Bhutan Royal Family Graces Historic Consecration and Groundbreaking at Gelephu Mindfulness City

21 February 2026:

His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, Their Majesties the Gyalyums, 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).

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 attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gelephu Chorten in Chuzergang, situated at the heart of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).

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 5th Zhabtog Programme for GMC.

His Majesty expressed deep gratitude to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, who wished to personally take part in the 5th 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.

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.

His Majesty expressed confidence in the abilities of the people of Bhutan to achieve extraordinary things, and spoke of his role in guiding these collective efforts.

“I tell well-wishers of Bhutan that I am not the superstar- it is my people who are the superstars,” His Majesty said. “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.

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 the Prime Minister, government officials, guests, and volunteers, began the 5th round of Zhabtog work at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).

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.