Bhutan

Jakar

Jakar

Jakar is a small town located in the central region of Bhutan, known as Bumthang. It is situated at an altitude of 2,580 meters and is the…

Best for you if…

  • A week-long stay
  • Exploring with transit or a car
  • Cultural tour travelers
  • Trekking travelers
  • Visiting in March to May, September to November
Recommended stay
5-7 days days
Best time
March to May, September to November
Walkability
Spread
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Jakar is a strong pick for cultural tour & trekking — plan about 5-7 days days; group places into half-day loops. Peak season: March to May, September to November.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 90/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Spread density — Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops. (≈99.1 km span)

25 Places to explore
5-7 days Recommended days
March to May, September to November Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: March to May, September to November

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FEB
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Best months for lower-cost travel: March · April · May · September · October · November

Weather

Autumn

September to November (10°C to 20°C)

Spring

March to May (10°C to 20°C)

Summer

June to August (15°C to 25°C)

Winter

December to February (5°C to 15°C)

How to get there

How to Reach Jakar in Bhutan

Jakar, also known as Bumthang Valley, is a beautiful town located in the central part of Bhutan. Surrounded by lush green valleys and stunning landscapes, Jakar offers a unique cultural experience to its visitors. Here are some ways to reach Jakar:

By Air:

The nearest airport to Jakar is the domestic airport in Bathpalathang, Bumthang. However, this airport has limited flight options, and the availability of flights may vary. The most convenient way to reach Jakar by air is to fly to Paro International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Singapore. From Paro, you can take a domestic flight to Bathpalathang or opt for a scenic drive to Jakar.

By Road:

Travelling by road is a popular option to reach Jakar, especially for those who wish to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Bhutan. The journey from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, to Jakar takes approximately 8-9 hours by road. You can hire a private car or take a public bus from Thimphu to Jakar. The road trip offers breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and traditional Bhutanese villages along the way.

By Train:

Currently, there is no direct train connectivity to Jakar. The nearest railway station is in Hasimara, India, which is approximately 160 kilometers away from Jakar. From Hasimara, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Phuentsholing, the border town of Bhutan. After completing the immigration formalities, you can continue your journey to Jakar by road.

By Trekking:

For adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, trekking to Jakar can be an incredible experience. There are various trekking routes that lead to Jakar, including the famous Druk Path Trek and the Bumthang Cultural Trek. These treks offer a chance to explore the untouched beauty of Bhutan's mountains, forests, and remote villages. However, trekking to Jakar requires proper planning, permits, and physical fitness.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, reaching Jakar is undoubtedly an enchanting journey. The town's serene atmosphere, ancient monasteries, and warm hospitality of the locals will make your visit to Jakar a memorable one.

Getting to know Jakar

Jakar is a small town located in the central region of Bhutan, known as Bumthang. It is situated at an altitude of 2,580 meters and is the largest town in the Bumthang valley. Jakar is often referred to as the 'Switzerland of Bhutan' due to its picturesque landscape and alpine climate.

The town is home to a number of significant Buddhist sites and is considered a spiritual hub in Bhutan. One such site is the Jambay Lhakhang temple, which is believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. Another site of interest is the Jakar Dzong, a fortress built in the 17th century that now serves as an administrative center for the Bumthang district.

In addition to its cultural significance, Jakar is known for its textiles and handicrafts. The town is famous for its woolen items, particularly yak wool products, which are made by local artisans using traditional methods.

Jakar is also a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as trekking, mountain biking, and birdwatching. Visitors can explore the beautiful Bumthang valley and its surrounding mountains, forests and streams, making it an ideal place for nature lovers.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Carry appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions
  • Acquire necessary permits for trekking and wildlife exploration
  • Try traditional Bhutanese cuisine
  • Engage with local communities and learn about their way of life

Places worth exploring

25 places mapped for this destination

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1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 5-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Jakar?

Most travelers spend about 5-7 days days in Jakar, Bhutan.

When is the best time to visit Jakar?

High season is typically March to May, September to November.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Jakar?

Travelers often find better value in March, April, May, September, October, November.

What kind of trip is Jakar good for?

Jakar suits Cultural tour, Trekking, Wildlife exploration, Adventure activities.

Is Jakar walkable?

Wide area — group nearby places into half-day loops.

Any local tips for Jakar?

Respect local customs and traditions

Build your trip

Add Jakar and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Jakar → Trongsa - A Picturesque Place in Bhutan → Lungtenzampa · ≈39 km
  • Jakar → Lungtenzampa → Trongsa - A Picturesque Place in Bhutan · ≈44 km
  • Jakar → Lungtenzampa → Wangdue Phodrang · ≈73 km

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