MapVivid
Kurjey Lhakhang and around
A day in Jakar · 9:30–13:15 · 3 stops
Open it on your phone:
mapvivid.com/jakar/itineraries/kurjey-lhakhang-and-aroundA walking day around Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang, with a lunch break nearby and Jambay Lhakhang to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301Sacred temple complex holding Guru Rinpoche's body imprint in rock.
- Three temples and a chorten wall
- Cross the footbridge to Tamshing
↓ 25 min walk
11:0021501 temple founded by Pema Lingpa with ancient wall paintings.
- Try lifting the chain-mail coat for luck
- Old murals are dim, let eyes adjust
↓ 26 min walk
12:1537th-century temple, one of Bhutan's oldest, famed for its fire festival.
- Autumn festival features a fire blessing
- Spin the prayer wheels clockwise
Lunch
13:15Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/jakar/itineraries/kurjey-lhakhang-and-around
Day 1 of 29:30–13:153 stops
Kurjey Lhakhang and around
A walking day around Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang, with a lunch break nearby and Jambay Lhakhang to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 hSacred 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
25 min walk
211:00 · 1 h1501 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
26 min walk
312:15 · 1 h7th-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
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 13:15
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Jakar. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.