Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City Launches with 108 Stupas Built by 40,000 Volunteers
Bhutan has inaugurated its Gelephu Mindfulness City project with the construction of 108 Buddhist stupas along a 12km riverbank near the Indian border. Over 40,000 volunteers participated in the single-day build, attended by nearly 200,000 people, including King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The initiative aims to stimulate economic growth, attract investment in green technology and financial services, and retain young talent amid rising unemployment and skilled worker migration. The city, established by royal charter in 2024, is linked to Bhutan’s cryptocurrency ambitions and features connections to India’s rail network and a planned 2029 airport.