- Oct 06, 2025
- by Ashley Chen
- 183
Eight Spiritual Landmarks Taking Shape in Gelephu Mindfulness City
Discover the eight spiritual projects approved under Gelephu Mindfulness City, their vision, purpose, and current development status in Bhutan.
On 12 May 2025, the 15th Day of the 3rd Month in the Wood Female Snake Year, His Majesty The King officially granted Royal Kashos—sacred Royal Edicts—recognising eight spiritual projects under the Gelephu Mindfulness City Administration (GMCA). The ceremonial handover took place at Simtokha Dzong, with Gyalpoi Zimpon Dasho Ugyen Namgyel presenting the Royal Edicts in a traditional ceremony.
This historic event marked the official blessing and commencement of spiritual initiatives that will form the heart of Gelephu Mindfulness City. These eight projects lay the foundation for GMC’s identity as a global hub for mindfulness and spiritual exploration. They represent the kingdom’s spiritual depth, cultural integrity, and His Majesty’s vision of a harmonious city where ancient wisdom meets modern aspirations.
Over fifteen additional spiritual projects are also in development, awaiting detailed reports and site selection to align with the city’s overarching master plan. In addition to these, two Royal Projects have been approved for immediate construction—the Gelephu Chorten and the Guru Nangsid Zilnon Lhakhang—bringing the total number of sacred projects underway to ten. Below is an overview of the ten sacred projects and their current status.
| Project | Lead / Sponsor | Purpose / Vision | Status / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gelephu Dzong (Vajrayana Centre) | Central Monastic Body of Bhutan | A comprehensive Vajrayana training and exhibition centre dedicated to preserving sacred arts, ritual practices, and Bhutan’s living Buddhist heritage. | Design and site planning phases underway. Construction timeline yet to be announced. |
| Tashi Gomang Chorten | Lam Tshering Wangdi (under guidance of His Holiness the Je Khenpo) | Inspired by Dorjidhen Stupa in Bodh Gaya, envisioned as a spiritual and architectural landmark for global pilgrims. | Groundwork and architectural planning expected to begin soon. |
| Barchey Kuensel Chorten | Khenpo Karma Wangchuk | To be built in Samtenling, this central stupa surrounded by 108 smaller stupas will symbolise peace and universal wellbeing. | Preparatory phase in progress, with design conceptualisation underway. |
| Vajrakilaya Research Centre | Zuri Trulku | An international centre focused on the preservation of Vajrakilaya teachings, rare manuscripts, and Bhutan’s esoteric Buddhist heritage. | Expected to move into planning and resource mobilisation phase. |
| Kurkulee Centre | Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche | A centre embodying sacred mandala geometry and enshrining the Kurkulee Tara statue, designed to guide visitors on mindful spiritual journeys. | The proposed site at Pemaling, Serzhong, has been inspected by Gangtey Trulku Rinpoche and the GMC Governor. Project in design and layout phase. |
| Kesang Do Nags Shedrupling | Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche | A higher learning institute offering advanced degrees in Buddhist studies, blending scholarship and contemplative practice. | Curriculum framework and institutional planning expected to follow. |
| Kangyur Labyrinth | His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon | A contemplative space designed as a labyrinth integrating sacred Buddhist scriptures to inspire reflection and mindfulness. | Concept design in development. |
| Gyenyen Nyekhang | Trulku Marp | A sacred site honouring Gyenyen Jakpa Melen, the protector deity of Gelephu, modelled after the revered Dechenphu Temple. | Early stages of site selection and planning underway. |
| Gelephu Chorten (Royal Project) | His Majesty The King | The central spiritual monument of GMC, inspired by the Jarong Khashor Stupa, symbolising unity and enlightenment. | Construction scheduled to commence immediately under royal initiative. |
| Guru Nangsid Zilnon Lhakhang (Royal Project) | His Majesty The King | A temple modelled after Kurje Lhakhang in Bumthang, dedicated to Guru Nangsid Zilnon—a manifestation of Guru Rinpoche revered for removing obstacles and negativity. | Approved as a Royal Project with immediate commencement. |
These projects together form the spiritual backbone of Gelephu Mindfulness City, envisioned to be a place where spiritual pursuit and mindful living meet Bhutan’s sustainable and compassionate development philosophy. The granting of Royal Kashos not only confers legitimacy but also ensures sacred guidance and continuity for generations to come.
In many parts of the world, urbanisation often means detachment from nature and spirituality. Yet in Bhutan, the vision is quite the opposite. Gelephu Mindfulness City seeks to demonstrate that progress can coexist with sacred wisdom—that a city can grow without losing its soul. From the towering Gelephu Dzong and the intricately designed stupas to contemplative spaces like the Kangyur Labyrinth, every project invites introspection and reverence, reminding residents and visitors alike that the ultimate development goal is inner peace and collective wellbeing.
While many of these projects are still in their design and planning stages, the Royal Kashos themselves carry profound spiritual significance. They are not merely administrative approvals but sacred authorisations that link the projects directly to the blessings and protection of His Majesty the King. This act ensures that Gelephu Mindfulness City is built upon a spiritually consecrated foundation, where every structure and ritual aligns with Bhutan’s broader vision of Gross National Happiness.