Located at a distance of 30mins away from Chamkhar town of Bumthang is the quaint lake called Mebartsho. Mebar Tsho or the Burning Lake can be found in the southern part of the Tang Valley. It was at this lake that Pema Lingpa, the renowned Terton, the treasure revealer, discovered several treasures.
Adorned by vibrant colorful prayer flags and natural woods, Mebartsho is a sacred lake that has captured the hearts of many tourists with its jaw-dropping legends. The legend also withholds stories that if the visitors have a pure they are certain to be graced by an extraordinary sight in the lake while looking down.
The land of the thunder dragon has always fascinated its visitors with its surreal scenic views, majestic mountains, and breathtaking sites with their events and legends and Mebartsho is one of them. It got its name after a significant historic event which was referred to as the most famous episode of the great treasure discoverer, Torteon Pema Lingpa’s life.
According to the legend, Terton Pema Lingpa had a vision of the sacred treasures that Guru Rinpoche had hidden within the lake centuries ago. However, the people of Tang and the local ruler were cynical of his claims.
To prove himself, Pema Lingpa held a butter lamp in his hand as he jumped into the lake after declaring, “If I am a demon, I shall die! If I am not, and I am the true spiritual son of Guru Rinpoche, this lamp will continue to burn and I will recover hidden treasures” After remaining underwater for a long time he re-emerged, holding in his hands a ritual skull, a Buddha statue, and the burning butter lamp.
From then on the people believed in him and his reputation as a Terton quickly spread. Thereafter, the lake came to be known as Mebartsho or the burning Lake.
In the present, the sacred lake of Mebartsho is encircled with vibrant prayer flags and on an auspicious day, people can be seen offering butter lamps and prayers. There is a small wooden bridge over the gorge which shows the beauty and majestic view of the sacred lake.
Engulf your senses while offering your prayers at the sacred lake of Mebartsho during your visit to Bhutan. The serene ambiance with the view of colorful prayer flags surrounding the lake and the surreal legend that goes with it has made Mebartsho a must-visit destination in Bumthang.
Best time to visit Mebartsho: The burning lake can be visited throughout the year but it is advised to avoid the monsoon season since the area around the lake becomes more slippery and can be dangerous to wanderers.
