Rainbow Photo Tours of

At 8:30 A.M. we leave for a four-hour drive to Jakar, the central town of the Bhumthang district. But before we leave Trongsa we stop at the Trongsa Museum of the Monarchy. (Please read Robin's story in Tashi Delek Magazine about this museum—it's on our Web site.) The route crosses YotongLa pass (10,800 ft.) which is marked by a chorten and an array of prayer flags--it marks the boundary between western and central Bhutan as well as the western border of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Beyond Pele La is Longte Valley where people raise sheep and yaks. We will pass through the village of Rukubji with its big secondary school and Gompa. The houses here are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat.

As we descend the pass we drive down through rhododendrons and ferns and reach Chendebji village. This was a night halt for mule caravans traveling from Trongsa during the reign of the 2nd King of Bhutan. Just below Chendebji village is the Chendebji chorten, a large white structure beside a stream. This chorten is modeled after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in the 19th century.

Just beyond Domkhar you can visit a weaving center and large gift shop with authentic Bhutanese products. Yathra is the name for the locally produced hand-woven woolen cloth. Distinctive patterns and bright earthy colors enliven the fabric which is used for a wide variety of purposes and much sought after throughout Bhutan. We have been asked many times, "Where is the best place to buy authentic Bhutanese handicrafts?" THIS IS THAT PLACE! They have a huge assortment of hand-woven cloth, jackets, bags and clothing as well as a few authentic antiques and rugs woven by Tibetan refugees. Be sure to ask your guide to show you to the weaving room behind the gift shop where you can see the dying process and several looms in action.

When you reach Jakar you can check into the hotel and then review the following list to see where you want to begin your exploration of Jakar. They have overnight laundry service here but you have to drop it at the desk as soon as you arrive. Check to see if you have to pay extra for express service.

1. Jakar Dzong
2. Jambay Lhakhang
3. WangduCholing Palace
4. Beer/Cheese Factory (also full liquor store, many varieties of wine.)
5. Kurjey Lhakhang
6. Tamshing Lhakhang
7. Tiny private museum of rural life, working kitchen, etc.
8. Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery
9. Roam the main street of Jakar and its many shops
10. Take the 30-minute walk than connects two temples by way of a footpath over a foot suspension bridge. Begin a mile past the beer/cheese factory, driver will pick you up on the other side of the river.
Overnight halt, dinner, Jakar, Bumtang District, Yu-Garling Resort.