Everything You Need to Know About Gelephu Mindfulness City, Bhutan

Located in the subtropical southern plains of Bhutan, Gelephu is at the heart of one of the most ambitious, forward-thinking projects in the world: the Gelephu Mindfulness City. Announced by His Majesty The King of Bhutan in December 2023, this visionary city aspires to redefine urban development by placing mindfulness, well-being, sustainability, and cultural integrity at its core. As the world faces unprecedented urban challenges, Gelephu offers a blueprint for the cities of the future—one where prosperity is measured not just by economic growth, but by the holistic happiness and flourishing of its people.

The Vision: A City Rooted in Mindfulness

The Gelephu Mindfulness City project is more than just a development plan—it is a profound statement about Bhutan’s values and global leadership in sustainable, human-centric progress. Built upon the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH), the city aims to foster a harmonious balance between economic advancement, environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and spiritual well-being.

Key Objectives

• Holistic Well-being: Promote a lifestyle centred on mindfulness, health, and happiness.

• Sustainability: Model climate-resilient urban planning and green technology.

• Economic Opportunity: Create a dynamic hub for mindful businesses, education, and innovation.

• Cultural & Spiritual Integration: Preserve and showcase Bhutanese and Himalayan traditions.

• Regional Connectivity: Serve as a gateway for Bhutan and a bridge to South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Location & Natural Setting

Gelephu lies in Sarpang District, close to the Indian border, and will soon be home to Bhutan’s new international airport. The region is rich in biodiversity, flanked by the Himalayan foothills to the north and subtropical forests to the south. Its strategic location—adjacent to Assam, India—gives it unique access for international trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

Design Philosophy & Masterplan

A City of Districts

Gelephu Mindfulness City is envisioned as a collection of distinct districts, each with its own character and focus, but all interlinked by the ethos of mindfulness and sustainability. Highlights include:

• Mindfulness & Healing Precincts: Spaces for meditation, yoga, retreats, and traditional Bhutanese medicine.

• Education & Research Hubs: Institutions dedicated to holistic education, well-being sciences, and innovation.

• Green Business & Tech Parks: For sustainable industries and mindful entrepreneurship.

• Cultural & Arts Districts: To celebrate Bhutanese heritage, performing arts, and crafts.

• Nature Corridors: Extensive green spaces, botanical gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries.

• Community Living Spaces: Pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods fostering connection and harmony.

Architecture & Urban Planning

• Eco-centric Design: Buildings blend with the landscape, using local materials and low-impact techniques.

• Smart Infrastructure: Clean energy, advanced waste management, and integrated public transport.

• Water & Biodiversity Conservation: River corridors and green belts are preserved as vital lifelines.

• Spaces for Reflection: Temples, chortens, and contemplative gardens are woven into the city fabric.

Pillars of the Mindfulness City

1. Mindful Economy

The city aims to attract global investment in mindful businesses—such as wellness tourism, sustainable tech, education, and artisanal crafts. Policies will prioritise companies and initiatives aligned with Bhutan’s GNH values, ethical governance, and community benefit.

2. Well-being & Spirituality

From meditation retreats to alternative therapies and spiritual festivals, Gelephu Mindfulness City will offer immersive experiences rooted in Bhutan’s spiritual traditions, while embracing global practices in holistic health and wellness.

3. Sustainability & Resilience

The masterplan integrates:

• Renewable Energy: Hydropower, solar, and green building standards.

• Zero-Waste Goals: Comprehensive recycling, composting, and upcycling programmes.

• Climate Resilience: Urban design to withstand floods and protect ecosystems.

4. Education & Innovation

Centres for research in happiness studies, mindfulness, and green technologies will position Gelephu as a knowledge hub. Collaboration with global universities and think tanks is central to the city’s academic ambitions.

5. Culture & Inclusivity

Bhutan’s vibrant culture is integral to the city’s identity. Expect spaces for traditional music, dance, festivals, and the arts, as well as open forums for intercultural dialogue. The city is designed to be inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.

Vision and Governance

Royal Vision

The project is the brainchild of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who envisions Gelephu as a city that embodies Bhutan's commitment to Gross National Happiness (GNH) and sustainable development. The city aims to serve as a model for mindful urban living, integrating spiritual well-being with economic progress .

Leadership Structure

To realise this vision, a robust leadership framework has been established:

• His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.

• Mun Leong Liew, former CEO of CapitaLand and Surbana Jurong, has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He brings extensive experience in urban development and infrastructure projects .

• Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering, former Prime Minister of Bhutan, has been appointed as the Governor of the Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region (SAR) .

• Joichi "Joi" Ito, a renowned technologist and former Director of the MIT Media Lab, has been named Chairman of the Gelephu Investment Development Corporation (GIDC), responsible for attracting and managing investments .

• Hobeng “HB” Lim, with a background in digital assets and fintech, has been appointed as Managing Director, focusing on developing the city's financial sector, including digital currency initiatives .

Design and Planning

Masterplan by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

The architectural and urban planning of Gelephu Mindfulness City is led by the internationally acclaimed Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), in collaboration with Arup and Cistri. The masterplan covers an area of over 1,000 square kilometres and is informed by Bhutanese culture, the principles of Gross National Happiness, and the country's strong spiritual heritage .

Key features of the design include:

• Inhabitable Bridges: The city will feature a series of bridges that are not only transportation links but also house key civic and cultural facilities, such as a new airport, a Vajrayana spiritual centre, a healthcare centre, a university, a greenhouse, a cultural centre, and a market adorned with Bhutanese textiles .

• Sustainable Architecture: Buildings will utilise local materials like wood, stone, and bamboo, inspired by traditional Bhutanese motifs. Building heights are limited to a maximum of six floors to reduce the need for structural concrete or steel.

• Ecological Integration: The city aims to amplify Bhutan's abundant biodiversity by emerging as a vibrant tapestry of interconnected ecosystems and lively neighbourhoods shaped by the flow of the 35 rivers and streams that run through the site.

Gelephu International Airport

A key component of the masterplan is the Gelephu International Airport, designed by BIG in collaboration with aviation firm NACO. The airport blends traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship with contemporary design and is expected to accommodate 1.3 million passengers annually by 2040, growing to 5.5 million by 2065 .

Economic and Legal Framework

Special Administrative Region (SAR)

Gelephu Mindfulness City operates as a Special Administrative Region, vested with independent executive, legislative, and judicial powers. This autonomy allows for the adoption of business-friendly regulations and systems, integrating sustainability, Bhutanese culture, and spirituality with modern urban planning .

Economic Clusters

The city is organised around seven key economic clusters:

1. Spirituality: Promoting mindfulness and Bhutanese cultural heritage.

2. Health and Wellness: Establishing GMC as a global destination for holistic health.

3. Education and Knowledge: Creating a “City of Mindful Learning” with world-class educational institutions.

4. Green Energy and Tech: Leveraging Bhutan’s renewable energy potential to foster innovation.

5. Finance and Digital Assets: Launching the blockchain-backed digital currency TER.

6. Agri-Tech and Forestry: Enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture practices.

7. Aviation and Logistics: Developing the Gelephu International Airport as a regional hub.

Legal Framework

The governance framework prioritises transparency and accountability, ensuring a business-friendly environment while promoting mindfulness and sustainability. The city has adopted 18 Singaporean laws as its primary legal framework and 10 Abu Dhabi Global Market Financial regulations to govern company law, taxation, and financial services .

Progress & Implementation

Royal Backing & International Interest

His Majesty The King of Bhutan’s personal commitment ensures the highest level of national support. The project has already attracted international attention, with investors and thought leaders in urban design, sustainability, and well-being eager to contribute.

Infrastructure Development

• Gelephu International Airport (under construction): Set to transform access to Bhutan.

• Integrated Check Post & Logistics Park: Enhancing trade and connectivity with India and beyond.

• Smart City Technologies: Planned rollout of broadband, green mobility, and smart utilities.

Phased Rollout

The development will be phased, prioritising ecological sensitivity and community involvement. Initial phases focus on core infrastructure, airport, river conservation, and mindful living spaces, followed by business, education, and cultural districts.

Why Gelephu Mindfulness City Matters

A Model for the World

As cities worldwide struggle with pollution, alienation, and burnout, Gelephu Mindfulness City offers an alternative—a place where economic growth and human flourishing go hand in hand. It is a living experiment in applying Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness framework on an urban scale.

Opportunities for Travellers & Investors

• Tourism: Experience Bhutanese hospitality, wellness retreats, and cultural immersion.

• Business: Invest in a next-generation city designed for impact and purpose.

• Learning: Collaborate with thought leaders in well-being, education, and sustainability.

Challenges & Aspirations

Like any bold vision, the Mindfulness City faces hurdles—balancing development with conservation, integrating traditional values with modernity, and attracting like-minded global citizens. However, with Bhutan’s leadership and commitment to the greater good, Gelephu is poised to inspire urban development far beyond its borders.

FAQs: Gelephu Mindfulness City

Q: Can visitors travel to Gelephu Mindfulness City now?
A: Gelephu is currently accessible and undergoing major infrastructure upgrades. The Mindfulness City’s core features will roll out in phases over the coming years, but travellers can already experience the region’s natural beauty and cultural sites.

Q: What is unique about the city compared to others in Asia?
A: It’s the first city in the world designed from the ground up with mindfulness and well-being as foundational pillars, fully integrated with Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness principles.

Q: Who can invest or participate in the Mindfulness City?
A: The project is open to global partners, ethical investors, scholars, wellness experts, and innovators aligned with Bhutan’s values of sustainability, harmony, and well-being.

Q: How will the city impact the local community?
A: Local people are central to the city’s development, benefiting from new jobs, educational opportunities, infrastructure, and international engagement—while their culture and environment are carefully safeguarded.

Gelephu Mindfulness City is more than just Bhutan’s next chapter—it is an invitation to the world to reimagine what a city can be. By weaving together spirituality, sustainability, culture, and mindful progress, Bhutan offers a hopeful vision for urban life in the 21st century and beyond. As the city rises from the lush plains of southern Bhutan, it promises not only a new centre of commerce and connectivity, but also a sanctuary for the soul—a true city of the future.