Drakey Pangtsho is a spiritual lake on the lap of Jowo Drake, where Guru Rinpoche had hidden sacred treasures in the 8th Century. This treasure lake is in the middle of a gently sloped rocky hill at an altitude of 4390 masl in the northern part of Paro Dzongkhag.
The journey to Treasure Lake is widely considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails for tourists and locals alike. This eerie teal-blue lake is commonly known as Dragay Pangtsho and is a popular destination among pilgrims and hikers. The hike to the sacred Treasure Lake is strenuous and vulnerable to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
How to Reach Drakey Pangtsho
There are three ways to reach Drakey Pangtsho. You can starts from Bjana Goenpa (Charee Tshen Goenpa). The hike towards the lake is 6 km and will take about 4-5 hours and around 3-4 hours to descend back to the Goenpa through steep slopes and rocky climbs.
You can also reach the lake from Paro Norbuling Rigter College and Bumdrak Monastery. A hike from Bumdra will take about 3 hours; you will take 4 hours from the college to reach the lake. However, if you hike from college via Shaladra, you can see two more lakes: Gora Tsho and Zimpon Tsho. You’ll also come across a meditation cave of Karma Pelbar, the Dharma Master of Shaladrago.
Also Read: How to Reach Kabji-Hoka Tsho, a Lake with an Opening to Stop Overflowing
Sacred Relics to See at Drake Pangtsho
Depending on the hiking route you take, you can see the following:
- The spiritual treasure lake Drake Phamtsho;
- Yumtsho Lake;
- Gora Tsho and Zimpon Tsho;
- Meditation cave of Karma Pelbar, Dharma Master of Shaladrago.
Also Read: The Sacred Relics to see at Buli Tsho, a Promised Lake of Buli Moenmo Kuntu Zangmo
Background History of Drakey Pangtsho
This spiritual treasure lake located in Paro is commonly known as Drakay Pangtsho. The lake’s original name is Drake Phamtsho, a lake on the lap of Juwo Drake. Juwo Drake is the protective deity of Paro and the main deity of Ragoe Ney in Paro. In another legend, the original name is Dragay Phangtsho, a lake on the lap of a cliff.
The lake is considered spiritual as the deity Jowo Drakey offered the lake to Guru Rinpoche to house the sacred treasures in the 8th Century. Therefore, the lake is a Treasure Lake.
The 5th Dharma Master of Shaladrago, Yongdra Gyatsho is said to have done spiritual stunts in this lake just like Terton Pema Lingpa did in Mebartsho Lake. According to the Lhodruk Chojung History written by the late 69th Je Khenpo, Geshe Geden Rinchen, Yongdra Gyatsho went into the lake and remained there for seven days. After that, he returned from the lake with treasures, with his clothes dry and the butter lamp burning.
The locals also believe that one of the Shaladrago masters threw away the offerings he received at faraway places and then retrieved them from the Drake Phamtsho Lake.
Today, based on our luck and devotion, We can see different treasures and hear spiritual sounds from the lake.
Also Read: The Background History of Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake where Pema Lingpa discovered Hidden Treasures
Hike to Drakey Pangtsho
The Drakey Pangtsho hike starts from Bjana Goenpa (Charee Tshen Goenpa). The Charee Tshen Goenpa is an hour and a half drive from Drukgyel Dzong. Seek the blessing from the Goenpa and hike to your favorite destination. The hike towards the lake is 6 km and will take about 4-5 hours. Drakey Pangtsho hike is considered medium to difficult on difficulty rating.
The hike through the rocky and mostly wet trail determines your spirit of hiking enthusiasm and guts. This hike is quite strenuous and vulnerable to Acute Mountain Sickness, unlike the Chumphu Ney and Kabji Hoka Tsho hikes. The trail is uphill until you reach the Laptsa, where you can see the first small lake, Yumtsho. However, with every step you put forward, you are urged to conquer another step closer to your favorite pilgrimage destination.
The tired limbs are the reward for your determination to visit one of your bucket-list destinations. As you leave the selfish human settlement behind and walk towards the blue sky, you realize the emptiness of our being and that religious aurora sprouts within our hearts.
You also get connected to nature as they welcome you with the hospitality of fresh air and cool shades. The melodious chirps of unknown birds and unseen insects add rhythm to the walking pace of your tired limbs.
Finally, seeing the teal blue lake in its serene composure takes your breath away. You can’t help but feel the lake’s warm welcome. You will practically run toward the lake and soak in the tranquility of the pristine surroundings.
Also Read: Hike to Domendrel Tsho, a Spiritual Journey to Mandala Offerings of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye
Dragay Pangtsho Lake
The Dragay Pangtsho takes on several hues at different times of the day. The rustling of surrounding trees in the wind and the seldom birds flying overhead is soothing. At sunset, the sight of billowing ripples, bathed in the orange light of the setting sun, lapping the pristine bank is enchanting.
Saying goodbye to your favorite places is always painful. The feeling of spending more time always rules you. Yet, when it’s time you have to head back to where you belong, a place you call human civilization. However, there’s always a promise to return, if not soon.
You will take 3-4 hours to descend back to the Goenpa through steep slopes and rocky climbs.
Best Time for Hiking to Drake Pangtsho
The best time to visit Drakey Pangtsho is in spring from March to October. I recommend wearing trekking shoes as the trail is rocky and mostly wet. Since the trail is a strenuous climb to a height of 4390 masl, pilgrims and hikers are vulnerable to acute mountain sickness. In addition to their AMS medication, first-time hikers are strongly advised to take sugary drinks and chocolates.
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