Jakar Voyage Tips and guide

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Located in central Bhutan, Jakar is renowned as a center of Vajrayana Buddhism, particularly the Nyingma tradition, and is home to numerous monasteries and sacred sites. Set in the picturesque Choekor Valley, often called "Little Switzerland" for its stunning beauty, Jakar is spacious and surrounded by tree-covered mountains. The article also includes information on two nearby villages, Chumey and Tang.

Jakar is the principal administrative town of Bumthang district, and sits at an altitude of 2,580 m (8,460 ft). The cluster of villages below the dzong, which are collectively known as Jakar Town, have a population of around 6,200 (2017).

Buddhism: Jakar holds a special place in Bhutan's history as the first location visited by Guru Rinpoche. Following his visit, the region's ruler and the local people embraced Buddhism, earning Jakar the title of the birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan. Additionally, Pema Lingpa, one of the most revered and accomplished teachers of the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition, was born in the Jakar area. He later founded Tamshing Monastery in the town, which became his primary seat.

Jakar Dzong: In 1667, a group of lamas searching for an ideal location to build a new dzong witnessed a white bird circling above the area before it landed on a hilltop. This event was seen as an auspicious sign, leading to the construction of Jakar Dzong on the site, which was named after the "White Bird" (Jakar).

Wangchuck Dynasty: The first king of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck, was born at Wangduecholing Palace in Jakar. After ascending to the throne in 1907, he established the national government in the town, making Jakar the first capital of the Wangchuck dynasty.

Jakar experiences very cold winters, with temperatures often falling below zero. In addition to the chilly weather, strong winds, particularly in the evenings, make it even colder. The ideal times to visit the area are in April and May, or September and October.

• Druk Air operates flights from Paro to Jakar (Bathpalathang Airport) every Tu, Th, and Sa. The flight takes around 30 minutes. As the flights are sometimes cancelled or postponed due to changing weather conditions, it is advisable to check flight updates before leaving for the airport.

• Coaster buses depart Thimphu Bus Station daily at 07:00 and 08:00. It is a 9 to 10-hour journey from the capital, and a one-way ticket costs around Nu700. The buses make a stop for lunch.

• As the tourist and pilgrimage sites are scattered throughout the area, a vehicle is essential to get around. Taxis can be hired from the main bazaar.

• 27.549190.74361 Jakar Dzong. The fortress was constructed in 1667, but rebuilt after being severely damaged in an earthquake in 1897. It is one of the largest and most impressive dzongs in Bhutan and houses the administrative and monastic offices for the Bumthang district. 
• Wangduecholing Palace. Built in 1857, the palace served as the principal residence of the first and second kings of Bhutan. Using traditional displays and modern interactive features, the former palace offers insights into the lives of the first and second king of Bhutan and the court that served them. Daily: 10AM–05:30PM. Entry: Nu550.

Monasteries are referred to by their Dzongkha title of lhakhang or gompa.

• Chakhar Lhakhang (Iron Castle): This modest temple marks the site of the palace of Sindhu Raja, the Indian king who first invited Guru Rinpoche to Bhutan. The original palace, said to be made of iron and nine stories high, was once located here. The present building was constructed in the 14th century by Dorji Lingpa.
• Kurje Lhakhang: One of Bhutan's holiest monasteries, Kurje Lhakhang preserves a body imprint of Guru Rinpoche in a cave around which the oldest of its three buildings is constructed. The initial structure was built in 1652 by the Trongsa Penlop, while a more recent addition was made by the late Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Wangchuck in 1990. A massive cypress tree, possibly a descendant of the original, grows above the building and is believed to have sprung from Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick.
• Jambey Lhakhang: This monastery is one of the 108 monasteries that King Songten Gampo is said to have miraculously built in a single night. It is situated between Kurje Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong.
• Lhodrak Kharchhu Lhakhang: Located above the town, this monastery is a more recent addition to the Jakar monastery complex. The abbot, Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, is a highly respected teacher in Bhutan and speaks some English.
• Tamshing Lhakhang: Founded in 1501 by the revered Buddhist treasure revealer, Pema Lingpa, this monastery features a two-story building with frescoes and a notably low ceiling (Pema Lingpa was reportedly quite short!). A 500-year-old metal chain suit created by Pema Lingpa is displayed on the first floor. It is considered auspicious to walk around the temple three times while draped in the chain.
• Zangtopelri Lhakhang: Consecrated in 2008, this more recent addition to the sacred sites in the area houses a two-story mandala representing Guru Rinpoche’s Copper Colored Mountain. Zangtopelri Lhakhang is a short walk from Kurje Lhakhang.

For information on customs and symbols in Buddhism, see: Buddhism

• Tharpaling Gompa. Founded by the dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam in 1352, the monastery was also home to the famous Nyingma guru Jigme Lingpa in the 18th century. It is located at 3,600 m, and is home to around 150 monks. It can be reached by a partly paved road.
• Weaving. Most weaving houses display their wares outdoors, and visitors are welcome to watch the process. Woolen garments and bags can be purchased on site.

• Kunzang Drak. The retreat center of Pema Lingpa. Roughly an hour hike from the main road running through the Tang Valley.

• 27.53950690.8123442 Mebartsho (Burning Lake). The place where the 15th century Bhutanese spiritual-treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa famously dived into a river gully with a burning lamp, and later returned with a number of hidden scriptural treasures (Tib:terma) and with the lamp still burning - hence the name of the site, Membartsho - Burning Lake.  
• Ugyen Choling Palace, Ugyen Choling Village, ☏ +975 17641464, [email protected]. The original building was constructed in the 16th century, but was partly rebuilt after being damaged in the 1897 earthquake. The palace also has associations with the great Buddhist saint Lonchen Rabjam. Today, the building serves as a museum, preserving the rich religious and cultural history of Tang and Bumthang. (updated Nov 2024)

• Tour the stunning country-side
• Visit sacred sites

As Jakar is renowned for monasteries and sacred sites, it plays host to several tshechu (religious) festivals throughout the year. The focal point of these festivals is the masked dances performed by monks, which follow precise instructions handed down by past Buddhist masters. According to Buddhist philosophy, all experiences leave a lasting imprint on the mind stream, shaping future outcomes. Watching these dances, filled with profound sacred symbolism, is seen as a deeply transformative and purifying experience that will lead to future enlightenment. While the atmosphere at these festivals is lively and joyful, visitors are reminded that it remains a religious event of great significance to the Bhutanese people, and thus, respectful behavior is expected.

• Domkhar Tshechu (Chumey): 7-9 May 2025
• Nimalung Tshechu (Chumey): 3-5 July 2025
• Kurjey Tshechu (Jakar): 5 July 2025
• Tamshingphala Choepa (Jakar): 2-4 Oct 2025
• Jakar Dzong Tshechu (Jakar): 29 Oct-1 Nov 2025
• Jambay Lakhang Drup (Tshechu) (Jakar): 5–8 Nov 2025

• Woven wool items (yethra) - garments, rugs and bags woven with brightly colored wool are a unique product of the Jakar/Chumey area and are highly prized throughout the kingdom.
• Dzo (female yak) cheese and preserves.
• Wood carvings

The main bazaar is situated across the river from the heart of Jakar, in Jalikha. Established in late 2024, this bustling shopping area features a diverse selection of stores, cafes, restaurants, and a shopping complex.

• Udee Woodcarving Workshop. Furniture and traditional Bhutanese artifacts. https://www.facebook.com/udeebumthang/

Most of the tourist hotels in Jakar offer local and international cuisine

• 27.5481790.754171 Himalayan Pizza (just off the main bazaar). Daily 09:00-21:00. Opened by a local guy who studied in Germany. Serves pizza and spaghetti. 
• Tashi Restaurant (below the dzong). Serves simple local dishes, such as ema datshi and cheese and meat momos. 

Most of the tourist hotels in Jakar serve coffee, tea and alcohol. Fresh apple juice is also available in season.

• Cafe Perk, Chamkhar Bazaar. Central location. Standard espresso based coffees. Traditional Bhutanese setting. Pizza. Pasta. Desserts (updated Apr 2018)
• Happy Cafe, Main Street, Jalikha, ☏ +975 17263979. 10AM-8PM. Full range of coffees. Burgers, and reputedly the best pizza in town. Large seating area. Views of mountains and Jakar Dzong. Fast and friendly service. (updated Feb 2025)
• White Bird Cafe, Yugarling, ☏ +975 77852199, [email protected]. Daily 10:00-21:00. Bright and airy atmosphere. Edge of town, near forest. Excellent cakes and desserts. Coffee. Pizza. 

• Red Panda Cafe, ☏ +975 77754848. M-Sa 08:00-20:00. A Swiss initiative. Serves own brewed Red Panda beer. Full range of coffees. Spaghetti, pizza, pasta. Wood-paneled interior. Garden seating. (updated Feb 2020)

• Hotel Jakar View, Jalikha village (1.5 km from the main town), ☏ +975 17948345, [email protected]. A family-run hotel surrounded by pine trees on all sides. The rooms have views over Jakar Town and Jakar Dzong. Activities and cooking classes can be arranged. Hot stone bath. 
• Jakar Village Lodge, ☏ +975 3 631-242, fax: +975 3 631-377. Below the dzong, this hotel is famous for its excellent food. 
• Kaila Lodge, ☏ +975 3 631-219, fax: +975 3 631-247. Decorated in classic style and convenient for town center. 
• Mipham Guest House (across the river from the main bazaar and just below Lhodrak Kharchhu Monstery). This stone and wood built building offers wood burning stoves in all its rooms and spectacular views across the valley to Jakar Dzong. Double 1,350 Nu, Single 1,250 Nu. 
• The Swiss Guest House, ☏ +975 3 631-145, fax: +975 3 631-918, [email protected]. Above the river overlooking the town and the dzong. Surrounded by apple orchards. Beautifully decorated. Draft beer. Espresso-based coffees. 
• Wangdicholing Guest House, ☏ +975 3 631-107, fax: +975 3 631-138. A rebuilt lodge offering lovely views over the valley. 
• Yugharling Resort, ☏ +975 3 631602. Near the town. Good facilities and stunning views. 

• Amankora Bumthang, ☏ +975 2-331333, [email protected]. An environmentally sensitive lodge in an apple orchard next to Wangdicholing Palace, run by superluxury hotel group Aman. The 16-room facility offers spa and international cuisine. US$1000. 
• Six Senses, ☏ +975 2 350 773. An eight-suit resort close to a river and within a dense blue pine forest. US$2,000. 

• Chumey Nature Resort, Gyetsa (on the main Chumey-Jakar Highway), ☏ +975 77325961, [email protected]. A tourist standard hotel. Quiet forest location. Traditional and inviting interior 

• Ugyen Choling Palace, Ugyen Choling Village, [email protected]. This converted palace offers four small and two large rooms. The remainder of the building is a museum and residence. (updated Nov 2024)

• Area dialling code: The code for Jakar and Bumthang is 03. From overseas, dial +975 3 XXXXXX
• Post Office: The main branch is at the lower end of the bazaar, near the bridge

• Tibetan Medicine: Yuthok Tendar Traditional Medicine Service Center, Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery. https://www.facebook.com/yuthoktendarcentre/?locale=cy_GB

• Western Medicine: Wangduecholing General Hospital. Wangduecholing. https://www.facebook.com/www.wangduecholinghos.bt/ A small, but well equipped hospital. with OPD and wards.

• Duer Hot Springs. A 1½-day trek from the road head.
• Ura (3,100 m). With its cobbled streets and monastery set against a backdrop of snow covered mountain peaks, Ura has an unusually tranquil and gentle charm.