Asia / Bhutan
Places to go. A little room to wander.
THE SHORTLIST
Jakar
The fortress was constructed in 1667, but rebuilt after being severely damaged in an earthquake in 1897. It is one of the largest and most impressive dzongs in Bhutan and houses the administrative and monastic offices for the Bumthang district.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Jakar
The place where the 15th century Bhutanese spiritual-treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa famously dived into a river gully with a burning lamp, and later returned with a number of hidden scriptural treasures (Tib:terma) and with the lamp still burning – hence the name of the site, Membartsho - Burning Lake.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Jakar
One of Bhutan's holiest monasteries, Kurje Lhakhang preserves a body imprint of Guru Rinpoche in a cave around which the oldest of its three buildings is constructed. The initial structure was built in 1652 by the Trongsa Penlop, while a more recent addition was made by the late Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Wangchuck in 1990. A massive cypress tree, possibly a descendant of the original, grows above the building and is believed to have sprung from Guru Rinpoche’s walking stick.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Jakar
Founded in 1501 by the revered Buddhist treasure revealer Pema Lingpa, this monastery features a two-story building with frescoes and a notably low ceiling (Pema Lingpa was reportedly quite short!). A 500-year-old metal chain suit created by Pema Lingpa is displayed on the first floor. It is considered auspicious to walk around the temple three times while draped in the chain.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Jakar
This modest temple marks the site of the palace of Sindhu Raja, the Indian king who first invited Guru Rinpoche to Bhutan. The original palace, said to be made of iron (the name means "iron castle") and nine stories high, was once located here. The present building was constructed in the 14th century by Dorji Lingpa.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
A note before you go. Start with Jakar Dzong, then decide whether Mebartsho deserves a separate visit rather than rushing both. The suggested days are an editable grouping, not a timed tour. Visit allowances exclude transfers, meals and queues; confirm the exact entrance and current visiting arrangements for Chakhar Lhakhang before setting off.
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. Suggested days and time allowances are editorial starting points. Check the linked visitor information for opening hours, access, and reservations.
BEFORE YOU SET OFF
As the tourist and pilgrimage sites are scattered throughout the area, a vehicle is essential to get around. Taxis can be hired from the main bazaar.
Jakar Dzong and Mebartsho are about 6.9 km apart in a straight line. Use the route link to compare the actual streets or transport connections before putting both in the same morning; the measurement is not a walking distance or a transfer estimate.
A LITTLE STRUCTURE. ROOM FOR DISCOVERY.
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This city guide includes selected, abridged material by Wikivoyage contributors, adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0. The adapted guide text is available under the same license; photographs and website design retain their separate terms. Selected and abridged reference descriptions; operational prices and timetables omitted. Elsewhere added the shortlist, geographic grouping and planning notes.
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. It is community-edited background, not firsthand reporting or a live opening-hours service.
KEEP EXPLORING