Jakar Dzong བྱ་དཀར་རྫོང་།

Not the biggest dzong in Bhutan, but definitely one of the more beautiful ones. The location is great, right above the town, with a lovely view over the valley. We walked up and were surprised how quiet it was. Inside, the courtyard is really charming with traditional wooden buildings on both sides – very photogenic. It’s a nice and easy stop if you’re in Bumthang, and doesn’t take much time to visit.

This dzong is very average as far as the dzongs go. But that isn't a bad thing. It isn't the biggest, but it certainly isn't the smallest. It might not have the most breathtaking views, but they're still very nice. It might not look so foreboding on a high mountain or sheer cliff face, but it is still very impressive to look at. If you're looking for a dzong that checks all of the boxes, this is a good one. If I had to visualize what a dzong looks like, this is probably the one. Obviously it is one of the main attractions in Bumthang, so if you come to the town you're almost certainly going to stop here with your guide. But that's okay, because it's worth the visit.

A beautiful and serene Dzong perched on a hill top. When we reached there the monks were practicing for the Bumthang festival. The murals on the wall were beautiful. The outside wooden decorations were gorgeous. A photographer's dream...

Perched on a ridge on a central location within the valley, Jakar Dzong is almost inescapable when you’re in Bumthang. Doesn’t matter if you’re in town or in Amankora or even having a cheese and Weiss beer on the other side of the river and even when you’re arriving by air, the fortress seems like one giant CCTV, watching your every move, whether you’re playing a game of darts or running away from a pack of yetis coming out of a karaoke night.

This iconic Dzong was initially blessed by Zhabdrung's grand father Ngagi Wangchuk but it was built as a fortress later. Best thing I can say about this Dzong is that during early hours in winter, from Kharchu Monastery, one can see the views really beautiful with clouds drawing a shape that is too adorable to express for me.

Fortress of Jakar Dzong: One of the most beautiful Dzongkhags/ Districts in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Jakar Dzong is commonly known as Jakar Yugyal Dzong, which is situated on a hilltop above the Jakar village, Bumthang. It is believed by some people that the Dzong was built by Lam Ngagi Wangchuk in 1549. And he came to Bhutan to spread the instructions of Drukpa Kagyupa Buddhist order. It is said that a white bird perched on where Jakar Dzong was situated which is considered an auspicious sign. According to the legend, a group of Lamas was considering moving a fort situated at the eastern side of the Bumthang Valley. As they were sitting, a white bird presumed to be the king of geese rose into the air and rested on a spur. This is now the present location of Jakar Dzong. Another theory is that the Tibetan army attacked the Dzong Thrice times. In the 17th century, the ruler of Tsang Phuntsho Namgyel sent an army twice to destroy Zhabdrung. In 1679, the previously defeated chieftain of Bumthang Chokhor with the Tibetan army attacked the Dzong and according to the legend they defend themselves by firing all and also killed the two important Tibetan commanders. Hence, the Dzong came to be known as Jakar Thobgyal (gyal-vicoty) as a symbol of victory. The third attacked happened under the Minjur Tempa. The difficult battle was only won with the additional powerful forces under Lam Ngawang Rabten. Then the Dzong was renamed as ’Jakar Yugyal Dzong’ which means Victorious Fortress of the White Bird. ☸The ornate architecture of Dzong☸ A special feature of the Dzong is the approximately fifty meters high central tower, which is distinct from other Dzongs in Bhutan. The beautiful Dzong is equipped with two beautifully decorated parallel walls that are interconnected by fortified towers. These towers gave the population of the fortress access to water in the case of a siege.

Jakar Dzong, perched on a hilltop overlooking the charming town of Jakar in the Bumthang Valley, is a captivating blend of history and architecture. Its imposing fortress walls and intricate wooden carvings are a testament to Bhutan's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore its ancient halls, adorned with colorful murals and sacred relics, and soak in the serene atmosphere of this spiritual sanctuary. With panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains, Jakar Dzong offers a glimpse into Bhutan's timeless beauty and the enduring legacy of its Buddhist traditions.