Experiencing the Enchanting Splendor of Tsho (Lake Athang)
Tsho or Lake of Athang is situated in Athang Gewog, Wangdue. It adds to the pristine beauty of the landscape in Athang. According to a mythical story, the lake was originally located near Trongsa. In that area, one can still observe traces of a water body. It is believed that the original lake was located along the main mule track between Trongsa and Wangduephodrang.
The Mermaid of the lake, unaware of the growing disruptions caused by commuters, decided to move to a calm and peaceful area. Disguised as a wandering woman, she set off on a journey through distant mountains, exploring various places in her quest for the tranquil sanctuary she longed for. Surprisingly, wherever the Mermaid stayed, magical water pools would appear. After an extensive search for a place that would capture her heart and beckon her to settle by the lake, she finally discovered Phagtakha in the Athang valley. Upon reaching Athang, she sought shelter for the night at a local family’s house and comfortably settled in the basement.
The next morning, a neighbor informed the family that their paddy field has been submerged underwater. Before going to the paddy field, the homeowner checked the basement but couldn’t find the nomad lady. To his surprise, he discovered a small water pool instead. He believed it to be the creation of the nomad lady. Hurriedly, the man reached the paddy field and he could not believe his eyes to see the entire harvest afloat in a lake or Athang Tsho in Wangdue. In his rage and grief over the loss of the fields and crops, the man had tried to drain out the lake but all in vain which caused emotional exhaustion, and had fallen asleep on the shore of the lake.
Direction from Athang Tsho to Athang Primary Community School using Google Maps:
- Start from Athang Tsho, head south-east towards the main road.
- Turn right onto the main road and continue straight for about 2 kilometers.
- You will pass by a small market on your right. Keep going straight.
- After about 1 kilometre, you will see a sign for Athang Primary Community School on your left.
- Turn left at the sign and continue for about 500 meters.
- Athang Primary Community School will be on your right.
Please note that these directions are approximate and it’s always best to follow the real-time directions provided by Google Maps. Here is the Google Maps link for your reference: Google Maps Direction
A beautiful lady, who appeared in his dream from the lake, instructed the man to refrain from feeling miserable. She told him about giving him a white horse in his dream as a replacement for the lost paddy field and harvest. She instructed him to feed the horse with timely forage and water. Furthermore, she revealed an astonishing secret the horse would neigh every morning and evening, indicating the time to release gold and silver coins instead of horse dung. With excitement in her voice, she instructed him to receive these precious coins in a container. He was surprised to discover a beautiful white horse standing beside him when he was awakened by a gush of wind.He took the horse home and followed the instructions received in the dream.
He kept the horse in the basement and offered timely forage and water daily. The mysterious white horse blessed him with plenty of gold & silver coins twice daily which made the family progressively rich in Phatakha village.
As time advanced, the name, fame, and prosperity of the family spread fast and wide. The Wangdzob of Wangduephodrang, one of the most powerful Governors of his time also heard of the unusual progressive success news of the Phatakha family in Athang.
The Wangdzob had sent a team trusted Chamberlains to investigate and authenticate the incident.
- The Chamberlains got information about a mystical white horse.
- The horse, believed to be the cause, was thought to bring increasing wealth to the family.
- The Wangdzob instructed his Chamberlains to return immediately to bring the horse for him.
- En route to Tshangbub from Wangduephodrang, the last glimpse of the lake was visible.
The incident of the horse reportedly collapsing and eventually dying due to flogging and physical abuse greatly distressed the Chamberlains. They were unable to provide Wangdzob with another horse. In desperation, they decided to take the saddle and the bridle rope as proof. Nevertheless, a remarkable and enigmatic event took place, leading to the inexplicable transformation of the horse accessories into solid rocks. Even now, these rock-like formations remain observable.
On the way to Athang Tsho in Wangdue, there’s a striking sight: red grass covering a patch of ground, along with two rocks resembling a saddle and a bridle. These elements symbolize the horse’s blood. If you’re ever traveling in the area, make sure to watch out for these rocks and the patch of red grass.
Time needed: 1 day, 2 hours and 8 minutes
How to Experience the Enchanting Splendor of Tsho (Lake Athang
- Step 1: Understand the Story of Tsho (Lake Athang)
Before visiting, familiarize yourself with the mythical story of the lake’s origin. According to legend, the lake was originally located near Trongsa and moved to Athang due to the disruptions caused by commuters. The Mermaid of the lake, disguised as a wandering woman, found her new home in Athang after an extensive search.
- Step 2: Visit the Lake and the Local Family’s House
Upon reaching Athang, visit the local family’s house where the Mermaid sought shelter. Here, you can see the small water pool in the basement, believed to be the creation of the Mermaid
- Step 3: Explore the Paddy Field
Next, explore the paddy field that was submerged underwater, leading to the creation of Lake Athang. This is where the homeowner discovered his entire harvest afloat.
- Step 4: Discover the Legend of the White Horse
Learn about the legend of the white horse, a gift from the Mermaid to the homeowner. This horse was said to release gold and silver coins twice daily, leading to the family’s prosperity.
- Step 5: Learn about the Wangdzob of Wangduephodrang
Understand the role of the Wangdzob of Wangduephodrang, a powerful Governor who heard about the family’s prosperity and sent Chamberlains to investigate.
- Step 6: Visit the Site of the Horse’s Demise
Travel to the site where the mystical white horse reportedly collapsed and died due to flogging and physical abuse. Here, you can see the saddle and bridle rope that transformed into solid rocks.
- Step 7: Spot the Red Grass and Horse Symbols
On your way to Athang Tsho in Wangdue, look out for the patch of red grass and two rocks resembling a saddle and a bridle. These elements symbolize the horse’s blood and are a striking sight to behold.
Tsho, also known as Lake Athang, is located in Athang Gewog, Wangdue. It’s a beautiful part of the landscape in Athang, offering a serene and tranquil environment.
According to a local legend, the lake was originally located near Trongsa but moved to Athang due to the disruptions caused by commuters. The Mermaid of the lake, in her quest for peace, transformed into a wandering woman and created magical water pools wherever she stayed. She finally settled in Phagtakha in the Athang valley.
On the way to Lake Athang in Wangdue, travelers can witness a striking sight of red grass covering a patch of ground, along with two rocks resembling a saddle and a bridle. These elements symbolize the blood of a mythical horse from a local legend.
The legend tells of a man who lost his paddy field to the lake. A lady from the lake appeared in his dream, giving him a white horse that would produce gold and silver coins. This horse brought wealth and prosperity to the man’s family in Phatakha village.
The horse collapsed and died due to physical abuse when the Wangdzob of Wangdue phodrang sent his Chamberlains to take the horse. The horse’s saddle and bridle transformed into solid rocks, which can still be seen today.
Near Lake Athang, there’s a patch of red grass and two rocks resembling a saddle and a bridle. These elements are believed to symbolize the blood of the mythical horse from the local legend.