Jakar Dzong, Buddhist fortress in Bumthang Valley, Bhutan.
Jakar Dzong is a fortress that rises on a ridge above the Chamkhar Valley, with a 50-meter central tower serving as the regional administrative center. The structure comprises multiple buildings and courtyards arranged in the characteristic style of Bhutanese dzong architecture.
The fortress was built in 1667, replacing an earlier temple founded by the Ralung hierarch Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk. Its construction marked a military victory over Tibetan forces in the region.
This fortress serves as an active Buddhist center where monks maintain daily spiritual practices and preserve centuries-old traditions within its walls. The site remains deeply connected to the local community's religious life.
Visitors can reach the fortress by following a narrow stone path from Jakar town. Guided tours during daylight hours provide helpful context about the building's layout and significance.
The fortress features a system of parallel protective walls linked by towers that historically enabled secure access to resources during military conflicts. This defensive design reveals careful military planning in its original construction.
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