Jakar Dzong བྱ་དཀར་རྫོང་། — Attraction in Dawathang_Dorjibi_ Kashingtsawa

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...

Hello Travellers.

After completing my Ura Valley tour, I headed towards main City Jakar, headquarters and Capital city of Bumthang District. The Place is so silent and serene. If you’re planning to visit beyond Central Bhutan, do visit Jakar city and Jakar Dzong. The Dzong stands on the upper ridge side, situated on Chamkhar valley of Bumthang and looks like an ancient royal palace.

You can feel the essence of silence and can experience the real beauty around. As I entered, I saw young Monks were preparing for some festival and also served me with masala tea. The Dzong is too big, for some moment I lost my way and the doors of the Dzong are very big. I would recommend everyone to visit this place, if you’re planning to...

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...