Explore the Majestic Jakar Dzong
Discover the grandeur of Jakar Dzong, Bhutan's largest fortress and a cultural landmark in the scenic town of Jakar, blending history and breathtaking views.
Jakar Dzong, known locally as 'Jakar Dzongkhag Office', stands as a magnificent testament to Bhutan's architectural prowess and historical significance. Often referred to as the largest dzong in Bhutan, it is not only a district government office but also a prominent tourist attraction that draws visitors with its stunning structure and rich cultural background. The dzong is strategically located in the heart of Jakar, surrounded by lush greenery and majestic mountains, providing a serene backdrop that enhances its grandeur. Visitors to Jakar Dzong can explore its impressive architecture, which exemplifies traditional Bhutanese design characterized by intricate woodwork and vibrant paintings. The dzong serves as both a center for local governance and a spiritual hub, housing various temples and monastic institutions. As you wander through its courtyards and halls, you will be transported back in time, absorbing the history and stories embedded in its walls. The dzong is particularly enchanting during the festivals, where colorful celebrations take place, showcasing traditional dances and cultural performances. Photographers will find countless opportunities to capture the dzong against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, especially during sunrise and sunset when the golden light accentuates its beauty. Jakar Dzong is not just a destination; it is an experience that intertwines the natural beauty of Bhutan with its rich cultural tapestry.
Local tips
- Visit during the annual festivals for a vibrant cultural experience.
- Bring your camera to capture the stunning architecture and surrounding landscapes.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites within the dzong.
A brief summary to Jakar Dzong བྱ་དཀར་རྫོང་།
- Jakhar Dzongkhag Office, Jakar, BT
- +9753631200
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, start from the town of Lhuntse. Drive westwards on the Lhuntse-Jakar Road (also known as the Lhuntse-Bumthang Road). The drive takes approximately 2 hours and covers a distance of around 60 kilometers. Keep an eye out for the signs pointing towards Jakar Dzong. You will arrive at Jakar, where the dzong is located close to the Jakar Dzongkhag Office.
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Public Transportation
To reach Jakar Dzong by public transportation, look for a local bus or shared taxi service from Lhuntse to Jakar. These vehicles operate regularly throughout the day. The journey usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. Once you arrive in Jakar, the dzong is a short walk from the bus stop, located near the Jakar Dzongkhag Office. Be sure to check the bus schedule ahead of time to ensure availability.
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Walking
If you find yourself in Jakar, the dzong is accessible by foot. From the main square, head towards the Jakar Dzongkhag Office. The dzong is situated on a hill, so you may need to walk uphill for about 15-20 minutes to reach the entrance. The path is well marked and provides scenic views of the surrounding area.
Attractions Nearby to Jakar Dzong བྱ་དཀར་རྫོང་།
- Jakar Nagtshang
- Jakar Lhakhang
- Bumthang Valley
- Chokhor Chorten
- Bumthang Brewery Red Panda Beer
- Chamkhar Bridge ལྕམ་མཁར་ཟམ་པ།
- Airport viewpoint B
- Airport Viewpoint A
- Jamphel Lhakhang བྱམས་་པ་ལྷ་ཁང་།
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- Kurjee Zangdopelri
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- Kurjey Lhakhang སྐུ་རྗེས་ལྷ་ཁང་།
- Padtselling Monastery
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