Project 108: Bhutan’s Extraordinary Line of Prayer in Gelephu

In Bhutan, sacred monuments are not merely structures to be admired. They are expressions of faith, compassion and collective aspiration.

On 1 November 2026, Bhutan will bring these values to life through an extraordinary national undertaking: Project 108 — the construction of 108 Jangchub Chortens in Gelephu Mindfulness City.

Each chorten will rise approximately 15 metres high, and the external structures of all 108 monuments are planned to be completed together in a single day. More than a construction project, it will be a shared spiritual offering—created through devotion, coordination and the strength of community.

What Is a Jangchub Chorten?

A chorten, also known as a stupa, is one of the most recognisable sacred structures found throughout Bhutan.

The word Jangchub refers to awakening or enlightenment. A Jangchub Chorten represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha and serves as a place of prayer, reflection and the accumulation of merit.

Unlike an ordinary building, a chorten is generally sealed after completion. Its interior may contain sacred texts, prayers, blessings and religious objects. For Buddhists, walking respectfully around a chorten, offering prayers or simply passing it with a mindful intention can become a meaningful spiritual act.

The architecture of each Project 108 chorten will also carry symbolic meaning. Its elements represent Buddhist teachings such as compassion, wisdom, spiritual protection, the stages toward Buddhahood, the Four Noble Truths and the foundational elements of existence.

Why the Number 108 Matters

The number 108 holds profound significance across Buddhist and Himalayan spiritual traditions.

A traditional Buddhist prayer mala contains 108 beads. The Kangyur, the translated collection of the Buddha’s teachings in the Tibetan Buddhist canon, consists of 108 volumes. The number is also associated with prayer, circumambulation, meditation and the release of afflictive emotions.

Through Project 108, this sacred number will become visible across the landscape.

The chortens will be positioned approximately 108 metres apart, following the Mau Chhu river corridor in a single procession. Together, they will extend for nearly 12 kilometres through the southern foothills of Bhutan. Rather than appearing as an isolated group of monuments, they will form what the project describes as a continuous “line of prayer.”

For future visitors, the experience may be unlike any conventional sightseeing attraction. It will offer an opportunity to encounter Bhutanese spirituality not only inside monasteries and temples, but across an entire living landscape.

Forty Thousand Volunteers, One Shared Purpose

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Project 108 is the way it will be completed.

Preparatory work—including land clearing, foundations, earthworks, material preparation and volunteer training—is being carried out in advance. On the final construction day, at least 40,000 volunteers are expected to work across the 108 sites.

The project draws upon the Bhutanese tradition of zhabto, or voluntary communal service. Zhabto is more than unpaid work. It is an offering of time, energy and effort for the benefit of others.

The volunteers are expected to include people from many walks of life: students, retirees, monks, farmers, professionals, Bhutanese communities and international supporters. No specialist construction skills are required for general volunteers; willingness, discipline and a sense of shared purpose are central to participation.

This collective effort reflects something travellers frequently notice in Bhutan: tradition is not kept behind museum glass. It remains part of daily life, community responsibility and national identity.

A New Chapter for Gelephu

Gelephu lies in southern Bhutan, where the Himalayan foothills meet the warmer plains near the Indian border. Its landscape and climate offer a different experience from the high valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Bumthang.

Project 108 will become part of the emerging vision for Gelephu Mindfulness City, placing spiritual values, purposeful development and human wellbeing at the centre of its identity.

For travellers, the project provides another reason to look beyond Bhutan’s most established tourism routes. A journey to Gelephu may eventually be combined with wildlife experiences, southern Bhutanese communities, river landscapes and visits to the country’s more familiar cultural destinations.

The chortens will not simply mark locations along a river. They will tell a larger story about the Bhutanese understanding of progress—one in which development can exist alongside spirituality, cultural continuity and responsibility toward future generations.

Why Project 108 Will Matter to Travellers

Many people travel to Bhutan in search of dramatic mountain scenery, ancient monasteries and colourful festivals. Yet the most memorable experiences often come from understanding the values behind these attractions.

Project 108 offers that deeper connection.

Visitors will be able to witness how sacred architecture, community participation and the natural environment come together in Bhutan. Every chorten will represent an individual monument, but the complete procession will express a collective aspiration: that compassion, wisdom and positive intention can extend far beyond one person or one place.

Travellers visiting during the project period may also have the opportunity to express interest in volunteering. The official Project 108 platform welcomes participation from Bhutanese citizens, international supporters and organisations, subject to the project’s registration and coordination process.

Plan Your Journey to Bhutan

Project 108 is more than an ambitious construction achievement. It is a powerful expression of what Bhutan stands for: spiritual depth, unity, service and respect for the land.

As 108 Jangchub Chortens rise along the Mau Chhu, they will create a lasting sacred journey through Gelephu—one that future generations of Bhutanese people and international visitors will be able to experience.

At Book Bhutan Tour, we believe that travelling through Bhutan should be more than moving between famous landmarks. It should help you understand the stories, beliefs and communities that make the country truly distinctive.

Whether you are interested in witnessing Project 108, exploring Gelephu or combining southern Bhutan with a wider cultural journey, our local team can help you design a thoughtful and personalised Bhutan itinerary.

Come to Bhutan not only to see a destination, but to experience a country where prayer, nature and community continue to shape the journey.

Learn More About Project 108

To find out more about this extraordinary initiative, visit the official Project 108 website: gmc.bt/108