Last week, His Majesty the fifth King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, visited the upcoming site of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) from 3–4 December. He reviewed, according to the website Daily Bhutan, “progress on key Gelephu Mindfulness City initiatives, including Sarpang Dzong and the new international airport.” (Daily Bhutan) A post from His Majesty’s official Facebook account showcased sweeping views of the expansive construction site, which lies on Bhutan’s southern plains and borders India’s State of Assam.
The Facebook post also highlighted His Majesty audiences with the Pelsups, who are participants of the Pelsung program. Pelsung is described as the “flagship youth initiative of GMC, created to build a disciplined, capable, and future-ready generation.” (Facebook) His Majesty granted personal audiences to the first and second cohorts, with the second cohort of 350 Pelsups having just completed their DeSuung Training, the foundational first phase of the Pelsung Program, and held their Passing Out Parade on 5 December. (Daily Bhutan) The first cohort, having completed their DeSuung Training, are in their second phase, which consists of innovation and GMC immersion.
“Pelsung” translates to “guardians of prosperity” and was launched on 7 October 2025 as a national initiative in Bhutan aimed at young Bhutanese specifically for GMC development. His Majesty stated at program launch that the Pelsung program, which is a three-month program that will conclude in December, “is intended to empower Bhutanese, strengthen unity and harmony, and ensure that Bhutanese themselves become the custodians of the country’s long-term vision.” (Facebook) In a small population, he has emphasized, every individual matters, and Pelsung aims to give young Bhutanese people the skills, mindset, and sense of responsibility required to become stewards of Bhutan’s future.
GMC is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) in development by the Himalayan Kingdom, which will be a “global hub for mindfulness, learning, and compassion.” (Daily Bhutan) It is described on the official website as His Majesty’s “global vision to establish His Majesty’s global vision to establish an oasis of mindfulness and prosperity amidst increasing global uncertainties and geostrategic challenges.” (Gelephu Mindfulness City) It will deploy a “diamond strategy” by providing a controlled testing ground for business and religious development, under a separate governing body from the capital at Thimphu. Successful policies and initiatives at GMC will be in time integrated into the larger Bhutanese nation.
This conception by the Druk Gyalpo of “One Country, Two Systems” is geared toward an ongoing, ever-evolving project of administrative reform and economic advancement that was initiated by His Majesty the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Nestled between Royal Manas National Park and Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and integrated with nature, GMC seeks to offer the world a catalyst for positive change and a unique path of development, that blends “traditional Bhutanese values of spirituality and harmony with nature” with “innovation, technology and economic vibrancy.” (Gelephu Mindfulness City) It will be powered by renewable energy, including geothermal and solar energy and hydropower. With particular emphasis of hydropower, GMC will develop hydropower plants intended to provide clean and renewable energy for the region, including India.
Last month, GMC teams completed an impressive 14 projects, two of which were the Kangyur Labyrinth (a landmark devoted to reflection and mindful walking) and Kesang Do Ngag Shedrupling, a global center for Buddhist learning initiated by Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche.
See more
His Majesty Meets Pelsung Cohorts and GMC Teams During Visit to Gelephu (Daily Bhutan)
Groundbreaking Ceremonies of Two Spiritual Projects in Gelephu Mindfulness City (Daily Bhutan)
Bhutan’s King Launches Pelsung: Guardians of Prosperity (Daily Bhutan)
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (Facebook)
About GMC (Gelephu Mindfulness City)
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