Journal · Bumthang
Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake
A deep pool in a river gorge in the Tang valley, where a saint is said to have found treasure with a burning lamp.
The story
As a young man, Pema Lingpa had a vision of treasure hidden in this pool. Doubters gathered on the bank. He said that if he was a true treasure revealer he would come back with the treasure and his lamp still lit. He dived in holding a burning butter lamp, and came up with a statue and a treasure casket, the lamp still burning.
Before you go
It is not really a lake but a pool in the gorge, hung with prayer flags. The rocks at the edge are wet and smooth, and people have drowned here, so stay well back. It is on the way to Ogyen Choling.
Sources
Checked October 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so or leave the detail out. Opening times and rules change, so your guide confirms on the day.