Tangsibi

Located in the remote Tang Valley, Tangsibi is associated with Terton Pema Lingpa - the famous treasure revealer who discovered sacred texts and relics hidden by Guru Rinpoche.

The Treasure Revealer Tradition

In Buddhism, “termas” are hidden teachings meant to be discovered at specific times when they will be most beneficial. Pema Lingpa (1450-1521) was Bhutan’s greatest treasure revealer.

At Tangsibi:

• Pema Lingpa meditated in caves here
• Discovered several sacred texts
• Founded the lineage that continues today

Key Sites

Ogyen Choling Museum

A 17th-century manor house converted into a museum showcasing:

• Traditional Bhutanese aristocratic life
• Religious art and texts
• Household artifacts spanning centuries
• The original Pema Lingpa relics

Highlight: The museum is family-run - you’ll often be hosted by a descendant of the original owners.

Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)

While technically in the main Bumthang valley, this sacred lake is where Pema Lingpa dove into the water with a burning butter lamp, emerging with a treasure and the lamp still burning.

Ritual: Pilgrims offer butter lamps and pray here. It’s believed Pema Lingpa’s descendants can still retrieve treasures.

Village Life

Sheep Farming

The Tang Valley is known for sheep farming:

• Yak-sheep crossbreeds - Produce excellent wool
• Weaving - Traditional patterns from Tang are distinctive
• Mebar tsho wool - Highly prized for religious garments

Experience: Learn to spin wool on a drop spindle.

Traditional Paper Making

Deh-sho paper made from the lokta bush:

• Harvest bark from sustainably managed bushes
• Boil, mash, and spread on screens
• Sun dry
• Used for religious texts and official documents

Experiences We Arrange

1. Treasure Text Reading

A monk from Ogyen Choling will read from Pema Lingpa’s discovered texts:

• Learn the stories behind the treasures
• Understand the prophecy aspect
• See how the texts are preserved

2. Cave Meditation

Spend an hour in the cave where Pema Lingpa meditated:

• Instruction in basic meditation
• The cave’s natural acoustics enhance chanting
• Many report feeling unusual energy

3. Farm Work Experience

Seasonal activities with local families:

• Spring: Planting buckwheat
• Summer: Herding sheep to high pastures
• Autumn: Harvest and threshing
• Winter: Weaving and indoor crafts

4. Traditional Hot Stone Bath

A Tang specialty:

• River stones heated in fire
• Dropped into wooden tub filled with water
• Medicinal herbs added
• Said to relieve joint pain and fatigue

When to Visit

Getting There

• From Jakar (Bumthang): 1.5 hours drive
• Road is unpaved but scenic
• Last section requires 4x4 in monsoon

Best For

• Buddhist practitioners and scholars
• History enthusiasts
• Those interested in religious art
• Visitors seeking off-the-beaten-path Bumthang