Nestled amid breathtaking landscapes and majestic mountains, Gelephu Valley is evolving into a haven of mindful living and sustainable urban development. The Gelephu Mindfulness City is a visionary sanctuary where the past, present, and future harmoniously collide. Join us on this exciting journey through ‘Future Gelephu – The Mindfulness City,’ where innovation dances with tradition, and urban planning waltzes with spiritual well-being.
Together, let’s uncover the blueprint for a city that thrives on the principles of mindfulness, promising a transformative urban experience like never before.
What Is Gelephu Mindfulness City?
Gelephu Mindfulness City, officially known as the Gelephu Mindfulness City SAR (Special Administrative Region), is a visionary project by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck that is set to transform the southern valley of Bhutan.
Covering 1000 square kilometers, the master plan draws inspiration from Bhutanese culture, the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH), and spiritual heritage, aligning seamlessly with the nation’s sustainability goals as the world’s first carbon-negative country.
Strategically positioned, Gelephu Mindfulness City aims to catalyze economic growth, focusing on green technology, education, and sustainable businesses.
With its prime connectivity to South- and Southeast Asia, the city is poised to attract investments and foster conscious economic opportunities. The development plan links South Asia to Southeast Asia and underscores regional economic transformation and abundant prospects.
This initiative reflects Bhutan’s commitment to cultural and spiritual heritage, incorporating a stringent screening process for businesses and individuals to ensure alignment with the nation’s values. “Gelephu Mindfulness City” is a transformative initiative poised to bring widespread benefits to the country.
What Can You Expect From Future Gelephu?
1. Gelephu Mindfulness City: Interconnected Ecosystems
Bhutan is home to a rich biodiversity, with 70% of its land covered in forest. The Mindfulness City project aims to enhance this natural wealth by creating an interconnected network of ecosystems and vibrant neighborhoods.
Inspired by the flow of 35 rivers and streams across the site, the city’s design features ribbonlike neighborhoods resembling paddy fields, forming terraces cascading from hills to valleys. The city’s density gradually increases from rural highlands to urban lowlands, fostering a seamless transition between different living environments.
Shaped by waterways, Gelephu becomes a land of bridges, connecting nature and people, past and future, local and global. Like the traditional Dzongs, these inhabitable bridges turn into cultural landmarks, doubling as transportation infrastructure combined with civic facilities.
2. Gelephu Mindfulness City: Interlinked Culture And Communities
- Distinctive Neighborhoods Inspired By Mandala Principles
In the expansive Gelephu area, the natural landscape has given rise to 11 meticulously planned neighborhoods. These areas, influenced by Mandala principles, feature communal spaces and a strategic transition from scattered structures in the north to substantial urban buildings in the South.
- Sustainable Flood Protection And Biodiversity Corridors
To safeguard against monsoon-related flooding, paddy fields are established along rivers, serving as both protective measures and biodiversity corridors. These fields mitigate flood risks and provide safe migratory routes for local flora and fauna, including elephants.
- Inhabitable Bridges: Connecting City Domains And Destinations
Gelephu’s neighborhoods, separated by rivers, are interconnected through three mobility links known as ‘inhabitable bridges.’
Serving as transportation infrastructure and cultural hubs, each bridge caters to one of the nine domains of Gross National Happiness, connecting key city destinations, including the airport, a spiritual center, a healthcare facility, a university, and a greenhouse.
- Fusion Of Traditional And Modern: From Universities To Greenhouses
The future city hosts a university fostering education and knowledge exchange, while a hydroponic and aquaponic greenhouse showcases a blend of ancient farming methods and modern agro-science. This harmonious coexistence represents a commitment to a diverse and sustainable urban experience.
- Cultural Enrichment: Centers And Traditional Markets
Future Gelephu boasts a cultural center that immerses residents and visitors in Bhutanese culture. Additionally, a traditional market adorned with Bhutanese textiles creates a vibrant shopping destination, facilitating connectivity and offering cultural significance to the city’s inhabitants.
- Spiritual And Eco-friendly Landmarks
The network includes a hydroelectric dam shaped like the last bridge on the city’s western border. Featuring viewpoints, meditative staircases, and a temple, this landmark incorporates sustainability and spiritual elements.
The city streets, designed for intimacy, use permeable materials to enable natural stormwater absorption, promoting environmental consciousness.
In new constructions, local materials like wood, stone, and bamboo emphasize indigenous resources and traditional designs, fostering a sense of identity and sustainability within Gelephu.
3. Gelephu Mindfulness City: Sustainable And Conscious Economic Hub
Gelephu Mindfulness City is set to power Bhutan’s economy, strategically contributing through investments in green tech, education, and infrastructure.
The city’s establishment involves significant investments in key public infrastructure like roads and bridges. Sustainability is a priority, with native materials like wood, stone, and bamboo, along with permeable pavements for runoff absorption.
The project promises wide-reaching benefits, with a meticulous screening process for companies aligning with Bhutan’s values.
The invitation-only approach ensures a selection of businesses that resonate, fostering green tech investments for economic opportunities, sustainable businesses, and an empowered economic future. This positive growth will touch every corner of Bhutan, benefiting farmers and sparking local product markets.
Ultimately, Gelephu Mindfulness City stands as a beacon for a sustainable and conscious economic hub, epitomizing Bhutan’s values and shaping the nation’s economic destiny.
Why Is The Gelephu Mindfulness City Project Important?
His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck envisions Gelephu Mindfulness City as a catalyst for investments, trade, and job creation. The city will magnetize top-tier international companies, positively impacting Bhutan’s economy.
Strategic investments in public infrastructure, including roads and airports, are anticipated to amplify the project’s benefits.
Gelephu Mindfulness City is set to be a bridge between Bhutan’s rich heritage and its prosperous future, acting as a gateway to the world. This marks a pivotal moment in Bhutan’s history, shaping the nation’s trajectory toward a thriving future.
Wrapping up, we carry with us the vision of a harmonious urban haven. The convergence of tradition and innovation, sustainability, and spiritual well-being paints a picture of a city poised for greatness.
Gelephu’s journey, a testament to the transformative power of mindfulness, invites us all to envision a future where cities breathe with consciousness and purpose.
For those eager to witness this transformation firsthand, embark on an immersive experience with Druk Heritage, the trailblazing travel company bringing you up close to the heartbeat of Gelephu’s evolution.
Join us as we step into a tomorrow shaped by tradition and innovation. Explore more with Druk Heritage and be part of Gelephu’s remarkable journey!
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