Jakar is a town in the central-eastern region of Bhutan. It is the capital of Bumthang District and the location of Jakar Dzong, the regional dzong fortress. The name Jakar roughly translates as “white bird” in reference to its foundation myth, according to which a roosting white bird signaled the proper and auspicious location to found a monastery around 1549. also called switzerland of Bhutan, Jakar is known as a bastion of Vajrayana Buddhism, especially the Nyingma tradition, and there are many monasteries and sacred sites located here.
The town is the site of Chakhar Lhakhang, a small and unassuming temple that marks the site of the “Iron Palace” of Sindhu Raja, the Indian monarch who is believed to have first invited Guru Rinpoche to Bhutan in 746 AD. The current building is said to have been constructed by Tertön Dorje Lingpa in the 14th century. There are many significant Buddhist sacred sites near the town, such as Kurjey Lhakhang, which holds a body print of Guru Rinpoche.
Jambey Lhakhang, one of the 108 monasteries that in mythology were miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in one night; and Tamsshing Lhakhag established by Tertön Padma Lingpa (1450–1521). In addition, one of the country’s largest monastic colleges, Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, overlooks Jakar. Jakar is located in Choekhor Valley within Chhoekhor Gewog in central Bumthang, and is the largest and considered the most beautiful valley in the district.
Administratively, however, Jakar is a separate thromde (municipality) inside the gewog. The administrative office for the Choekhor Gewog is located in the northern suburbs of Jakar. Just north of Jakar lies Wangchuck Centennial Park, a protected area in Bhutan. Jakar is also the site of Bathpalathang Airport, part of the Royal Bhutanese Government’s 10th Five Year Plan and opened in September 2011, but flights are irregular. Also, the town is well-linked with Thimphu by road. The main tourist attraction of Jakar is Jakar Dzong or fort constructed in 1667. Jakar Dzong, possibly the largest dzong in Bhutan, with an area of more than 1,500 meters sits atop a ridge above the town of Jakar. The dzong or fort is now an administrative center.
Tourism in Jakar is centered around the lush green tree and mountain-covered Bumthang Valley, making it a popular destination of Bhutan. There are several good quality hotels and guesthouses that provide mid-range to budget accommodation. Tourists interested in shopping can indulge in many craft shops across the town. Tourists can also visit numerous spectacular places in and around the town such as the Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, Jambay Lhakhang Temple, Burning Lake, Wangduechhoeling Palace, Tongsa Dzong, and Chendebji Chorten. Tourists can also visit Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Monastery, and Kaiju Temple.
The main bazaar is located on a street of single-story buildings in an area of the town called Chamkhar, another area is being developed as the main market. As the place is popular with tourists there are numerous restaurants that serve delicious Bhutanese cuisine. Jakar, like the rest of the Bumthang District and its neighbors, is culturally part of eastern Bhutan. While Dzongkha is the national language of administration and instruction, local languages include Bumthang and Brokkat. Jakar is famous throughout Bhutan for its distinctive and brightly colored woven wool items called yethra.
The town is a major educational hub with numerous schools and colleges that serve the entire eastern part of the country. Famous for the production of honey, cheese, apples, and apricots, Jakar is certainly an interesting place to spend an extended weekend. There are several monasteries in and road the town that are referred to by their Dzongkha title of Lhakhang or gompa such as Kurje Lhakhang, Zangtopelri Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang, Lhodrak Kharchhu Lhakhang, Tamshing Gompa, and Chakhar Lhakhang; most of which were built in the 14th and 16th century.
Jakar is also famous for its festivals namely Nimalung Tshechu, Kurjey Tshechu, Tamshingphala Choepa, Tangbi Mani, Jakar Dzong Tsechu, Jambay Lakhang Drup (Tshechu), Pakhar Duchhoed (Tshechu), and Nalakhar Tshechu. overall Dakar is a must-visit place for anyone visiting Bhutan.
