Gelephu Mindfulness City represents Bhutan's bold vision for the future—a groundbreaking urban development that integrates the nation's Gross National Happiness philosophy with cutting-edge sustainable design and economic innovation.
Spanning over 2,000 square kilometers near Bhutan's southern border with India, this Special Administrative Region (SAR) aims to become a global model for environmentally conscious and spiritually enriching urban living.
A City Built on Mindfulness
Spearheaded by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Gelephu Mindfulness City is designed to be an urban area devoted to wellbeing, sustainability, and holistic development. The project embodies Bhutan's unique Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy, which prioritizes psychological wellbeing, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability alongside economic growth.
Designed by the renowned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the masterplan features innovative "inhabitable bridges" that house essential facilities tailored to the nine domains of GNH, including a Vajrayana spiritual center, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and cultural centers.
Pillars of Innovation
Carbon-Neutral Design
All buildings designed to be carbon-neutral, powered by renewable energy sources including hydroelectric power.
Economic Innovation
Special Administrative Region status creates a business-friendly environment for companies aligned with Bhutan's sustainable values.
Community Wellbeing
Urban design prioritizes mental health, social connection, and access to nature—integrating mindfulness into daily life.
Modern Infrastructure
New international airport, railway connections, and state-of-the-art facilities while respecting Bhutanese architectural traditions.
The Masterplan
Bjarke Ingels Group's visionary design features a series of "inhabitable bridges" that span rivers and valleys, creating interconnected neighborhoods while preserving natural landscapes. Each bridge is dedicated to one of the nine domains of Gross National Happiness.
New International Airport
Groundbreaking ceremony held in December 2023, enhancing global connectivity.
Railway Connections
Modern rail infrastructure linking Gelephu to regional and international networks.
Hydroelectric Dam
Renewable energy source powering the entire city with clean electricity.
Nine GNH Bridges
Each bridge houses facilities for spiritual practice, healthcare, education, culture, and more.
Economic Transformation
Gelephu Mindfulness City is designated as a Special Administrative Region (SAR), granting it legal independence and executive autonomy. This status creates a business-friendly environment for companies that align with Bhutan's values of sustainable and equitable development.
The project aims to address poverty and youth unemployment by creating thousands of jobs across various sectors, attracting foreign direct investment, and leveraging sustainability as an economic engine. The city will serve as a hub for green technology, mindful business practices, and innovative social enterprises.
- Thousands of new jobs across multiple sectors
- Attraction of sustainable foreign investment
- Hub for green technology and innovation
- Support for social enterprises and mindful business
- Economic opportunities aligned with GNH values
- Model for poverty reduction through sustainable development
Witness the Future of Bhutan
While Gelephu Mindfulness City is still under development, the region offers fascinating insights into Bhutan's vision for sustainable urban living. We can arrange visits to the project site, meetings with planners and architects, and explorations of the surrounding area.
Experience this groundbreaking project as part of your tailored Bhutan journey and witness how ancient wisdom meets modern innovation in the Last Himalayan Kingdom.
Include Gelephu in Your Journey