Digital finance for the future
DK Bank is Bhutan’s pioneering digital bank, now operating as the first bank in GMC’s financial system.
Now
Bhutan is building a new economy in GMC, founded on the values and natural advantages that have shaped the country.
Kingdom of BhutanGelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)Can we change the futurewithin a generation?
At the heart of the One Country, Two Systems strategy is GMC, a special region designed to test new laws and economic systems, developing independently from the rest of the kingdom. The innovations that work in GMC will be extended nationwide, so that when the two tracks eventually converge, Bhutan succeeds as one nation.
Accelerating towards the future
A gateway to the world
Targeted for completion in 2029, Gelephu international airport will give Bhutan its first direct connections to major aviation hubs.
Powered by water and faith
A hydroelectric dam, the Sankosh temple-dam combines Bhutan’s clean energy with its spiritual tradition in a single structure.
Prayer made permanent
Project 108 consists of 108 Jangchub Chortens along 12 kilometres of the Mao river in Gelephu, a line of prayer built with the help of patrons and volunteers from around the world.
Empowering future generations
Pelsung is a national programme launched by the King in 2025, where cohorts of young Bhutanese, selected from thousands of applicants, work on real challenges from governance to urban design.
A Vision for the Future
At the forefront of Bhutan's national transformation is the bold and visionary initiative of the GMC, a highly autonomous Special Administrative Region in the south of Bhutan. Conceived under the leadership of His Majesty The King, GMC embodies a fusion of Bhutan's spiritual and environmental values with next-generation infrastructure, global connectivity, and a knowledge-based economy.
Strategically positioned as a gateway to South and Southeast Asia, GMC is envisioned as a sanctuary for mindful living, innovation, and value based high-impact enterprise.
Advancing eight industries towards a mindful future
Partners and collaborators: Bjarke Ingels Group, Arup, Bitdeer, DRW Cumberland, BTSE Bhutan, Matrixport, Cistri, NACO, ERM, Teneo, Rigsar Vajra, Changi Airport, DK Bank, Matrixdock, MQDC, Nansen, Reliance, Khaitan & Co, DHI (Druk Holding & Investments), GIDC, SATO Technologies, Government of India · Rail
Aviation and Logistics
Gelephu International Airport aims to connect Bhutan to major aviation hubs around the world and serve and complement Northeast India and South Asia as a logistics and aviation partner.
Green Energy and Technologies
GMC is envisioned as a hub for sustainable innovation, with a focus on renewable energy, such as hydropower, solar, geothermal, and emerging green technologies.
Agri-tech and Forestry
GMC aims to enhance Bhutan’s extensive forestry resources by developing forestry-tech that can support climate change goals in reducing the harmful content in construction materials. It will also tap into Bhutan’s rich and diverse biodiversity to explore how agriculture tech can be developed to enhance sustainable food production.
Finance and Digital Assets
GMC seeks a leading role in financial services and digital assets, powered by innovation in financial technology (Fintech) and blockchain. Plans include a blockchain-based token called TER, backed by physical gold.
Education and Knowledge
GMC plans to build a specialised knowledge hub to foster the exchange of ideas and innovation through an ecosystem of top institutions, bringing together Eastern wisdom with Western advancements to transform the way education is viewed across diverse disciplines.
Health and Wellness
GMC intends to establish R&D centres in medical sciences and biotechnology, to drive innovation in holistic health and traditional healing. Wellness and mindfulness retreats will offer transformative experiences in GMC.
Spiritual
GMC’s ambition is to serve as a global hub for Buddhist spiritual journeys. It will contribute to a rich tapestry of teachings, practices, and cultural exchanges, and connect GMC with the wider Buddhist sites in the region.
Tourism
GMC aspires to become a leading global destination for mindful and sustainable travel, grounded in environmental stewardship and cultural authenticity. Through wellness retreats, eco-conscious journeys, and cultural immersion, it seeks to inspire transformative experiences, empower communities, and safeguard Bhutan’s natural and spiritual heritage.
About Gelephu Mindfulness City
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