Situated in the altitude of 2800 m Jakar is one of the most beautiful towns in Bhutan. This is also the main town of the Bumthang which the most beautiful region in Bhutan. The name Jakar stands for “white bird“. Jakar is surrounded by mountains and also beautiful monasteries and Lhakhangs. According to the legend Guru Padmasambhava (the Buddhist spiritual master) built 108 monasteries all around the Bhutan in a single night and most of them are in & around this valley. There are many Lhakhangs (buddhist temple) here which are not only historically important but each Lhakhangs are unique in design and architecture. Apple orchards, Chamkhar Chhu (river), exotic view- this town is a dreamland for any visitor.
Activities
Sightseeing tour: You can go for a day long sightseeing tour to the various places of interest in the nearby area. Jakar Dzong, Jambey Lhakhang which was built in 6th century, Kurjey Lhakhang, are famous places to visit here. The picturesque Ura village is a nice place where you will found clustered of traditional village huts. On your way to Ura village you will pass small Bhutanese settlements. The legend of Burning lake is also very interesting and a nice place to visit.
Morning excursion: Nothing is more magical than wake up in the morning and go for a blissful walk in the morning. Just take any road you will always find yourself in the lap of mother nature.
Mountain biking: You can hire a mountain bike and explore this picturesque town on wheels. Roads are very nice and you will enjoy every moment of this ride. The beauty of surrounding nature may hypnotize you such a way that you forget about the time!
Day hike: You can go for blissful dayhike to nearby Tharpaling monastery. This full day hike is so enjoyable and once you reach at the top you will be amazed to it’s structure.
Places to Visit: Jakar Dzong, Jambey Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Burning lake, Ura village, Tharpaling monastery, Tang valley and many more.
Travel Guide
Weather
The general temperature in Jakar stays cold all time. During summer, mercury hardly crosses 20°C in daytime and during night it stays around 8°C. The average temperature for Jakar is 9°C during winter. This town gets snowfall during the winter and looks so beautiful during that time. Jakar gets good amount of rainfall during monsoon.
Local Words
Generals greetings and words: Welcome greetings: Kuzo-zangpo la, Yes: Ong, No: Mengo, Little bit: Atshi-chi, Thank you: Kaadin-chhey la, Road: Lam, Shop/Store: Neyer Tshang, Market: Throm, Medicine: Mein.
Food and Drinks: Hot water: Chhu Tshe, Cold Water: Chhu Khem, Rice: Chum/ Tuoe, Mushrooms: Shamu, Lentils: Sem Chum Chung Ku, Vegetables: Tshe-sey, Butter Tea: Suja, Milk Tea: Naja.
Emotions: Good (Food): Shim-bay, Not Good (food): Me Shim-bay, Good (Places, things): Sacha Legshom, Not Good (Place,things): Yoebab mabmi.
Time: Morning: Do-paa, Evening: Che-roo, Night: Nub-mo.
Relationships: Elder-brother: Acho, Younger brother: Nuchu, Elder Sister: Ashim, Younger sister: Num.
How are you?: Gadaybay zhu ga?
I’m fine: Layshom.
What is your name?(informal) Chhey-gi ming ga chi mo?
What is your name? (formal) Na gi Tshen ga chi mo?
My name is Lucy: Ney-gee ming Lucy een la.
How far is it from here? Dikhar lay tharee gademchi mo?
How much? Gaa-dem-chi mo la?
Getting here
The nearest airport name is Paro airport (PBH). It is well connected with Bangkok, Kolkata and Bagdogra airport. But the flight are limited. Jakar also has a small domestic airport name Bathpalathang airport (BUT) and it’s connected with Paro airport only. The nearest popular airport beside Paro is Bagdogra airport (IXB) which is in India.
There is no railway connectivity in Bhutan. The nearest railway station name is Hashimara station (HSA) and New Jalpaiguri Junction (NJP) which are in India.
Jakar is well connected by roads with other parts of Bhutan.
Permit
Tourists need permit to get into Jakar. The visa procedure for Bhutan is different comparing to other countries. Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldives national have different visa procedure. Please contact us to know about the visa procedure in details.
Custom
Bhutan is a Buddhist country where people are very respectful to their culture. While visiting in any religious place please remove your footwear before entering into the main temple. Also it is advisable to wear modest clothes while visiting any religious place. People will happily pose for a picture but please ask them before taking any picture.
Safety
Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world where you hardly find any crime. People are very respectful towards each other. But for any safety concern you can reach to the nearest police station or tourist information center.
Health
You won’t find any mosquitoes here in Jakar. Due to alpine climate tourist generally doesn’t get sick. But if you are allergic to plants and pollen then take precaution. The local hotels and restaurants serve safe drinking water but if you are not sure then you can buy packaged drinking water almost at every place.