Lhodrak Karchu Monastery sits on a hillside above the eastern edge of Jakar, a relatively modern complex (founded in 1977 by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche) but built in the old style with red walls, gilded roofs, and elaborately carved woodwork. It is now one of the largest active monastic schools in Bhutan, with several hundred young monks in residence.
The setting is the main draw — the courtyards open onto sweeping views across the Bumthang valley, and in the early morning you can often hear the low drone of the conch shells and the deep horns from the village below. The main assembly hall is usually open to visitors, and a short climb to the upper terraces gives an even wider panorama.