Jakar Dzong, Bumthang

The Jakar Dzong, popularly known as the “castle of the white bird,” was originally constructed as a monastery by the first Zhabdrung’s great-grandfather. It presently serves as the administrative hub for the Bumthang District and is home to the local monastic body. It provides a good view of the Bumthang Valley in addition to overlooking the Chokhor Valley and being visible from practically everywhere in Chokhar town. It is the location of the sacred masked dancing festival known as Jakar Tshechu.

There is no doubt that the Jakar Dzong is situated in a beautiful area. It is surrounded by the fantastical views of nature because it is situated in the Chamkar valley. The most distinctive feature of the Jakar Dzong is the watchtower is located on the east side of one of the walls of the dzong contrary to other dzongs in Bhutan, where the watchtower is generally located in the centre of the complex to allow circumambulate around the tower.

A stone-paved walkway leading to the main structure serves as the entrance to the dzong. The stronghold is renowned for its exceptional water system, which was constructed with walls spanning from the complex to the spring and then downhill to guarantee water flow throughout the year. The water system is still in function, which lends it another impressive architectural aspect.

The original Jakar Dzong was built between 1517 and 1554 by Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk, who traveled to Bhutan to propagate the Buddhist faith. The Jakar Dzong is known as “the white bird’s fortress” in English. According to folklore, Ngagi Wangchuk searched for a good location to construct a temple when he was looking for a suitable location.The location was considered very auspicious and soon a temple was built here which was later converted into the Jakar Dzong in 1667.