Druk Ugyen Samye Ling is a living Mandala of wisdom, practice & compassion, inspired by the sacred legacy of Samye Monastery in Tibet. This sacred project is developed not as a replica of the 8th-century Buddhist site, but as a living center of Buddha-Dharma where practice, study, and contemplative life coexist in harmony.
Established by Royal Decree under the patronage of His Eminence the 7th Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche, the project is located in Dawathang under Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). Once completed, it will represent Bhutan’s vision of blending spiritual heritage with mindful modern development.
Location of Druk Ugyen Samyeling
Druk Ugyen Samye Ling will be built on 25 acres of land in Dawathang, Chhuzagang, within GMC.
Background of Druk Ugyen Samye Ling
Druk Ugyen Samye Ling is one of the three projects granted Royal Approval by His Majesty the King on 16 October 2025. The Royal Kashos (Royal edicts) were formally handed over at Changangkha Lhakhang by Dasho Zangla Namgyel, Secretary of Dratshang Lhentshog.
The other two spiritual projects include:
- Gelephu Maitreya Temple, led by Trulku Kunga Tenzin
- Tara Retreat Center, led by Bhutan Tara Foundation under the patronage of Leytshog Lopen Sangay Dorji.
These projects come in addition to the eight spiritual projects approved earlier, along with two Royal Projects, the Gelephu Chorten and Guru Nangsid Zilnon Lhakhang, and a Ugyen Norlha Chorten by the Central Monastic Body.
With these additions, a total of 14 sacred sites are being developed in GMC.
Construction of Druk Ugyen Samye Ling
On 12 November 2025, Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche presided over the consecration ceremony of the newly established Druk Ugyen Samyeling Office in Changangkha, Thimphu. Two days later, on 14 November 2025, Rinpoche visited the planned site in GMC.
The ground-breaking ceremony (Salhang Tendrel) took place on 10 April 2026, graced by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen in the presence of His Majesty The King and Their Royal Highnesses.
Significance of Druk Ugyen Samye Ling
Druk Ugyen Samye Ling is a living Mandala inspired by the historic Samye Monastery in Tibet, founded in 766 CE by King Trisong Detsen, guided by the great masters Guru Rinpoche and Shantarakshita. As the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, it marked the formal spread of Buddhism across the Himalayan region.
Similarly, Druk Ugyen Samye Ling aims to replicate its sacred essence while introducing a unique feature. It will be a home that brings together: a space for monastic life and the living practice of Buddha-Dharma, a school for Buddhist learning and teaching, a center for prayers and daily rituals, and a retreat for quiet, deep meditation.
Description of Druk Ugyen Samye Ling
The entire monastery complex will be constructed in the shape of a sacred mandala, symbolizing the universe in Buddhist cosmology. It will measure about 30 meters tall and 70 by 70 meters. The main temple will sit at the center, with sacred buildings arranged around it in a meaningful pattern reflecting the structure of the universe. Twelve zones (called “lings”) divide the site for different ritual and practical uses. In the southwest will be a quiet Meditation Retreat Center reserved only for deep meditation practice. The monastery will also install 100,000 statues of Ugyen Norlha apart from the relics, similar to Samye monastery.
The monastery will also include living quarters and shrine rooms for around 200 monks for their daily life and prayer.
Druk Ugyen Samye Ling is expected to be completed in approximately four years, using both traditional craftsmanship and modern construction methods. For more details, you can visit the official website of Druk Ugyen Samye Ling.
Conclusion
Druk Ugyen Samyeling will stand as one of the cornerstone spiritual institutions within Gelephu Mindfulness City. Together with other sacred projects, it represents Bhutan’s unique approach to development where spiritual depth and modern living are not separate, but deeply interconnected. As GMC continues to take shape, it promises to become a place where ancient wisdom guides a mindful future. You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of the Gelephu Mindfulness City with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
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