Jakar Dzong

This lively one-street town in Bumthang has a plethora of restaurants and handicraft shops. Chugo, a firm, chewy dried cheese snack beloved among Bhutanese, is sold in large quantities in Jakar. Internet cafés and espresso bars have already begun to sprout in this area.

The Jakar Dzong, or "White Bird Castle," dominates the Chamkhar valley and looks down on the town. The Dzong, built-in 1549 by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk, served as the castle of defense for the entire eastern Dzongkhags. It also served as the residence of Bhutan's first monarch.

The Dzong's Utse or Central tower, which stands about fifty meters tall and stands out among Bhutan's other Dzongs, is a unique feature. The Dzong also had a covered tunnel with two parallel walls joined by defended towers, which provided access to water to the fortress's population in the event of a siege. To this day, the protected water supply remains intact. When you enter, you'll pass through a narrow courtyard with monks' quarters and administrative offices on the east and west sides. Standing in the front courtyard, guests can take in the panoramic view of the Chokhor Valley.

Location: Jakar, Bhutan