Gelephu Chorten, also known as Jarung Khashor Chorten, is a sacred stupa under construction in the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). It is one of the two significant spiritual and cultural landmarks, built as part of the Royal Project, under the personal initiative of His Majesty the King, the other being the Guru Nangsi Zilnon Lhakhang.
Inspired by the sacred Jarung Khashor (Boudhanath) Stupa in Kathmandu, Gelephu Choeten follows the same timeless spiritual design but on a larger scale. With dimensions of 108 meters by 108 meters and a height of 45 meters, it will surpass the Boudhanath Stupa in size, making it one of the largest stupas of its kind in the region.
It is one of the 22 spiritual landmarks currently being built in GMC.
Location of Gelephu Chorten
Gelephu Chorten is situated on 108 acres of land in Dawathang, within the Chhuzangang under the Gelephu Mindfulness City in southern Bhutan.
Significance of Jarong Khasho Choeten
The original Jarung Khashor stupa in Kathmandu is associated with Guru Rinpoche and holds immense spiritual significance in the Buddhist world. By drawing inspiration from this revered monument, Gelephu Chorten establishes a profound spiritual link between Bhutan and the broader Himalayan Buddhist tradition.
Background of Gelephu Chorten
His Majesty the King approved two Royal Projects, the Gelephu Chorten and the Guru Nangsid Zilnon Lhakhang, along with the eight other spiritual landmarks for construction under the Gelephu Mindfulness City on 12 May 2025.
Gyalpoi Zimpon Dasho Ugyen Namgyel handed over the Royal Kashos (Sacred Edicts) in a traditional ceremony at Simtokha Dzong.
Construction of Gelephu Chorten
Gelephu Chorten is constructed as a Royal Project led by KaJa Design Associates. His Majesty the King personally graced the groundbreaking (Salhang tendrel) ceremony on 17 November 2024, which also included Sachu Bumter rituals for Gelephu Dzong and Gelephu School. Dorji Lopen of the Central Monastic Body presided over the groundbreaking ceremony.
Subsequently, His Holiness the 70th Je Khenpo visited the construction site and offered prayers, further sanctifying the project.
The construction will involve local masons and craftsmen, with stone as the primary material, to ensure the preservation of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship.
Description of Gelephu Chorten
The Gelephu Jarong Khasho Chorten will feature a large white dome resting on a Mandala base, crowned by a spire adorned with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, representing wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment. The stupa will measure 108 meters by 108 meters with a height of 45 meters.
Conclusion
With the project underway, Gelephu Chorten stands as a powerful symbol of His Majesty’s visionary leadership and Bhutan’s unwavering spiritual heritage. It strengthens the spiritual foundation of Gelephu Mindfulness City and makes a meaningful contribution to Bhutan’s spiritual landscape. You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of Gelephu Mindfulness City with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gelephu Chorten?
The Gelephu Chorten is a large Buddhist stupa being developed in Gelephu Mindfulness City, Sarpang. It is one of GMC’s officially recognised sacred projects and is planned as a major destination for Buddhist pilgrims, visitors and spiritual practitioners.
Where is it located?
The chorten is planned in the Dawathang/Chuzergang area of Gelephu Mindfulness City in southern Bhutan. It is positioned as one of the key spiritual landmarks within GMC.
What is the chorten inspired by?
It is inspired by the Jarung Khashor Stupa, better known as Boudhanath Stupa, in Kathmandu, Nepal. The design reference connects the project with one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage monuments in the Himalayan region.
How tall will it be?
Official and recent reports describe the planned Gelephu Chorten as approximately 80 metres high. The height is associated with the 80 years of the Buddha’s life on earth.
Who initiated the project?
The Gelephu Chorten is a Royal Project initiated under the vision of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. It forms part of GMC’s wider plan to combine economic development with Buddhist values, mindfulness and spiritual practice.
When did construction begin?
A groundbreaking or salhang tendrel ceremony was reported on 21 February 2026, during a major royal ceremony attended by members of the Royal Family and His Holiness the Je Khenpo.
