Bhutan is building a new 'mindfulness city' with an international airport

The happiest nation in the world is set to build a new ‘mindfulness city’ that’s positioned to be a major drawcard for wellness tourism.

Tucked away in the Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan is often regarded as one of the happiest nations in the world. It’s the last stronghold of Vajrayana Buddhism, and even measures the collective wellbeing of its citizens through a Gross National Happiness Index (GNH). In keeping with its emphasis on prosperity, Bhutan is developing a sustainable wellness hub in the country’s south, near the border with India’s Sikkim region.

Gelephu Mindfulness City will be built in harmony with the waterways and landscapes. (Image: Bjarke Ingels Group)

Gelephu Mindfulness City is a visionary pathway to creating new opportunities in connectivity, education, and green investments for its citizens, all while boosting Bhutan’s GNH. It will be built in harmony with the region’s abundant waterways and rivers, forming ‘ribbon-like’ neighbourhoods connected by innovative ‘inhabitable bridges’. The city is slated to become a major player in worldwide wellness tourism, with a health centre, Vajrayana spiritual centre, and a cultural centre for visitors to learn about and experience Bhutanese tradition.

The city will be connected by ‘inhabitable bridges’. (Image: Bjarke Ingels Group)

At the heart of this ambitious plan is a new international airport, which will play a key role in enhancing connectivity and transforming Gelephu into a mindfulness hub. But this is truly an airport like no other, much like the city itself.

The new international airport is slated to open in 2029, making this hard-to-reach nation more accessible. (Image: Bjarke Ingels Group)

The architecture of the airport sets the tone for the city’s concept of harmony with nature, designed to resemble a stylized mountain range from a distance. Details will evoke a strong sense of place, with intricate wood carvings depicting dragons embellishing the airport. The design of the project is helmed by Danish design firm Bjarke Ingels Group, also known for major projects like Google’s Silicon Valley headquarters as well as Denmark’s sustainable waste-to-energy power plant CopenHill.

The airport will be designed to mimic the mountain ranges characteristic of the region. (Image: Bjarke Ingels Group)

Slated to open in 2029, the new mindfulness city and airport will make Bhutan more accessible, encourage visitation and create more local opportunities. It will be the second international airport in the country, joining the airport in the capital of Paro.