- Oct 29, 2026
- by Ashley Chen
- 171
Gelephu Expands Free Transport and Completes Buddhist Rituals Ahead of Project 108
Gelephu is preparing free buses and taxis for more than 200,000 people expected to attend the completion of 108 Jangchub Chortens.
Gelephu is entering the final stage of preparations for Project 108, with more than 200,000 people expected to gather for the completion of 108 Jangchub Chortens on 1 November 2026.
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Queen Jetsun Pema and their children are in Gelephu Mindfulness City ahead of the event. Buddhist teachers, international guests and visitors from across Bhutan are also expected to attend.
Free buses and taxis are being deployed to manage movement between campsites, parking areas, surrounding communities and the event grounds. The spiritual preparations have also been completed following several days of Buddhist rituals at Sarpang Dzong and the 108 construction sites.
Project 108 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main event | Completion of 108 Jangchub Chortens |
| Date | 1 November 2026 |
| Location | Gelephu Mindfulness City |
| Expected attendance | More than 200,000 people |
| Initial shuttle buses | 16 |
| Buses on 1 November | More than 130 |
| Volunteer taxis | More than 1,600 |
| Visitor helpline | Toll-free number 108 |
Event Coincides With a Major Buddhist Observance
Project 108 coincides with the Descending Day of the Buddha, an important date in the Buddhist calendar commemorating the Buddha’s return from a heavenly realm after teaching his mother.
A Jangchub Chorten, known internationally as a Stupa of Enlightenment, commemorates the Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment. Each of the 108 structures in Gelephu will stand 15 metres high.
The chortens are positioned 108 metres apart along an approximately 12-kilometre corridor beside the Mao Chhu.
Trained construction teams will complete the structures. Most visitors will observe the work from designated public areas and participate through prayer rather than entering the construction sites.
Find out more information about the architecture and symbolism through the guide to Project 108.
Free Shuttle Services Begin on 30 October
Sixteen buses will begin providing free shuttle services on 30 October. They will operate from 8am to 9pm and depart approximately every 20 minutes.
The five routes will connect Gelephu town with:
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Lodari
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Phurpa Lhakhang
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Dechenpelri
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Pemathang Chorten
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Yangtsholing Tara
The services are intended to reduce the need for private vehicles within Gelephu while helping visitors travel between their accommodation and designated transport points.
More Than 130 Buses to Operate on 1 November
More than 130 buses will operate on the main event day.
Services from designated bus stands will begin at 12:30am and continue until 9am. Buses will remain available according to demand during the day, before scheduled services resume from 3pm to 9pm.
On 2, 3 and 4 November, morning services will operate from 5:30am to 10am. Afternoon and evening services will run from 3pm to 9pm.
An official or volunteer will be assigned to each bus to assist passengers and support crowd management.
Eighteen bus terminals and 34 taxi stands have been identified across Gelephu and surrounding areas, including Sarpang, Umling and Chhuzergang.
Additional Support for Older People and People With Disabilities
Special transport arrangements are being made for people aged above 65 and people with disabilities.
Eligible passengers will be permitted to travel with a companion or caregiver. They will be dropped closer to their designated public gathering areas, referred to as zeerays in the event guidance.
Visitors requiring assistance should follow the directions of transport officials and volunteers at the bus terminals and taxi stands.
More Than 1,600 Taxis Volunteer for Free Service
Free taxi services will begin on the evening of 31 October.
More than 1,600 taxis have volunteered to transport visitors. They will supplement the bus network and connect designated parking areas, accommodation sites and event transport points.
Private vehicle movement within Gelephu will be restricted during the gathering. Drivers should use the assigned parking areas and continue their journeys by shuttle bus or taxi.
Visitors travelling through Assam can also enter through the temporary Hatisar immigration post, which is facilitating eligible international travel during the event period.
Spiritual Preparations Completed at All 108 Sites
Bhutan’s Je Khenpo, the country’s chief abbot, presided over the Sri-Non ritual at the 108 chorten sites on 28 October.
Sri-Non is a Buddhist ritual intended to subdue harmful influences and remove obstacles associated with a site before religious construction or consecration.
The Je Khenpo conducted the ritual at Chorten Nos 1 to 3, while the Dorji Lopen, one of Bhutan’s senior monastic teachers, performed it at Chorten No 108. Senior monastic officials and ritual masters conducted the rites at the remaining sites.
The ceremony followed a three-day Sri Drub at Sarpang Dzong beginning on 24 October. The prayers were conducted by the Je Khenpo and 50 drubpoens, or Buddhist ritual masters.
Together, the Sri Drub and Sri-Non completed the formal spiritual preparations for the sites.
Visitors Can Also Join Through the Project 108 Livestream
People unable to travel to Gelephu will be able to watch Project 108 through an official livestream on 1 November.
Viewers can register through the Project 108 website to receive broadcast information. The toll-free number 108 is available for questions about transport, directions, accommodation and event arrangements.
With more than 200,000 people expected, visitors should allow additional travel time, follow official traffic directions and use the free public transport provided.
The scale of the gathering will test Gelephu’s transport, accommodation, sanitation and public-safety systems. It will also bring together months of construction, religious preparation and volunteer work when the 108 chortens are completed on 1 November.