It is built on the site of an earlier temple established by the Ralung hierarch Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk (1517–1554) when he came to Bhutan.

[1] Jakar Dzong, or the ''castle of the white bird',' dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town.

Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan lama Ngagi Wangchuk, who came to Bhutan to spread the Drukpa Kagyu teaching, the dzong played an important role as the fortress of defense for the whole eastern dzongkhags.

As Bhutan did not have an institutionalized armed force to fight back the enemies, they sought the help of the protecting deities, Choe Chhong Chamdal sum.

Tenzin Rabgay sanctified the newly built Dzong and a man named Longwa was chosen as the first Dzongpon.