Royal Presence Marks Sacred and Strategic Milestones for Gelephu Mindfulness City
Bhutan’s Royal Family graces the consecration of Ugyen Norlha Chorten and groundbreaking of Gelephu Chorten, marking major milestones for Gelephu Mindfulness City with over 16,000 Zhabtog volunteers.
On 21 February, His Majesty King Jigme Khesar, His Majesty the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers, and Members of the Royal Family graced the consecration of the Ugyen Norlha Chorten and the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gelephu Chorten — significant milestones in the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
Their Majesties also joined more than 16,000 volunteers taking part in the fifth round of Zhabtog (volunteer service), underscoring the national spirit of collective service driving the GMC vision.
The Ugyen Norlha Chorten, dedicated to Guru Rinpoche’s manifestation of prosperity, was consecrated as the first sacred landmark completed within GMC. Built to commemorate the birth of Her Royal Highness Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck, the Chorten stands as a symbol of auspicious beginnings and embodies the vision and aspirations of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Their Majesties and Members of the Royal Family later attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gelephu Chorten in Chuzergang, situated at the heart of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Modelled after the revered Jarung Khashor stupa, the Gelephu Chorten will rise to a height of 80 metres, symbolising the 80 years of the Buddha’s life on earth. The ceremony was attended by more than 16,000 volunteers participating in the fifth Zhabtog Programme for GMC.
His Majesty’s Message of Gratitude and Unity
During the occasion, His Majesty expressed deep gratitude to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, who wished to personally take part in the fifth Zhabtog programme.
“His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo’s life’s work is the foundation of everything we are today. Whatever strength and capability we possess come from what His Majesty has built for us and taught us,” His Majesty said. “His Majesty speaks often about Gelephu Mindfulness City and the importance of its success for our future. He shares its vision with others, encourages its progress, and continues to champion its success. His Majesty’s wish to join this volunteer programme is deeply humbling and truly auspicious.”
His Majesty also thanked the volunteers for their wholehearted commitment, reflecting the strong sense of responsibility shared by Bhutanese across all sections of society.
Ambitious Vision: 108 Jangchub Chortens
His Majesty further announced an upcoming initiative to build 108 Jangchub Chorten stupas along an 11-kilometre stretch — each standing 15 metres tall — and to complete them within a single day.
“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.
Expressing confidence in the people of Bhutan, His Majesty added:
“I tell well-wishers of Bhutan that I am not the superstar — it is my people who are the superstars. My role is to recognise talent and strength where they exist, to place each person where they can excel, and to encourage them to rise higher and fulfil their potential. Like a football coach, my responsibility is to see what each person is capable of and guide them towards excellence. I push so that you give your very best, so that we do not waste time or squander opportunities, and so that our lives are spent meaningfully in shaping a brighter future for our children.”
His Majesty also thanked steadfast supporters of GMC, beginning with the Government of India and Prime Minister Modi.
Druk Thuksey Medal Awarded to GMC Supporters
On the auspicious occasion, His Majesty awarded the Druk Thuksey Medal to Mrs. Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp and Dr. Nathawat Ahriyavraromp from MQDC, Thailand, who have been associated with GMC since its inception and have contributed incalculable support to the project, motivated by their faith in its vision from the very beginning.
Following the ceremony, Their Majesties and Members of the Royal Family, together with Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, government officials, guests, and volunteers, began the fifth round of Zhabtog work at Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Volunteers cleared the Gelephu Chorten site and surrounding areas, while others worked in identified elephant habitats to enrich them by removing invasive species, planting fodder, and maintaining drainage systems, waterholes, and salt licks. The Zhabtog programme was carried out in alignment with the overall master plan for GMC.
22 February: Inspection of Gelephu International Airport
On 22 February 2026, His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth King, Her Majesty The Queen, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers, and Members of the Royal Family visited the Gelephu International Airport to inspect progress on the ongoing construction work.
Their Majesties and Members of the Royal Family then joined volunteers of the fifth Zhabtog Programme working at various sites across Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Later, His Majesty The King granted an Audience to GMC guests, who accompanied His Majesty on a visit to Gelephu town.
23 February: Large-Scale Environmental and Sacred Works Continue
On the third day of the fifth Zhabtog Programme for Gelephu Mindfulness City, 28 teams of volunteers worked across seven sites, continuing large-scale efforts in environmental restoration and site preparation.
His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth King, Her Majesty The Queen, Their Majesties the Queen Mothers, and Members of the Royal Family joined volunteers at Central Park, a 35.5-acre designated park near Gelephu town, where 108 flowering trees were planted to ensure the park blossoms throughout the year.
At other locations, volunteers continued enriching elephant corridors and clearing land near key landmark sites within GMC.
Earlier in the day, Their Majesties and Members of the Royal Family graced the installation of the Rabsel at Genyen Neykhang in Phulari. The Genyen Neykhang, built upon the Royal Command of His Majesty The King, commenced construction in June 2025 and is modelled after Dechenphu Lhakhang in Thimphu. It will serve as a cornerstone among the sacred landmarks of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
