Jakar Travel Guide
City City in Bumthang District, Bhutan
High in Bumthang Valley, Jakar draws pilgrims and trekkers to Jakar Dzong, centuries-old temples such as Kurjey Lhakhang, and patchwork yak pastures. Visitors come for masked tsechus, mountain hikes, and to sample butter tea and local buckwheat dishes.
Why Visit Jakar? #
At the heart of Bumthang, Jakar is a cultural hub for Bhutanese religion, crafts and alpine valleys. Jakar Dzong anchors the town, surrounded by age-old lhakhangs, cheese-makers and butter-tea stalls that underline local daily life. Pilgrims and culture-minded visitors converge during regional tshechus, while the wider Bumthang valley’s monasteries and clear mountain air appeal to those seeking quiet, spiritual landscapes.
Top Things to Do in Jakar
All Attractions ›
- Jakar Dzong (Kheng Jambay) - Large fortress overlooking Bumthang valley with historic chapels and administrative rooms.
- Kurjey Lhakhang - Sacred temple complex housing revered relics and important pilgrimage sites in Bumthang.
- Jambay Lhakhang - One of Bhutan's oldest temples, known for its annual festival and ancient murals.
- Mebartsho (Burning Lake) - Sacred riverside site associated with meditation legends and quiet forested walks nearby.
- Swiss Farm and local cheese producers - Small alpine farm offering local dairy products and a relaxed mountain atmosphere.
- Handicraft shops in Jakar bazaar - Stalls selling locally woven textiles, buddhist items, and artisan souvenirs from Bumthang.
- Trongsa and central highlands - Short drive to Trongsa for historical sites, mountainous scenery, and museum visits.
- Ura Valley day trip - Highland valley east of Jakar with alpine landscapes and traditional villages to explore.
Best Time to Visit Jakar #
Jakar (Bumthang) is best in spring for flowers, festivals, and trekking; winters are cold and quiet, good for solitude and stargazing. The monsoon turns the valleys green but makes hiking muddy.
Best Time to Visit Jakar #
Jakar's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (956 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (199 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (182 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 0°C. The driest month with just 5 mm.
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How to Get to Jakar
Jakar (Bumthang) is served by Bathpalathang/Bumthang Airport for domestic flights; otherwise it is reached by long road trips from Paro or border crossings. There is no rail service inside Bhutan; onward travel is by bus, shared taxi or private car.
Bathpalathang Airport (Bumthang) (BUT): Jakar (Bumthang) is served by Bathpalathang/Bumthang Airport with limited domestic flights; the airport sits a short drive from town and hotel transfers or taxis are available.
Paro Airport (PBH): International visitors often arrive at Paro and then travel overland or via domestic flight to Bumthang. Overland travel can take many hours across mountain roads, so consider domestic flights when available.
Train: There is no passenger rail in Bhutan. Visitors arriving overland from India use nearby Indian railheads such as New Jalpaiguri and then travel by road.
Bus: Scheduled buses and shared taxis operate between Bumthang (Jakar) and other central towns like Trongsa; travel times vary by route and road conditions but are commonly used for regional travel.
How to Get Around Jakar #
Jakar (Bumthang) town is compact and easily explored on foot; most hotels, shops and restaurants are within a short walk. For trips to the region’s temples and valleys hire a local taxi or a car for the day; shared transport exists but is more limited than in western Bhutan.
Short local rides are inexpensive; full-day hires are common for visiting multiple temples in a single day.
Where to Stay in Jakar #
Where to Eat in Jakar #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Jakar's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Jakar #
Nightlife in Jakar is very low-key - most evenings are spent at guesthouses or in small restaurants. Cultural evenings or informal music may happen at lodges, but there is no formal bar or club scene.
Shopping in Jakar #
Jakar’s market and nearby shops sell regional specialties such as woven textiles, yak products and local dairy items like cheese and butter. Small craft stalls and cooperatives offer handwoven goods and religious items tied to the Bumthang region.
If you’re after traditional weaving or local foodstuffs, ask vendors or your lodge to point you to trusted sellers.
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