His Majesty Inspects Site for 108 Jangchub Chorten in Gelephu Mindfulness City
His Majesty The King visits Gelephu Mindfulness City to inspect the construction site for 108 Jangchub Chorten, an ambitious one-day construction project symbolising unity, service, and spiritual purpose.
On 24 March 2026, amid steady rain, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck visited Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) to inspect the site identified for the construction of the 108 Jangchub Chorten, a landmark initiative announced last month during the launch of the 5th Zhabtog voluntary programme.
The project represents one of the most symbolic undertakings within GMC, envisioned not only as a physical development but as a spiritual and collective expression of Bhutan’s values. Set across an 11-kilometre stretch, the chortens will form a continuous sacred landscape, reinforcing the city’s identity as a place grounded in mindfulness, unity, and purpose.
Inaugural Walk Along the 11-Kilometre Site
Accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck and officials from Gelephu Mindfulness City, His Majesty undertook the inaugural walk along the full 11-kilometre stretch where the chortens will be constructed.
Each of the 108 Jangchub Chorten is planned to stand at 15 metres tall, creating a powerful visual and spiritual presence across the landscape. The scale and alignment of the structures are expected to transform the area into a defining landmark within GMC, blending sacred architecture with the natural surroundings.
An Ambitious One-Day Construction Goal
What sets this initiative apart is its extraordinary ambition: to complete all 108 chortens within a single day.
This bold objective reflects not only logistical complexity but also a deeper intention—to demonstrate the strength of unity, coordination, and collective effort. The undertaking calls for widespread participation, careful planning, and a shared commitment to a common purpose.
The project was first announced on February 21 during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gelephu Chorten in Chuzergang. On that occasion, His Majesty spoke about the significance of the initiative and the spirit required to achieve it.
“It is an ambitious undertaking that demands courage, unity, and deep commitment. We must do it to prove to ourselves that, as we face the challenges ahead, there is no limit to what we can achieve when we stand together,” His Majesty said.
A Symbol of Unity and Collective Aspiration
Beyond its physical scale, the 108 Jangchub Chorten project carries profound symbolic meaning. The number 108 holds deep spiritual significance in Buddhism, representing completeness and the path toward enlightenment.
By bringing together individuals from across the country to contribute to a single, unified effort, the project reflects Bhutan’s enduring emphasis on community, shared responsibility, and spiritual purpose. It also aligns closely with the ethos of the Zhabtog programme, which encourages voluntary service as a means of nation-building.
Audience with the Pelsung Cohort
During his visit to Gelephu, His Majesty also granted an Audience to the third cohort of the Pelsung programme, who are currently undergoing training.
The interaction highlights the continued importance placed on nurturing a generation guided by discipline, service, and leadership—values that underpin both the Pelsung initiative and the broader vision for GMC.
Shaping the Future of GMC
The 108 Jangchub Chorten project stands as a defining milestone in the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City. It is a vision that brings together spirituality, community participation, and national aspiration in a single undertaking.
As GMC continues to take shape, projects such as this serve as powerful reminders that Bhutan’s development is not measured solely in infrastructure, but in the strength of its values, its unity, and its collective spirit.
