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Thromde in Bumthang, Bhutan
Photo: SingyeDzong, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Located in central Bhutan, Jakar is renowned as a center of Vajrayana Buddhism, particularly the Nyingma tradition, and is home to numerous monasteries and sacred sites. Set in the picturesque Choekor Valley, often called "Little Switzerland" for its stunning beauty, Jakar is spacious and surrounded by tree-covered mountains. The article also includes information on two nearby villages, Chumey and Tang.
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The fortress was constructed in 1667, but rebuilt after being severely damaged in an earthquake in 1897. It is one of the largest and most impressive dzongs in Bhutan and houses the administrative and monastic offices for the Bumthang district.
Built in 1857, the palace served as the principal residence of the first and second kings of Bhutan. Using traditional displays and modern interactive features, the former palace offers insights into the lives of the first and second king of Bhutan and the court that served them.
This modest temple marks the site of the palace of Sindhu Raja, the Indian king who first invited Guru Rinpoche to Bhutan. The original palace, said to be made of iron (the name means "iron castle") and nine stories high, was once located here. The present building was constructed in the 14th century by Dorji Lingpa.
One of Bhutan's holiest monasteries, Kurje Lhakhang preserves a body imprint of Guru Rinpoche in a cave around which the oldest of its three buildings is constructed. The initial structure was built in 1652 by the Trongsa Penlop, while a more recent addition was made by the late Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Wangchuck in 1990. A massive cypress tree, possibly a descendant of the original, grows above the building and is believed to have sprung from Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick.
This monastery is one of the 108 monasteries that King Songten Gampo is said to have miraculously built in a single night.
This monastery is a more recent addition to the Jakar monastery landscape. The abbot, Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, is a highly respected teacher in Bhutan and speaks some English.
Founded in 1501 by the revered Buddhist treasure revealer Pema Lingpa, this monastery features a two-story building with frescoes and a notably low ceiling (Pema Lingpa was reportedly quite short!). A 500-year-old metal chain suit created by Pema Lingpa is displayed on the first floor. It is considered auspicious to walk around the temple three times while draped in the chain.
Consecrated in 2008, this more recent addition to the sacred sites in the area houses a two-story mandala representing Guru Rinpoche’s Copper Coloured Mountain.
The retreat centre of Pema Lingpa.
Burning Lake
The place where the 15th century Bhutanese spiritual-treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa famously dived into a river gully with a burning lamp, and later returned with a number of hidden scriptural treasures (Tib:terma) and with the lamp still burning – hence the name of the site, Membartsho - Burning Lake.
The original building was constructed in the 16th century, but was partly rebuilt after being damaged in the 1897 earthquake. The palace also has associations with the great Buddhist saint Lonchen Rabjam. Today, the building serves as a museum, preserving the rich religious and cultural history of Tang and Bumthang.
Opened by a local guy who studied in Germany. Serves pizza and spaghetti.
Serves simple local dishes, such as ema datshi and cheese and meat momos.
Central location. Standard espresso based coffees. Traditional Bhutanese setting. Pizza. Pasta. Desserts
Full range of coffees. Burgers, and reputedly the best pizza in town. Large seating area. Views of mountains and Jakar Dzong. Fast and friendly service.
A small, cozy cafe. Specializes in cakes. Simple meals. Friendly and helpful service.
Bright and airy atmosphere. Edge of town, near forest. Excellent cakes and desserts. Coffee. Pizza.
A Swiss initiative. Serves own brewed Red Panda beer. Full range of coffees. Spaghetti, pizza, pasta. Wood-paneled interior. Garden seating.
A family-run hotel surrounded by pine trees on all sides. The rooms have views over Jakar Town and Jakar Dzong. Activities and cooking classes can be arranged. Hot stone bath.
Below the dzong, this hotel is famous for its excellent food.
Decorated in classic style and convenient for town center.
This stone and wood built building offers wood burning stoves in all its rooms and spectacular views across the valley to Jakar Dzong.
Above the river overlooking the town and the dzong. Surrounded by apple orchards. Beautifully decorated. Draft beer. Espresso-based coffees.
A rebuilt lodge offering lovely views over the valley.
Near the town. Good facilities and stunning views.
An environmentally sensitive lodge in an apple orchard next to Wangdicholing Palace, run by superluxury hotel group Aman. The 16-room facility offers spa and international cuisine.
An eight-suit resort close to a river and within a dense blue pine forest.
A tourist standard hotel. Quiet forest location. Traditional and inviting interior
This converted palace offers four small and two large rooms. The remainder of the building is a museum and residence.
A wide range of woven fabrics and wooden items.
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