Project 108: Bhutan Raises 108 Stupas in Gelephu

On Sunday 1 November 2026, volunteers raised 108 Jangchub Chortens (stupas) in a single day along the Mau Chhu river in Gelephu Mindfulness City, southern Bhutan. Each chorten is about 15 metres tall and stands 108 metres from the next, forming a line of roughly 12 kilometres. Officials told AFP that more than 40,000 volunteers took part. Official Project 108 website.

Project 108 is a Royal Initiative of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who announced it on 21 February 2026. The day also marked the anniversary of His Majesty’s coronation. This article summarises what happened, why the number 108 matters and what it means for travellers planning a visit to Bhutan.

What is Project 108?

Project 108 set out to build 108 identical chortens together, within a single day, as a collective act of merit and a spiritual foundation for Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The organisers describe each chorten as sealed and filled with prayers, blessings and sacred texts. Project 108 overview.

The chortens stand in single file along the Mau Chhu (also spelled Mao Chhu) in Bhutan’s southern foothills, near the border with Assam in India. Volunteers started work after midnight, and the King said in his address that the raising had been completed successfully. AFP report, 1 November 2026.

What is a Jangchub Chorten?

The Jangchub Chorten, or Bodhi Stupa, is one of the eight classical stupa types. It commemorates the Buddha’s attainment of full enlightenment. Bhutan Broadcasting Service.

The organisers list seven architectural elements, from the ground up: a stepped base, a niche, the dome, thirteen rings, a parasol, a moon-sun-flame finial and its pedestal. Project 108 design notes.

Why 108?

In Bhutanese Buddhism, 108 is a deeply auspicious number. Bhutan Broadcasting Service gives several reasons:

• It corresponds to the 108 afflictive emotions that the chortens symbolically help overcome. A prayer rosary has 108 beads for the same reason.
• The Kangyur, the collected teachings of the Buddha, fills 108 volumes.
• Tradition holds that the seventh-century Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo built 108 temples in a single day. Two are said to stand in Bhutan: Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang.

BBS: why 108 matters.

Many visitors already know the 108 chortens at Dochula Pass, on the road between Thimphu and Punakha. The Gelephu chortens are a separate, much larger project in the south of the country.

What happens next?

The organisers’ published timeline continues after the raising:

Date	Milestone
1 November 2026	All 108 chortens raised; placing of offerings opens
15 November 2026	Placing closes and offerings are sealed
21 February 2027	Sealed offerings revealed

The organisers say the offerings include consecration by Buddhist masters. Check the official Project 108 website for the latest arrangements; contact the organisers at 108@gmc.bt for participation questions.

Can travellers visit the 108 chortens?

The organisers have not yet published visitor arrangements for the chortens after the event. Until they do, treat a visit as something to confirm close to your travel dates, rather than a fixed itinerary stop.

If you are travelling to Gelephu, you can already visit established places such as Tharpaling Guru Lhakhang and the Gelephu Tshachu hot springs. Our Gelephu Mindfulness City guide explains how to reach Gelephu, how long to stay and how it fits a wider Bhutan journey.

At any chorten, follow local custom: walk around it clockwise, dress modestly and ask before photographing people at prayer.

Frequently asked questions

When were the 108 stupas raised in Gelephu?

On Sunday 1 November 2026, in a single day. Volunteers began work after midnight.

Where are the Project 108 chortens?

Along the Mau Chhu river in Gelephu Mindfulness City, southern Bhutan. They form a single line of roughly 12 kilometres, with 108 metres between each chorten.

How big is each chorten?

Each Jangchub Chorten is about 15 metres tall.

Are these the same as the Dochula chortens?

No. The 108 chortens at Dochula Pass, between Thimphu and Punakha, are a separate monument. The Project 108 chortens are in Gelephu, in the far south of Bhutan.

Can I include the 108 chortens in a Bhutan tour?

Visitor access has not yet been announced. Tell us your travel dates and we will check the current arrangements before including a visit in your written itinerary.

Plan a journey to southern Bhutan

If you would like to see Gelephu as part of your Bhutan journey, tell Exodus Himalaya Tours your dates, nationality, group size and interests. Send an enquiry, message us on WhatsApp, or email info@exodushimalayatours.com.