KINLEY KHANDU CHODEN | Thimphu
His Majesty The King granted Royal Kasho (Royal Edicts) to eight new spiritual projects at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), bringing the total number of approved sacred sites to 22.
The Kashos were granted at a ceremony held at Semtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest dzong and a historic seat of Buddhist learning on 1 May 2026. The Kashos were received by eight projects.
The projects includes Dewachen Spiritual Centre, led by Tsugla Lopen of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan, Druk Yoga and Mindfulness Centre, led by Gyalwa Dokhampa, Jampal Gyepai Dangden, by the Karma Leksheyling Foundation, Kathok Zhithro Kilkhor, led by Kathok Situ Rinpoche, Menjong (Healing Garden) with Medicinal Buddha, led by Neyphug Trulku, Peling Dzogchen Lingka, led by Sungtrul Rinpoche, Tendrel Nyensel Healing Centre, led by Chung Tulku and Varahi Mandala, led by Khandro Dorji Phagmo
The eight projects include a 200-foot stupa, a three-dimensional mandala of the bardo experience, a full sacred campus built around the vision of Amitabha’s Pure Land, healing gardens, a healing centre, retreat spaces, a yoga and mindfulness centre, and a centre for compassion and contemplative leadership. They draw from multiple Buddhist lineages, including ancient Himalayan schools, Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body, and internationally renowned teachers.
The Varahi Mandala, led by the Dorji Phagmo Foundation, carries particular significance. Dorji Phagmo is Bhutan’s most prominent female reincarnate lama, and the first female spiritual leader to be formally part of GMC’s spiritual foundations.
His Majesty declared GMC a Buddhist city with the intention of making it a home for every major Buddhist tradition. These eight kashos reflect that commitment. GMC is planned to include monasteries, retreat spaces, institutions, and research centres alongside modern sectors such as green energy, health and wellness, agritech, and financial services.
The first consecrated spiritual landmark at GMC, the Ugyen Norlha Chorten, was inaugurated on February 21, 2026. On the same day, the ground-breaking ceremony was held for the Gelephu Chorten. The 22 approved sites, initiated by recognised lamas and trulkus, form the sacred foundation on which the city is being built.
Bhutan is the last sovereign Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom. GMC is its contribution to the future of Buddhism and to the world.
