According to the Jakar foundation myth, a roosting white bird signaled the proper and auspicious location to found a monastery around 1549.

"[3]: 168 There are many significant Buddhist sacred sites nearby the town, such as Kurjey Lhakhang, which holds a body print of Guru Rinpoche; Jambey Lhakhang, one of the 108 monasteries that in mythology were miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in one night; and Tamsshing Lhakhag established by Tertön Padma Lingpa (1450–1521).

The airport was originally scheduled to open in October 2010,[12] but faced many delays due to soil stability,[13][14] river diversion,[15][16] funding,[17] and labour.

[18][19][20][21] Labour and material shortages through early 2011 prompted a new target date of July 2011, however as of September 2011, the airport had not been opened for operations.

[3]: 168 Being located in the spacious and tree covered Bumthang (Choekhor) Valley, the area is also a popular tourist destination, and consequently the town is served by several good quality hotels and craft shops, along with several guest houses.

Jakar is famous throughout Bhutan for its distinctive and brightly colored woven wool items called yethra.