Jakar, Bhutan: travel guide
Bumthang's main town, ringed by Bhutan's oldest temples
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.
About Jakar
Jakar is the main town of the Bumthang valleys, long regarded as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Wide, farmed valleys sit beneath forested ridges, and the area holds some of the country's oldest and most revered temples.
Things to do in Jakar centre on the lhakhangs and dzong: Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang are all within easy reach, and Jakar Dzong looks over the town. The Membartsho, or Burning Lake, is a sacred spot on the river, and Tharpaling Monastery rewards a longer outing. The valley is also known for buckwheat, apples and local cheese, which you will meet at the table.
Jakar suits travellers who like culture at an unhurried pace, with walking between villages and farmhouses. Spring and autumn usually offer the clearest skies and mildest weather for a visit to Bumthang.
- Country
- Bhutan
- Currency
- BTN
- Time zone
- Asia/Thimphu
- Nearest airport
- BUT
Last updated
Top places to visit in Jakar
Kurjey Lhakhang
lhakhang · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
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
lhakhang · 4.7 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
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
lhakhang · 4.9 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
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)
sacred-site · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
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 · check the fee at the gate
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 · check the fee at the gate
Beautifully rebuilt ancient temple (the "Temple of Three Jewels") below Tamshing, richly painted with murals and golden prayer wheels.
Jakar Dzong
dzong · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
"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 · check the fee at the gate
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 · check the fee at the gate
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 · check the fee at the gate
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
heritage · 4.6 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
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 · check the fee at the gate
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 to Jakar
Airport: Bumthang (BUT)
Getting around
- Car With Driver
- Walking
More in Bhutan
Frequently asked questions about Jakar
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Jakar?
- The highest-rated places in our Jakar guide are Tamshing Lhakhang, Tharpaling Monastery, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang area — Kenchogsum Lhakhang.
- Where should I stay in Jakar?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Jakar: Chamkhar Town.
- How do I get around Jakar?
- Ways to get around Jakar covered in our guide: Car with driver, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Jakar?
- The nearest airport to Jakar has the code BUT.