More than 10,000 people took part in the fourth round of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) volunteer programme, which began today across multiple sites across Gelephu.
The sites include the Lotus-Born Trail, where volunteers are working on a 25-kilometre segment between Ritay and Jigmeling. The Lotus-Born Trail traces the sacred journey of Guru Padmasambhava from India through southern Bhutan to Bumthang, linking the country’s most sacred sites tied to Guru Rinpoche.
Volunteers are also engaged in clearing and restoring an 11-kilometre stretch of the Mindfulness Trail between Khempa Gang and Rai Gang. This trail is part of GMC’s broader vision to integrate nature, well-being and contemplative spaces, with works aimed at improving accessibility, safety and the overall hiking experience.
In addition, large-scale works are underway at several other locations including the Sanu Ipoly–Paitha Chhu highway corridor, Bhutanical Park, Mao River lagoons, the Wetland Park towards the international border, and the GMC nursery in Jigmeling, alongside trail, lawn and site improvement works.
Zhabto for GMC continues to receive an overwhelming response, with participants coming from all walks of life for the 4th programme. Volunteers include students, professionals, civil servants, corporate employees, monks and nuns, armed personnel, retirees, villagers from across the country, and a large number of Gelephu locals.
For this round, Pelsups have taken over responsibility for volunteer team management and catering services. The responsibility, previously shared among local authorities and other groups, has now been entrusted to Pelsups stationed in Gelephu as part of their ongoing training and role in supporting the long-term development of Gelephu Mindfulness City. The fourth GMC volunteer programme is scheduled to conclude on Friday.