Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)
Bumthang
Mebar Tsho, also known as Burning Lake, is a revered natural feature located in the Tang Valley near Bumthang, Bhutan. This sacred lake is famed as the site where Pema Lingpa, Bhutan's most celebrated tertön (treasure revealer), discovered several terma (hidden spiritual treasures) in the 15th century. According to local legend, Pema Lingpa had a prophetic dream directing him to the lake, where he dove into the waters and retrieved a treasure chest from a submerged temple while holding a lit lamp that remained alight. This miraculous event convinced skeptics of his authenticity. The lake is spiritually significant as a "Ney," a place where natural and spiritual energies converge, making it conducive to spiritual practice. The serene beauty and powerful atmosphere attract pilgrims and visitors alike. The sacred site is maintained by nuns from the nearby Pema Tekchok Choling Nunnery, Bhutan's first Buddhist university for women, founded by the ninth reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. Around the lake, visitors can observe tsatsas-small conical clay mounds engraved with Buddhist symbols and sometimes containing human ashes, placed as offerings. Despite its allure, the site is slippery with a fast current and has been the location of several drownings, underscoring the need for caution.
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Tip: Visitors should exercise great caution due to slippery rocks and a strong current. The best time to visit is during clear weather for safety and to fully appreciate the lake's spiritual ambiance. It is advisable to arrange guided visits with local experts familiar with the site. While no specific ticketing is required, respectful behavior and offerings such as butter lamps are customary. Purchasing or donating through the nearby nunnery supports the site's maintenance and spiritual activities.
Interesting facts
- •Pema Lingpa discovered multiple terma treasures at Mebar Tsho, including a Self-spoken Guru statue, a Scroll of the script, and a Ritual skull.
- •The lake is called 'Burning Lake' because Pema Lingpa's lamp stayed lit underwater during his treasure retrieval, symbolizing spiritual power.
- •The site is maintained by nuns from Bhutan's first Buddhist university for women, founded by the ninth reincarnation of Pema Lingpa.
- •Small conical clay mounds called tsatsas around the lake contain sacred symbols and sometimes human ashes as part of religious offerings.
- •Despite its spiritual significance, the lake is dangerous; five people have drowned there since 2011, including a tourist and guide in 2015.
History
Mebar Tsho's historical significance dates back to the 15th century when Pema Lingpa, a renowned Bhutanese tertön, discovered sacred treasures submerged in the lake.
The legend recounts how he retrieved these treasures while holding a lit lamp underwater, proving his spiritual authenticity to skeptics.
Over the centuries, the site has remained a vital spiritual landmark and has inspired the establishment of the Pema Tekchok Choling Nunnery in 2000, which preserves and honors the site's heritage.
The lake continues to be a focal point of religious practice and pilgrimage in Bhutan.
Place Guide
The Sacred Lake and Surrounding Gorge
The lake itself is the central sacred feature, known for its serene beauty and spiritual energy. Visitors can view the natural gorge and the narrow wooden bridge maintained by the local nuns, who keep butter lamps for offerings nearby.
Tsatsas Offerings
Around the lake are numerous tsatsas-small conical clay sculptures engraved with Buddhist symbols and sometimes containing human ashes or bone. These are religious offerings dedicated to the living or deceased.
Pema Tekchok Choling Nunnery2000
Located near the lake, this nunnery is Bhutan's first Buddhist university for women, founded in 2000 by Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche, the ninth reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. The nuns maintain the sacred site and its spiritual traditions.
