History of the spring water

Parŏ Gangtey Spring Water is believed to be the tail end of the legendary Nubtshonapata Lake in Haa, which abounds in myths and legends. The great treasure discoverer Sherab Mebar is said to have discovered hordes of treasure including cymbals, pillars, drums and many other religious articles from the lake that are today housed in Paro Rinpung Dzong. One relic continues to remain in the holy lake making it a pilgrimage site for many.

The spring water is also believed to have been blessed by Lam Hungrel Drung Drung, who lived in the 15^th century preserving and promoting the teachings of Pelden Drukpa. Hungrel Drung Drung is said to have made significant contributions to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in his effort to unify the country.

Protected for over 100 years

Having remained preserved and well protected since the 15th Century, the spring is still considered to be in its purest form. It is believed to be one of the only few underground and closed source of water. Located right next to Gangtey Palace , which has now been transformed into a heritage hotel, the surrounding environment is lush green with different types of trees, wildflowers and fruit trees.

Consequently, the spring water is highly revered by the community as ‘drupchu’ ( holy water) and is well known among many residents in Paro.

The spring water provides a perennial source of drinking, bathing and cooking water to the palace, as well as those living near it, with all its healing properties. Stories abound of the water’s cooling, warming, and healing properties, among villagers who have drunk from this source of goodness for generations.

While many water sources in the country remain in danger of being either destroyed or contaminated by development activities such as construction of roads and other infrastructure, the Paro Gangtey Spring Water faces no such threat as it still remains well protected and preserved including its surroundings. Protecting this spring water has been a priority for more than 100 years for the owners of Gangtey Palace.

The Legend

The spring waters of Parŏ Gangtey go back to the legend of the ruler of the valley of Ha, who, unable to see the clarity of the fabled lakes of Ha, supposedly stopped by Paro, only to find the tail of the lake he could not see in Ha seeping out in the valleys of Paro – one of them being the spring waters of Parŏ Gangtey.

Apparently put off by what he deemed to be muddied waters, which, had he been alive today, would have been the very reason why this particular spring water taste as refreshing and rejuvenating as it does, with its abundance of natural filters.