the city was home to tens of thousands of stupas. Several stupas and temples are still covered in gold ( real gold ) and gems. (5d)