Gelephu Project 108 spiritual event preparations

Bhutan is preparing for a major spiritual event in Gelephu Mindfulness City scheduled for November 1, 2026. The event, part of Project 108, involves the simultaneous completion of 108 Jangchub Chorten (Buddhist stupas), each approximately 15 meters tall, along the Mao River.

Authorities anticipate a massive gathering of roughly 100,000 visitors, including international guests from approximately 20 countries, Buddhist teachers, monks, and the Royal Family. To manage the influx, officials have registered over 30,000 vehicles and implemented extensive traffic and public transport arrangements. Local hospitality sectors report being nearly fully booked.

In response to the scale of the gathering, health authorities are coordinating emergency medical plans. This includes the deployment of approximately 200 health service providers and the establishment of a temporary 10-bed hospital at the Gyalsung Centre. Emergency measures also include the use of eight ambulances, advanced cardiac life support units, and the use of walkie-talkies provided by the World Health Organization to maintain communication in case of mobile network congestion.