- Location: Dongkhag Bumthang, central Bhutan
- Date of founding: 1667.
- Length of walls: 1,5 km
In the central part of Bhutan state in the historical dzonghag Bumthang there is an amazing fortress-monastery called Jakar Dzong. It is the former capital of the province, located in the Chokkhor valley above the city of Jakar on the crest of the mountain. Lama Ngaigi Vangchuk (1517-1554), a relative of Ngawang Namgyal Shabdurang, the founder of all Bhutan, in 1549 founded on this place a small monastery.
Description of the fortress-monastery
Jakar Dzong is considered one of the most beautiful, impressive and large temples in the whole country. Today, the monastery and administrative services of the province of Bumtang are located here. The total length of its walls is about one and a half kilometers. Visitors can visit the fortress only in the courtyard. Here is the main entrance, surrounded by offices and living rooms of monks. The architecture of the buildings, although similar to other monasteries of Punakhi and Thimphu , still has its own uniqueness and special beauty. From here you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the valley.
Annual festival in Jakar Dzong
Annually in October or in November in Jakar Dzong there is a traditional festival of Jakar-Tsechu. This is a bright and colorful event, which locals come from all over the valley, putting on their best clothes. Local instruments and dances are quite unique. Here play whole scenes from the life of demons, deities, Padmasambhava and others:
- Tungam is the dance of the formidable Deity;
- Raksha Marcham - dance Trial of the dead;
- Guru Tshen Gye is a dance that stands for 8 manifestations of Guru Riponche.
All action takes place in a cheerful and comic form. Simultaneously, on a holiday among local residents and tourists, donations to the monastery are collected. The festival is an indescribable sight, which for a long time leaves in the memory of guests the fireworks of emotions.
How to get to the fortress-monastery of Jakar Dzong?
From the city of Jakar to Jakar Dzong, you can get there only with an organized tour, which can be ordered at the local travel agency.
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