Jakar Dzong, Buddhist fortress in Bumthang Valley, Bhutan.

Jakar Dzong, also called Jakar Yugyal Dzong, is the dzong of Bumthang District, set on a ridge above Jakar town in the Chamkhar valley. Its circumference exceeds 1,500 metres, which may make it the largest dzong in Bhutan. The official name is Yuelay Namgyal Dzong, given for the victory over the troops of the Tibetan ruler Phuntsho Namgyal.

Jakar Dzong was constructed in 1549 by the Tibetan lama Ngagi Wangchuk on the site of an earlier temple he had founded. In 1646 it became the seat of the first king of Bhutan. During the 17th century, Tibetan ruler Phuntsho Namgyel sent armies twice against the Zhabdrung; the dzong was damaged but later renovated by the Trongsa Penlop. In 1679, Tenzin Rabgay sanctified the newly built dzong and Longwa became its first Dzongpon.

The name Jakar comes from bjakhab, "white bird", after the bird that marked the monastery's site. The dzong's official name, Yuelay Namgyal Dzong, honours the victory over the troops of the Tibetan ruler Phuntsho Namgyal. Tenzin Rabgay sanctified the newly built dzong, and Longwa, held to be the reincarnation of King Sindu Gyab, became its first Dzongpon.

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.