Jakar, Bhutan: Unveiling the Treasures of Bumthang Valley

Jakar is a small town located on the main east-west highway in Bhutan. This is famous for the serene, peaceful atmosphere and numerous monasteries. Jakar is the largest and the most beautiful valley in Bhutan.

It is popularly known as “Little Switzerland”. Jakar Bhutan in Bhutan is the place where you will find peace and will stay relaxed from your body and mind. Language of Jakar is Dzongkha, the national language is Bumthangka and Brokkat are also spoken. English may be understood in urban centres. Pack your bags today and plan your journey to Bhutan.

This is the religious heartland of Bhutan, with some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries, including Jakar Dzong, or “The Castle of the White Bird.” So, the religion of Jakar is Buddhism. This is the Jakar Bhutan location which will definitely excite you. Place is also a heaven for those who are looking for solo trips in Bhutan.

The name ‘Jakar’ means ‘white bird’ and is named after the foundation legend of the district Dzong. If you are looking for “Jakar Bhutan in Bhutan”, then you will definitely love the place. You can also look for Bhutan travel tips before looking for Jakar Bhutan travel tips for planning your journey. 

History of Jakar Dzong

Finally, here comes the history of Jakar Dzong, or popularly known as Jakar Dzong which is one of the famous attractions in Bhutan, is believed to be constructed by Lam Ngagi Wangchuck (1517 – 1554), a Tibetan, who came to Bhutan in order to spread the Drukpa Kagyupa Buddhist order. 

A white bird once flew away and sat on the Dzong and a group of Lamas and the elders considered it a good omen.

Jakar Bhutan travel tips

There are few tips which you need to keep in mind while planning your trip to Jakar, Bhutan.

• Weather: 5 – 16°C
• Ideal duration: 1-2 days
• Best Time: March to May, September to November 

Best Time to Visit Jakar Bhutan

While the Jakar Dzong is open all year round. However, if you are looking for Best Time to Visit Jakar Bhutan then  it is advisable to come to Bhutan during the summer months that last between May to August.

If you are completely fine with the extremely harsh winters of this mountainous country, then trust me there is no amazing view like this. You will surely sing a song “Mera Dil kahi door pahado me kho gya”. You can also read Bhutan in May.

How To Reach Jakar Dzong In Bhutan

If you are looking for how to get to Jakar Bhutan, then the only way to reach Jakar Bhutan is through trekking through narrow paths which lead to the entrance of the Dzong. 

• By Air: This is one of the best ways to reach the town of Jakar Bhutan. Just take a flight from your nearest airport to the Bathpalathang Airport, then you’ll get several taxis to reach Jakar.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to Jakar Bhutan is the New Jalpaiguri Railway station, from there you can reach Jakar via a cab.

• By Road: You can reach Jakar Bhutan through road as well by opting any state transport service.

Places to Stay Near Jakar Bhutan

We understand that you are looking for hotels In Jakar Bhutan. So, it is advised that you stay at least for a night in the town of Jakar to experience its beauty. You will get to know the place, its history, culture, and legends of the Jakar Dzong better. 

Some of the best accommodations near and around the Jakar Dzong are: 

• The Village Lodge, Jalikhar Bumthang

Location- GQHC+VRP, Jakar, Bhutan

Rating- 4.3

• Phuntsho Guest House

Location- GQX2+V53, Jakar, Bhutan

Rating- 4.7

• Swiss Guest House Bumthang, Kharsumphe

Location- HQ54+47C, Jakar, Bhutan

Rating- 4.4

Things To Do Near Jakar Bhutan

There aren’t many things to do in Jakar Bhutan. But few are interesting and you will love to do that while enjoying the amazing serene beauty.

• Bumthang Owl: Go Trekking

It is a three-day journey in the laps of nature as you trek in the mountains and forests of the Bumthang District of Bhutan. You will be experiencing the diversity and vibrancy of nature. During the trek you will be speechless while encountering the wide mountains and amazing scenes. You can also read about treks in Bhutan.

• Nomad Festival: Experience The Vibrant Culture

If you were there, then don’t miss to visit the Nomads festival to see and experience the vibrant culture of Nomads from the Himalayas and Bhutan. See the shows by the nomads and dance to the traditional music and understand their culture and their living. You will feel connected to their tradition and local people.

• Kurje Lhakhang

We recommend visiting one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan where Guru Rinpoche used to meditate. 

The complex consists of 3 temples of which the oldest one on the rock was where Guru Rinpoche used to meditate. Do wear modest clothing at these sacred sites and also maintain silence in the corridors of these sites.

• Jambay Lhakhang

It is one of the places to visit in Jakar Bhutan  which is considered to be one of the oldest and the most sacred temples in Bhutan and is also where a number of festivals are held. 

Located between Khurjey Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong, it is just 10 minutes drive from Jakar town. It was constructed in the 7th century by King Songsten Gampo. You will also witness the diverse rituals and dances performed by the monks and locals in colourful and vibrant costumes.

• Tamshing Lhakhang

It is just across the river from Kurjey Lhakhang and is one of the recommended  places to visit in Jakar Bhutan, located in the Bumthang district of central Bhutan. Moreover, you can look for some amazing things to do in Bhutan.

If you are interested in art and paintings, this site is a must to visit. With a number of ancient paintings such as that of 1000 Buddhas and 21 Taras, the monastery was built by famous saint Pema Lingpa in 1501. It is advisable to follow clothing etiquette while you’re here.

• Wangdicholing Palace

This is built-in 1857 over the valley beside Chamkhar River, the Wangdicholing Palace is the birthplace of the first king of Wangchuk. It was used as the summer residence by the Second King Jigme Wangchuk. The Palace is home to priceless and rare murals, sculptures and textiles. 

• Chakhar Lhakhang

It is located at a short distance away from Jambay Lhakhang, Chakhar Lhakhang was the site of the palace of the Indian King Sindhu Raja who invited Guru Padmasambhava to the province of Bumthang. 

The place makes for a good visit and has a number of masks and hats on display which are used during festivals. 

• Mebar Tsho- The Burning Lake

It is also known as the Burning lake, in Tang Valley, takes about 40 minutes to reach from Bumthang. It holds great spiritual significance for the visitors, they tie colourful prayer flags and butter lamps offered by them. It is more of a river gorge with beautiful surroundings to suit the nature lovers. 

• Kunzangdrak Goemba

It is a 45 min hike up the Drangchel village, it will take you to the Kunzangdrak Goemba. A site of many important relics of Bhutanese Buddhism, the shrine is believed to have been built in the 15th century by Pema Lingpa, a famous figure in Bhutanese Buddhism.

Nightlife in Jakar

There aren’t that many options as far as nightlife goes. However, you could try to enjoy singing at Hangout Karaoke in Chamkhar. It is open from 9:00 to 23:00 on Mondays,Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 to 12:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, Sunday 9:00 to 11:00 and closed on Tuesdays. Additionally, you can also look for nightlife in Bhutan.

Shopping in Jakar 

If you are planning to do shopping in Jakar, then be informed that it is very famous for its distinct and bright coloured wool known as yethra, out of which one could hope to find bags, rugs and garments. 

There are also other souvenirs such as wood carvings and yak cheese. Jakar town has a number of small shops from which one could collect some memorable items.

Jakar Festival

Jakar Festival or Jakar Tsechu is an annual event held inside the massive Jakar Dzong. During the festival time, the whole district of Jakar or Bumthang will be closed for three days to witness the vibrant festival. Tshechu is always celebrated on the 10th day of the Bhutanese calendar due to the fact that the term Tsechu means the tenth, which is organised as the Birth Anniversary of saint Guru Rimpoche who is the Second Buddha of Bhutan.

Each year, the Jakar Festival draws a large number of people from the valley or even from other regions coming to the event to receive blessings for peace, long life and prosperity. 

Enjoying the Tsechu, there will be an opportunity to marvel at both mask dances by Monks along with songs and dances from the locals. It also gives you  a chance to indulge in the picturesque vista surrounding the Jakar Dzong offering and overlooking the lush Chamber Valley. 

In short, the Jakar Festival would be a majestic experience that you have to enjoy once in life. Such a vibrant festival and so many things to learn, so do not miss any chance to go there in your Bhutan tour packages.

Conclusion

So, we have discussed a lot about this beautiful place and have encountered various places which you can check while planning your journey. Jakar Dzong in Bhutan is a massive structure surrounded by the pristine nature and beauty of Bhutan. Plan your journey today to explore more of this beautiful place. You can also search for monasteries in Bhutan and check some.

There are various hill stations in Bhutan, which you can explore and for adventure lovers it’s a heaven.

While exploring more of Jakar, you can also visit Bhutan for an extraordinary experience to see more beautiful places. Most of the people also look for a honeymoon in Bhutan as the place offers an amazing and beautiful experience to the newly married couples.