Spirit OR Life force lake (Latsho) of Genyen Jagpa Milen.

Category: Lake Address Thimphu

The "La" in " Latsho" refers to life force and the Genyen Latsho is said to contain the life force of the local deity Aap Genyen. It is nestled at an approximate elevation of 4200m-2400m and is situated behind a mountain slope, to the left of Phajoding, in the upper part of the Doedeydra and Dechencholing Lhakhang. The path to this lake starts from Dechenphug Lhakhang; a little way down from the entrance. If you are unsure about the route, you can ask the locals or the monks.

After about an hour, you will reach the Tshamkhang (retreat center). The small houses may appear to be isolated but it is proper etiquette to stay quite until you are past the area. Most of the route is steep, but there are few places where the gradient becomes more gentle and easier to walk on.

The seven hours long route is largely uneventful, mostly through the dense forest and a few places where the trees gives way to clearings.
Hike to the lake during late spring and early summer would be colorful and mesmerizing when the flora is in full bloom.

Once you cross the tree-line, the landscape changes and the soft path will be replaced by gravel and rocks. The closer you get to the lake, the more rock formations you will see; some of them might appear strange and intimidating.

Genyen Latsho appears to be menacingly black in color from a distance but when seeing from nearby, the color appears closer to dark green. Nested between small hills, it is mysteriously dark and enormous, like a portal to some other world. To an imaginative mind, it might seem like many things could be lurking beneath the calm surface.

The serenity of the lake and the surrounding area will undoubtedly give you a sense of peace, almost like the busy world had stopped for a moment.

Seven hours walk will surely sound tough but the destination is worth the trouble. You definitely need to see the Latsho of Aap Geynen for yourself; the photos do not do it's justice.
The least one can do to show the deepest faith and veneration in Aap Genyen is chant him prayers, make milk and incense offerings. Doing this will not only accumulate merit but the person will be blessed as well. Your sincere prayers to him will be returned in the form of his protection, removal of obstacles from life and your wishes fulfilled. Please be mindful of not polluting the lake and its surroundings or else he shall unleash his wrath upon you.

In the words of Dodeydrak monks, they say that the lake is also latsho of Tsheringma (five sisters of long life) since Drubthob Dragay Shong and the reincarnation (trulku) of 69th Je khenpo Geshe Gendun Rinchen has seen Tsheringma in the Lake during their visit.

Source: Sonam Lhaden Page FB Page

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