Dragay Phangtsho
Sonam Dendup • May 30, 2020
Lake at the Lap of the Cliffs
The mysterious and remote Dragay Phangtsho Lake at 4,300 masl rests at the lap of towering cliffs and a spectacular view of the never-ending undulating valleys below. Located north of Paro valley it is a two-hour drive on dirt road and from the Drana Samten Choling Goemba (Temple) a strenuous 7 hours hike to reach the Lake and back to the road-point. Despite being one of the toughest short hikes in Bhutan with the mountains literally glaring at your forehead, the hike is absolutely beautiful with sightings of various birds and animals and the mountains covered with colorful highland flowers.
Lakes in Bhutan are considered sacred and holy and abode of the Dharma protecting deities; and pilgrimages to such lakes prepare the pilgrims for the after-death to overcome obstacles created by the Water Force (Chu Gi Jigpa) when one is lost in the Bardho, a state after death and before next life.
Dragay Phangtsho or the Lake at the Lap of the Cliffs is one of the most sacred lakes and a must visit in one’s lifetime. One story relates that Yongdra Gyatsho, the fifth Dharma Master went into the Lake with a lit butter lamp, remained inside the lake for seven days and miraculously returned with various treasures, with the lamp still burning and his clothes as dry as the day he went in. Many religious stories abound the Lake and hence, is considered one of the holiest lakes in Bhutan. There are also few smaller lakes in and around the main lake and one can also see in the far off distance the Jele Dzong, Dongkola, Chidu Goemba and Mendrup Goemba (temple).
Through this undisturbed tropical, sub-tropical and Alpine regions of virgin forests, waterfalls and lakes, highland nomadic villages, undisturbed nature and views of the Greater Himalayas and Snow Capped Peaks, Bhutan offers some of the best trekking experiences all year round.
The view from there is the panoramic sight of almost all the tallest Himalayan Mountain of Bhutan like majestic Gangkar Puensum, formidable Table Mountain and Tiger Mountain. As it is located at the top, the view of the Himalayan ranges is better than anywhere in the area, even as compared to famous Dochula Pass.
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Clinging on a huge rock towards the north end of the Tang valley lies the Thowa Drak Hermitage just like the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. From the valley or road point it is a stiff 3 hours hike uphill through the serene and peaceful forest. Sweeping views of the Tang valley and the landscape can be enjoyed along the way with a bird’s eye view from the main site.
A quick visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Brewery is a refreshing alternative after visiting many temples and religious sites in the Bumthang valley. The Factory was started in the late 1960’s by a Swiss national Mr Fritz Maurer who visited Bhutan and settled in Bumthang.