Spiritual sites in Gelephu Mindfulness City are sacred Buddhist landmarks, including temples, stupas, meditation centers, and Vajrayana institutes, established with Royal Approval granted by His Majesty the King.
Designed as a global center for Buddhist spiritual journeys, it aims to welcome people from around the world to participate in Buddhist teachings, practices, and cultural exchanges.
So far, 14 Buddhist sacred sites have been approved and are being established by various spiritual masters within the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
What is Gelephu Mindfulness City?
Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a bold, future-focused initiative envisioned by His Majesty The King of Bhutan to build the world’s first Mindfulness City.
Formally established in December 2024 by Royal Charter, GMC is a Special Administrative Region (SAR), with its governance and development guided by the “Diamond Strategy” under the principle of One Country, Two Systems.
GMC will operate as SAR with autonomy to attract global expertise, investments, and innovation over the next two decades. The city will eventually reintegrate as an economically advanced region under “One Country, One System” governance.
Where is Gelephu Mindfulness City located?
Gelephu Mindfulness City is situated in the warm southern plains of Bhutan, covering an area of more than 2,600 km², or approximately five percent of the country’s total land area. The city shares its southern border with the Indian state of Assam, providing it with access to important regional trade and transportation networks.
How to Reach Gelephu Mindfulness City
Currently, travelers can reach GMC by road from anywhere in Bhutan. They can also fly from Paro International Airport to Gelephu International Airport on domestic flights.
By 2029, GMC plans to have direct international flights from major global hubs. Additionally, a cross-border railway from Assam, India, is under development and will eventually provide rail access to the city.
The 8 Core Industries and Sectors of Gelephu Mindfulness City
The development of GMC focuses on eight key sectors:
- Spirituality
- Health & Wellness
- Education & Knowledge
- Agri-tech & Forestry
- Green Energy & Technologies
- Finance & Digital Assets
- Aviation & Logistics
- Tourism
These sectors collectively aim to establish a new model of a sustainable, future-ready city grounded in Bhutanese values.
The Spirituality Sector
The spirituality sector is one of the GMC’s most significant pillars, aiming to become a world-class center for Buddhist teachings, retreats, and cross-cultural exchanges.
Accordingly, His Majesty the King granted Royal Edicts (Royal Kashos) for the establishment of eight spiritual projects on 12 May 2025. Two Royal Projects, along with a project by the Central Monastic Body, have also received royal approval. The ceremony took place at Simtokha Dzong, with Gyalpoi Zimpon Dasho Ugyen Namgyel presenting the Royal Edicts.
Later, on 16 October 2025, three new spiritual projects received Royal Approval, with the Royal Edicts handed over by Dasho Zangla Namgyel, Secretary of Dratshang Lhentshog, at Changangkha Lhakhang.
Altogether, 14 profound spiritual projects have now been approved for immediate establishment in GMC.
14 Spiritual Sites in Gelephu Mindfulness City
Here are the fourteen spiritual sites in Gelephu Mindfulness City:
- Gelephu Chorten (Royal Project): A majestic central stupa inspired by the Jarung Khashor Choeten, symbolizing harmony, enlightenment, and unity.
- Guru Nangsid Zilnon Lhakhang (Royal Project): A temple modeled after Bumthang Kurje Lhakhang, dedicated to Guru Nangsid Zilnon, revered for dispelling obstacles and negativity.
- Tabab Chorten: The first spiritual project (sacred stupa) in GMC, a symbolic gateway reminding visitors to enter the city with respect and reverence.
- Barchey Kuensel Chorten: A grand stupa encircled by 108 smaller stupas, representing universal peace and wellbeing.
- Dorden Tashi Gomang Chorten: Inspired by the Dorjidhen Stupa of Bodh Gaya, this stupa-temple serves as a replica of Buddha’s enlightenment site for the visitors.
- Drikung Kangyur Labyrinth: A contemplative labyrinth infused with sacred Buddhist scriptures to guide mindfulness and a reflective walk.
- Druk Ugyen Samye Ling: A spiritual site to uphold the Buddha Dharma in keeping with Bhutan’s profound spiritual lineage.
- Gelephu Dzong (Vajrayana Centre): A majestic fortress modeled after the Paro Rinpung Dzong for comprehensive Vajrayana studies, sacred arts, living Buddhist heritage, and ritual practices.
- Gelephu Maitreya Temple: A temple dedicated to Maitreya, the future Buddha, symbolizing compassion and the promise of future enlightenment.
- Gyenyen Nyekhang: A shrine to honor Gyenyen Jakpa Melen, the protector deity of Gelephu, inspired by the design of Dechenphu Lhakhang in Thimphu.
- Kesang Do-Ngak Shedrupling: A higher Buddhist institute offering advanced degrees that blend Buddhist studies with deep contemplative practice.
- Kurkulee Centre: A sacred mandala geometry center, enshrining the Kurkulee Tara statue to guide visitors on their mindful spiritual journeys.
- Tara Retreat Center: A dedicated space for Tara practice and retreat programs in GMC.
- Vajrakilaya Research Centre: An international research center dedicated to preserving the esoteric Vajrakilaya teachings and rare Buddhist manuscripts.
Best Time to Visit Gelephu Mindfulness City
The best time to visit Gelephu Mindfulness City is in winter (November to March). You can visit the major pilgrimage sites of GMC with the Bhutan Pilgrimage Package.
Conclusion
The spiritual projects of Gelephu Mindfulness City will serve as the foundation for the city’s identity and mission. As these spiritual sites come to life, GMC is poised to welcome pilgrims, scholars, meditators, and tourists from around the world, thereby enhancing Bhutan’s reputation as a global haven for mindfulness, wisdom, and sustainable development.
Enjoyed reading this blog?
