Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)

Mebar Tsho, translating to the Burning Lake, is a deep pool along the Tang Chhu river in the Bumthang region. It is recognized as one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan, associated with the revered 15th-century saint Pema Lingpa. According to local lore, he dived into the dark waters holding a lit butter lamp and emerged with sacred treasures, while the lamp continued to burn. Pilgrims regularly visit this tranquil gorge to offer butter lamps, which float on the water's surface. The surrounding cliffs are adorned with colorful prayer flags, and small clay offerings called tsa-tsas are placed in the rock crevices. The site provides a highly spiritual atmosphere, accompanied by the roaring sound of the river flowing through the narrow rock formations. The well-suited time to visit is during the spring or autumn months when the weather in Bumthang is mild. Access involves a short but somewhat steep walk down from the main dirt road, located about a 30-minute drive from the town of Chamkhar.

Nearby cities

Jakar

Jakar, known as the center of the Bumthang region, is considered the spiritual heartland of Bhutan with many ancient monasteries.

Narsingdi

An industrial hub east of Dhaka, famous for its textile industry and the ancient archaeological site of Wari-Bateshwar.

Chandpur

Located at the confluence of the Padma and Meghna rivers, this city is the 'Hilsa Capital' of Bangladesh.

Noakhali

A coastal district in southeastern Bangladesh, known for its unique dialect and its resilience against natural disasters.

Brahmanbaria

A major cultural and educational center in eastern Bangladesh, historically known for its literary and musical contributions.

Lhasa

The traditional capital of Tibet and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism.

Trongsa

Trongsa is located geographically in the center of Bhutan and was historically crucial for controlling the kingdom.

Narayanganj

An industrial hub near Dhaka, historically significant for its jute trade and river transport.

Comilla

A historic city in eastern Bangladesh, famous for its ancient archaeological sites and traditional sweets.

History & landmarks

Ogyen Choling Palace

A historic manor in the Tang Valley turned into a fascinating museum.

Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)

A sacred site that is actually a gorge on the Tang Chhu river.

Tamshing Lhakhang

This temple in the Chokhor Valley is known for its ancient wall paintings.

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Tharpaling Monastery

A peaceful monastery on a steep mountainside in the Chokhor Valley.

Bumthang (Chokhor Valley)

The Chokhor Valley in Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, dotted with ancient temples and sacred sites.

Tang Valley

The most remote of Bumthang's four valleys, characterized by sheep breeding, high-altitude farming, and the historic Ogyen Choling Palace.

Lhuentse (Khoma)

Khoma is a famous textile village in eastern Bhutan, renowned for its intricate Kishuthara silk weaving.

Bangladesh Taj Mahal

A scaled replica of the famous Indian Taj Mahal located in Narayanganj, built by a wealthy filmmaker.

Nature

Manas River

A mighty transboundary river that irrigates the subtropical regions before flowing into the Indian Brahmaputra.

Meghna River

One of the most important rivers in Bangladesh, forming the massive Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta.

Namtso Lake

A mountain lake on the Tibetan Plateau, considered one of the most beautiful places in Tibet.

Tanguar Haor

A unique wetland ecosystem in northeastern Bangladesh, providing shelter for many migratory birds.

More places

Royal Manas National Park

Bhutan's oldest national park is located in the tropical and subtropical plains of the south, acting as a biodiversity hotspot.

Gelephu Special Economic Zone

A groundbreaking visionary project by the King, known as the 'Mindfulness City'.

Gelephu Dry Port

This inland port serves as an important logistics center for the central-south of Bhutan.

Jigmeling Industrial Park

A newly developed, large-scale industrial park in Sarpang district.

Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary

A sanctuary in southern Bhutan known for its chital deer populations and as a habitat for Asian elephants and tigers.

Wari-Bateshwar Ruins

An archaeological site in the Narsingdi region, dating back to around 450 BC.

Bumthang Valley

The spiritual heartland of Bhutan, consisting of four major valleys and home to numerous ancient temples.

Manas National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site in Assam, known for its rare and endangered endemic wildlife such as the pygmy hog and the golden langur.