Jakar, Bhutan: travel guide
The main town of Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Surrounded by some of the country's oldest and holiest temples and known for buckwheat, apples, and local cheese.
- Country
- Bhutan
- Currency
- BTN
- Time zone
- Asia/Thimphu
- Nearest airport
- BUT
Top places to visit in Jakar
Kurjey Lhakhang
Temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h
Sacred complex built around a cave bearing the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have meditated here in the 8th century; three temples and a row of royal chortens.
Jambay Lhakhang
Temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h
One of Bhutan's oldest temples, said to have been founded by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century as one of 108 temples; home to the dramatic autumn Jambay Lhakhang Drup fire festival.
Tamshing Lhakhang
Temple · 4.9 rating · about 0.5 h
Founded in 1501 by the treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa; the most important Nyingma temple in Bhutan, preserving original 16th-century murals and a heavy iron chainmail said to be made by Pema Lingpa.
Membartsho (Burning Lake)
Nature · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h
Sacred river gorge pool in the Tang valley where terton Pema Lingpa is said to have retrieved hidden treasures with a burning lamp; prayer flags and rock altars line the cliffs.
Tharpaling Monastery
Monastery · 4.8 rating · about 1.5 h
Sacred hilltop monastery above the Chhumey valley linked to the master Longchenpa, with a renowned shedra and panoramic valley views.
Tamshing Lhakhang area — Kenchogsum Lhakhang
Temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h
Beautifully rebuilt ancient temple (the "Temple of Three Jewels") below Tamshing, richly painted with murals and golden prayer wheels.
Jakar Dzong
Fort · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h
"Castle of the White Bird," the administrative dzong of Bumthang perched on a ridge above Chamkhar town, with a long outer wall and sweeping valley views.
Kharchu Dratshang
Monastery · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h
Large hillside monastery opposite Jakar Dzong, founded in the 1970s by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, home to several hundred monks; serene with valley views.
Thangbi Lhakhang
Monastery · 4.3 rating · about 0.7 h
Late-15th-century Karma Kagyu monastery in the Choekhor valley with ancient relics and statues; famed for its annual Thangbi Mani festival.
Padtselling Monastery
Monastery · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h
Dzong-style gompa from 1769 on a hilltop ~13 km above Chamkhar, with great town views and a rewarding hike; on clear mornings Gangkhar Puensum is visible.
Ogyen Choling Palace & Museum
Museum · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h
Restored noble manor in the remote Tang valley, now a museum preserving the life and artefacts of a Bhutanese aristocratic household; reached by a short hike.
Jakar Lhakhang
Temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h
Historic 1445 "Temple of the White Bird" at the foot of the Jakar Dzong hill, a modest but venerable village temple.
Things to do
- Bumthang Temple Walk Hiking · 3 h
- Membartsho (Burning Lake) Visit Cultural · 1 h
Where to stay in Jakar
- Chamkhar Town
The hub of Bumthang with cosy guesthouses, the local market and easy access to the valley's temple cluster.
Hotels
- Dekyil Guest House 4-star
- The Village Lodge, Jalikhar 3-star
- Wangdicholing Resort 3-star
- Swiss Guest House Bumthang 4-star
- Hotel Ugyenling 4-star
- Amankora Bumthang 5-star
Where to eat
- Ngawang Homestay & Restaurant Bhutanese · about BTN 650 per person
- Cafe Perk Cafe, Asian, Coffee · about BTN 650 per person
- Valley Cafe Cafe, Pizza, Coffee · about BTN 650 per person
- Momo Corner Bhutanese, Fast Food · about BTN 250 per person
- Swiss Guest House Restaurant Swiss, European, Bhutanese · about BTN 650 per person
- Hotel Yedzin Wangyal Bhutanese · about BTN 250 per person
- Gangrey Bakery Bakery, Desserts · about BTN 250 per person
Getting around
- Car With Driver main way to get around
Seeded from the curated primary_local_modes array; per-city parameters not yet researched.
- Walking
Every city has walking. 2.5 km ceiling is a placeholder default, not a researched per-city figure -- Singapore is sheltered and air-conditioned, Bangkok often has no pavement.