Gelephu is preparing to host an estimated 100,000 people on 1 November 2026, when 108 Buddhist stupas are scheduled to be completed simultaneously under Project 108.
According to officials, around 84,000 people had registered for the event by 8 October, while more than 30,000 vehicles have been registered for travel to the town. Visitors from around 20 countries are also expected to attend. Launched by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in February 2026, the initiative involves constructing 108 Jangchub Chortens, each 15 metres tall, along the Mao River. The stupas symbolise the Buddha’s enlightenment, while the number 108 holds deep spiritual significance in Buddhist traditions.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City Administration has deployed dedicated construction teams to complete the structures, with visitors expected to witness the coordinated completion and participate in religious programmes. Authorities are strengthening traffic management, public transport and accommodation arrangements amid rising demand. Most of Gelephu’s hotels are reportedly fully booked, and traffic monitoring is scheduled to begin on 20 October.
The chief abbot of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body, His Holiness the Je Khenpo, is expected to arrive on 21 October to lead prayers and blessing ceremonies ahead of the main event. Project 108 is expected to become one of the largest gatherings in Bhutan’s history, testing Gelephu’s capacity to manage a major influx of domestic and international visitors.
