Jakar
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Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
6 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Hilltop 'Castle of the White Bird' overlooking the Chamkhar valley.
- Tip: Weekdays
2 tips
- Dress formally, collared shirt and long sleeves
- Great valley views from the walls
📷 Photos
- 2
7th-century temple, one of Bhutan's oldest, famed for its fire festival.
3 tips
- Autumn festival features a fire blessing
- Spin the prayer wheels clockwise
- Photos not allowed inside
📷 Photos
- 3
Sacred temple complex holding Guru Rinpoche's body imprint in rock.
3 tips
- Three temples and a chorten wall
- Cross the footbridge to Tamshing
- Remove shoes and hats inside
📷 Photos
- 4
1501 temple founded by Pema Lingpa with ancient wall paintings.
3 tips
- Try lifting the chain-mail coat for luck
- Old murals are dim, let eyes adjust
- Short walk from Kurjey over the river
📷 Photos
- 5
Former royal palace in the town centre, birthplace of Bhutan's monarchy.
3 tips
- Restored as a museum, check opening
- Walk around the grounds
- Right next to the main town
📷 Photos
- 6
Small farm producing Bhutanese Swiss cheese and Red Panda wheat beer.
3 tips
- Ask for a short tour and tasting
- Buy local cheese to take away
- Near the Swiss Guest House
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Jakar tips
Transportation
- Fly or drive into Bumthang: Jakar has a domestic airport at Bathpalathang, or it is a long scenic drive from Thimphu over high passes.
- Travel with a licensed guide: Most visitors to Bhutan must travel with a licensed guide and driver arranged through a tour operator.
- Walk between temples: Many sacred sites in the Chokhor Valley, such as Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, are linked by walking paths.
Security
- Watch the altitude: Jakar sits around 2,600 m; take it easy on arrival and drink plenty of water.
- Check road conditions: Mountain roads can be closed by landslides in the monsoon; allow extra time.
- Respect wildlife: Stray dogs are common; avoid approaching them, especially at night.
Saving
- Plan around the SDF: Bhutan charges a daily Sustainable Development Fee; check current rules and plan your itinerary to make the most of each day.
- Choose shoulder seasons: Tour packages may be cheaper outside peak festival periods.
- Buy local products: Pick up Bumthang honey, cheese and apples from local shops rather than pricey souvenirs.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack warm layers: Bumthang is cool; nights get cold, especially from November to February.
- Bring rain gear in summer: June to August is monsoon season, with frequent rains.
- Dress respectfully: Wear long sleeves and trousers or long skirts when visiting dzongs and temples.
Cultural
- Visit Jakar Dzong: This impressive fortress overlooks the valley and houses monks and offices.
- Respect temple customs: Walk clockwise around temples and remove shoes when entering shrines.
- Try local food: Taste buckwheat pancakes (khuli) and noodles (puta), Bumthang specialities.
Local Hacks
- Attend a festival: Jambay Lhakhang Drup in autumn features masked dances and a big local crowd.
- Visit the Swiss Farm: The Swiss-Bhutanese farm produces cheese, beer and apple brandy.
- Hike to Tamshing Lhakhang: This ancient temple across the river has old paintings and a chain mail you can carry around for good luck.
1-day itineraries in Jakar
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.