Kabji Hoka Tsho

Kabji Tsho is located at Punakha, Bhutan. It is 30 minutes drive from Khuruthang town till Zhozhi Zampa, Kabesa.  The second junction from the Zhozhi zampa takes you towards Chorten  Ngyebu lhakhang, the winter residence for Gyelsey Tenzin Rabgay. Since, the lhakhang sits on the  top of the Kabesa Village, the views are  amazing and the beautiful Bali village is just opposite to the lhakhang. Upon reaching the start point, one can either park your car near the lhakhang or take a road which diverges just before reaching the Lhakhang. The road takes you few turning until the end of the farm road. The footpath is on the side of concrete irrigation channel and it is not recommended in summer. The slippery muddy trails and the leeches make the trekking in summer less adventurous. The walk takes upto two hours for average walkers through ridges of lower elevations and altitudinous trees.  Throughout the journey, the sweet chirrups of bird, cool breeze and views of  different species of flora makes the walk adventurous in winter and is best trail for tenderfoot hikers.  The beautiful still lake lay in the hollowness of the valley, quietly reflecting the sky and amidst ridges of thick vegetation. It is the best place for  nature lover to appreciate beautiful settings of the mother earth. The spacious ground near the lake is perfect for  enjoying meals and doing meditations. Sitting near the lake and enjoying the tranquil lake helps to reduce stress.  We  hired a local men to guide and share the significance of the area. He shared that the local deity is Ap Dorji Bow and the reason why local worship him in every annual rituals  is fantastic. The oral story believed by the local is that there were two twins from the local village. One was Thridu Nima and other one Shar Shar Dawa.  They were experienced and skilled swimmer of their time. They were asked to swim on the lake bed to find out what treasure they could find. While coming out, the treasures inside were confirmed to be golden hoe and ngashey.  They died in subsequent year because they have revealed the treasures which they are not suppose to do. If they are still alive, they would be in late sixties. A must visit place in Punakha has bigger thing to offer which I have not mentioned in the article.  I believe, it is one of the biggest lake in Bhutan and one should never make the lake dirty by offering money and milk into the lake. Offer serkyem and pray for sentient beings. That's better thing to do than contaminating the beautiful lake.