Fifth Shabto Programme Draws More Than 16,000 Volunteers to Gelephu
Gelephu, Bhutan — February 2026 — As Bhutan advances plans to develop Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), thousands of volunteers from across the country have joined a nationwide effort to support the project through the Shabto Volunteer Programme, contributing voluntary service in preparation for the future city.
Shabto — Bhutan’s tradition of voluntary community service — has mobilised citizens from across the country to take part in early work preparing the landscape and infrastructure connected with one of Bhutan’s most significant development initiatives.
This article is part of an ongoing series documenting the Shabto volunteer programmes supporting the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Fifth Volunteer Programme Held in Gelephu
The fifth round of the Shabto Volunteer Programme took place in February 2026, bringing together more than 16,000 volunteers in Gelephu.
His Majesty The King, His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, Their Majesties the Gyalyums, and Members of the Royal Family joined the volunteers during the programme.
Participation reflected strong nationwide support, with thousands registering in advance and many more expressing interest in joining future volunteer rounds.
Sacred Landmarks for Gelephu Mindfulness City
The programme coincided with two important milestones in the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Their Majesties presided over the consecration of the Ugyen Norlha Chorten, the first sacred landmark completed within the GMC area. Dedicated to Guru Rinpoche’s manifestation of prosperity, the chorten was built to commemorate the birth of Her Royal Highness Gyalsem Sonam Yangden Wangchuck.
Their Majesties also attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gelephu Chorten, which will be built in Chuzergang at the centre of the future city.
Modelled after the revered Jarung Khashor stupa, the structure will rise to 80 metres, symbolising the 80 years of the Buddha’s life.
Volunteers Support Environmental and Site Development
Volunteers carried out Shabto activities across several locations aligned with the GMC master plan.
Work included clearing the Gelephu Chorten construction site, preparing surrounding areas, and supporting environmental work in nearby elephant habitats, where volunteers removed invasive plant species, planted fodder plants, and maintained waterholes, drainage systems, and salt licks.
These activities were designed to support both the ecological landscape and the future development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Recognition and Future Initiatives
During the ceremony, His Majesty awarded the Druk Thuksey Medal to Mrs. Thippaporn Ahriyavraromp and Dr. Nathawat Ahriyavraromp of MQDC, Thailand, recognising their longstanding support for the Gelephu Mindfulness City project.
His Majesty also announced a new initiative to build 108 Jangchub Chorten stupas along an 11-kilometre stretch, with each structure standing approximately 15 metres tall.
The ambitious project is intended to symbolise unity and collective effort as Bhutan moves forward with the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City.
As the development of Gelephu Mindfulness City progresses, the Shabto Volunteer Programme continues to reflect Bhutan’s tradition of collective service in support of national development.
The fifth batch also included an international participant, Elżbieta Jabłońska, head of the Bhutan Poland Friendship Society, who once again joined the Shabto programme in Gelephu, reflecting her continued commitment to the initiative.
Elżbieta Jabłońska
Bhutan-Poland Friendship Society
King site