The Jakar Dzong houses the monk body and the administration office of Bumthang Dzongkhag.
Jakar Dzong which translates to the fortress of white bird is situated atop a tall ridge overlooking the whole Jakar valley and Chamkhar town in Bumthang. The founding of the Dzong is credited to Lam Ngagi Wangchuk who came to Bhutan from Tibet to spread the teachings of Drukpa Kagyue. According to oral traditions in Jakar valley it is said that when the construction of the Dzong was in progress, a white bird is said to have flown and perched on the ridge where the current Dzong is situated which was considered a good omen.
An extraordinary aspect of the Dzong is the fifty meters high central tower which is unlike any Dzongs in the country. The other exclusive element of the Dzong is a passage that runs through two parallel walls, interconnected by fortified towers, which was the source water for the residents of the Dzong in the case of a siege. The water supply is still an integral part of the Dzong and is still intact to this day. The Dzong is considered one of the largest in Bhutan with a circumference of more than 1500m.
Jakar Dzong observes an annual festival which is for three days. A large crowd from all around Bumthang dressed in their finest textile rich attires and jewelries congregate at the courtyard of the Dzong to witness various mask dances and enjoy cultural items.
