The Mystery Of Mebar Tsho-The Burning Lake Of Bhutan

The Burning Lake is regarded as one of the most sacred sites in the Kingdom.

The Mystery Of Mebar Tsho-The Burning Lake Of Bhutan (Source: Flickr/Pradeep Prakash)

By Zann Huizhen Huang 

Bhutan, also known as the ‘Last Paradise’ is not only blessed with pristine nature but also ‘Neys’ or spiritually potent, sacred sites.

A Ney can extend across an entire valley or a mountain or it can even be a very specific site such as a single rock, pool or tree.

The Bhutanese believe that many of these Neys have been blessed by the Padmasambhava (He who came into being in a lotus), or Guru Rinpoche.

Some Bhutanese believe that mystical energies emanate from these mystical Neys, making them perfect retreats for spiritual awakenings.

Notable examples of Neys in Bhutan include: the Jomolhari Snow Mountains, the Singyedzong Valley, the Taktshang cliff, the cave of Wangdi Ney and the riverine pool of Mebartsho, also known as the ‘Burning Lake’.

The legend of the Burning Lake

The Burning Lake is regarded as one of the most sacred sites in the Kingdom. Located in Tang Valley near Bumthang in central Bhutan, it is actually not a lake but rather a pool found along a river.

Map of BhutanSource: Map of Bhutan

Legend has it that Terton Pema Lingpa, the discoverer of hidden ancient texts, is believed to be the reincarnation of Padmasambhava himself.

Pema Lingpa had a vision of the sacred treasures which Guru Rinpoche had hidden within the Burning Lake in the 8th century. His mission was to unearth those sacred Buddhist relics and scriptures so that the Guru’s teachings could be passed onto future generations.

This revelation brought Pema Lingpa to the lake and as he stood on the rocks, he could discern a temple with many doors at the bottom of the waters.

Upon seeing that one door was opened, he dived right in and swam into a huge cave. A women with only one eye gave him a treasure chest and in no time, Pema Lingpa found himself on dry land again.

His feat, however, was met with disbelief and cynicism by the locals. To convince them, Pema Lingpa invited them to witness his second attempt at retrieving another ‘terma’ or ‘treasure’. This time, holding a lit lamp, he spoke to the crowd who had gathered to watch:

"If I am a genuine revealer of treasures, then may I return with the treasure with my lamp still alight. However, if I am a devil, may I drown."

Source: Youtube/WildFilmsIndia

With that, Pema Lingpa dived into the waters again, holding a butter lamp in his hand, but he took a long time to surface and the people grew anxious.

All of a sudden, he re-emerged from the waters holding a statue, a treasure chest, a scroll of paper, with the butter lamp still burning bright in his hand.

Thereafter, the lake which was formerly called ‘Nya Ring Brag’ or ‘Long Nosed Cliff’ came to be known as the Mebartsho or Burning Lake instead.

An important and popular pilgrimage site

Today, the Burning Lake is a popular pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese and foreign tourists alike, known for its tranquillity and verdant beauty.

Getting there is a 30 minutes’ drive from the town of Chamkhar. From the road, there is a 5 minutes’ walk to the lake.

Around the lake, there are many small conical clay mounds called tsatsas which are often engraved with sacred Buddhist symbols. Sometimes, they contain human ash or bone and are offerings dedicated to either the living or dead.

Along the way, visitors will also be greeted by colourful prayer flags tied around an altar dedicated to Terton Pema Lingpa, as well as butter lamps scattered on the river banks as a tribute to this great treasure finder.  


Related Posts

Is Bhutan Ready for Crypto Tourism? What the GMC Talks Revealed

Discover how Bhutan is embracing Binance Pay to boost crypto tourism, making travel payments easier, faster, and more...

Jul 02, 2025 17:38

Bhutan’s Bhutan Believe Film Wins Silver at 2025 US International...

Discover how Bhutan’s national brand film Bhutan Believe captured the silver award at the 2025 US International Awards,...

Jun 27, 2025 17:26

Bhutan Unveils Its Most Advanced Integrated Check Post at Gelephu

Bhutan’s largest and most advanced Integrated Check Post in Gelephu nears completion, promising smarter border control,...

Jun 17, 2025 13:08

Bhutan Launches ‘Bhutan for Wellbeing’ Initiative to Cement Its...

Bhutan launches its 'Bhutan for Wellbeing' tourism initiative in Haa, blending traditional practices and modern...

Jun 16, 2025 10:20

Heli Bhutan Takes Flight: Private Helicopter Service Boosts...

Heli Bhutan, the first private helicopter service in Bhutan, offers high-altitude flights to remote destinations with a...

May 23, 2025 15:59

Bhutan Goes Cashless: Bhutan Launches World’s First National...

Bhutan partners with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch the world’s first national-level crypto tourism payment system....

May 07, 2025 14:06

Latest

News

From Vision to Runway: Gelephu International Airport Breaks Ground

Bhutan has begun construction on its second international airport in Gelephu, marking a major milestone in the country’s development. Set to...

Jul 09, 2025 10:49

First 2025 Gyalsung Cohort Completes National Service Training

Bhutan’s first 2025 Gyalsung cohort has completed their three-month National Service training with a grand Passing Out Parade attended by...

Jul 01, 2025 15:33

Features

Where to Eat in Punakha: The Most Popular Restaurants and Local Eateries You Must Try

Discover the best places to eat in Punakha, from traditional Bhutanese restaurants to local bistro. Taste authentic flavours and enjoy...

Jul 07, 2025 11:34

Passion and Purpose: A Bhutanese Woman’s 14-Year Journey in Tourism

Meet Chencho Lham, a seasoned Bhutanese tour guide from Paro, as she shares her 14-year journey of leading travellers through sacred...

Jun 18, 2025 15:20

Business

High Altitude, Higher Ambitions: Bhutan Enters the Wine World

Bhutan has officially stepped onto the global wine stage with the debut of The Himalayan, a record-breaking 7.57-litre bottle auctioned by...

May 23, 2025 16:38

Most Popular Bars in Thimphu

Discover Thimphu’s vibrant nightlife, where traditional Bhutanese drinks meet modern cocktails in the city’s top bars and lounges. Unwind...

Feb 10, 2025 16:14

Sports

Zimbiri Makes History as First Bhutanese Woman Elected to SAFF Executive Committee

Zimbiri has made history as the first Bhutanese woman elected to the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Executive Committee, a landmark...

May 28, 2025 10:49

Bhutan Cricket's New Milestone: The Inaugural Indoor Cricket Academy

The Bhutan Cricket Council Board (BCCB) inaugurated its inaugural indoor cricket academy on 20th December, with the objective of ensuring...

Dec 21, 2023 14:57

Travel

Is Bhutan Ready for Crypto Tourism? What the GMC Talks Revealed

Discover how Bhutan is embracing Binance Pay to boost crypto tourism, making travel payments easier, faster, and more secure for...

Jul 02, 2025 17:38

Bhutan’s Bhutan Believe Film Wins Silver at 2025 US International Awards

Discover how Bhutan’s national brand film Bhutan Believe captured the silver award at the 2025 US International Awards, celebrating a fresh...

Jun 27, 2025 17:26

Lifestyle

Bhutan Celebrates World Music Day with a Soulful Gathering in Thimphu

Bhutan marked World Music Day with a vibrant concert in Thimphu, featuring over 90 artists despite the rain. Discover how music is shaping...

Jun 23, 2025 16:37

What's in a Name? Discover Bhutan's Unique Naming Tradition

In Bhutan, names are traditionally given by monks and not tied to family lineage. Visitors can experience a traditional naming ceremony at...

Jun 03, 2025 14:04

Subscribe to our newsletter

Never miss out on new happenings and news stories!

newsletter

Download Daily Bhutan Mobile App

Connecting with us just got easier!

android app
apple app