Gelephu

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Gelephu
དགེ་ལེགས་ཕུག་
Thromde
Gelephu is located in Bhutan
Gelephu
Gelephu
Location in Bhutan
Coordinates: 26°52′14″N 90°29′8″E / 26.87056°N 90.48556°E / 26.87056; 90.48556
Country Bhutan
DistrictSarpang District
Gelephu ThromdeJuly 2010
Government
 • ThromponTshering Norbu
 • DrangponKarma Dorji
Area
 • Thromde
11.5 km2 (4.4 sq mi)
 • Urban
11.52 km2 (4.45 sq mi)
Elevation
221 m (725 ft)
Population
 (2017)
 • Thromde
9,858
 • Density860/km2 (2,200/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+6 (BTT)
Websitegcc.bt/node/1

Gelephu (Dzongkha: དགེ་ལེགས་ཕུ་; Wylie: dge-legs-phu), also spelled as Gelyephug, Gelegphu,[1][2] Gaylegphug, or Gaylephug,[3] (IATA: GLU) is a town or Thromde in Sarpang District in Bhutan.[1] It is located on the Indian border, about 30 km to the east of Sarpang, the Dzongkhag (District) headquarters,[4] and has a population of 9,858 as per the 2017 census.[5] It is one of the border markets and road entry points into Bhutan from India;[6] Phuntsholing to its west and Samdrup Jongkhar to its east are two other border market road entry points into Bhutan.

Gelephu is located near the border with Assam, India. Positioned along the banks of the Mao River, it serves as a key commercial and transit hub, connecting Bhutan to India via the Gelephu–Kokrajhar road and the proposed Gelephu–Kokrajhar railway link.

The Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is an planned zero-carbon urban development project initiated by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in December 2023, aiming to blend Bhutanese cultural values, sustainability, and economic growth. GMC is a special administrative region in Gelephu, separate from Bhutan's existing laws. Strategically located on the border with India to leverage regional connectivity betweem South Asia and South East Asia, it will cover an area of 2,500 square kilometers, or three times the size of Singapore.[7][8]

Gelephu is also home to the Gelephu Central Regional Referral Hospital and is set to host Bhutan's second international airport by 2029, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group. [9][10][11]

History

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Early Settlement and Indigenous Inhabitants

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Gelephu, situated in the subtropical plains of Sarpang District in southern Bhutan, has long been home to indigenous communities, notably the Lhotshampa people of Nepali descent. The fertile lands along the Mao River supported early agrarian settlements, with rice cultivation and livestock rearing forming the backbone of the local economy. Historical records suggest that Gelephu was part of ancient trade routes connecting Bhutan to neighboring regions in Assam, India, facilitating the exchange of goods such as grains and handicrafts. These early communities developed a rich cultural tapestry, blending Bhutanese and Nepali traditions, though detailed archaeological evidence remains limited. [12]

Emergence as a Trading Hub (19th–Early 20th Century)

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By the 19th century, Gelephu’s strategic location near the Indian border established it as a key trading hub. The town became a vital link for cross-border commerce, with merchants trading agricultural products, timber, and textiles between Bhutan and Assam. This period saw the development of informal markets and seasonal trade fairs, strengthening economic and cultural ties with India. The formalization of border checkpoints in the early 20th century, following Bhutan’s consolidation under the Wangchuck dynasty, enhanced Gelephu’s role as a gateway. Basic road networks began to emerge, connecting Gelephu to other Bhutanese towns and facilitating the movement of goods and people. The Lhotshampa community played a significant role in shaping the town’s multicultural identity during this time. [13]

In the 1960s, the original settlement was moved from the banks of Mo Chhu to the present area, which used to be known as Hati Sahar (elephant place).[14]

Modern Development (1970s–2000s)

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Under the reign of the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, Gelephu underwent significant modernization as part of Bhutan’s broader development initiatives guided by the Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy. In the 1970s and 1980s, the town saw improvements in infrastructure, including the establishment of the Gelephu Central Regional Referral Hospital and several educational institutions, which bolstered healthcare and literacy in the region. The construction of the Gelephu Airport in 2011, one of Bhutan’s four domestic airports at the time, marked a pivotal moment, enabling better connectivity within the country despite its initial capacity for only small aircraft. Additionally, a small-scale industrial estate was developed to promote local employment, though agriculture remained the dominant economic activity. The transition to a constitutional monarchy in 2008 further integrated Gelephu into national development plans, emphasizing sustainable growth and regional equity. [15]

Urban development

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Gelephu Thromde has 11.52 km2 planning boundary area which can be increased further. It has 6 sub zones (Demkhong) listed as 1. Trashiling, 2. Namkhaling, 3. Jampeling, 4. Rabtengling, 5. Samdrupling, 6. Sonam Gatsel. Core market area is very close to the Indo-Bhutan border. Ashish Kumar Chauhan is also one of the Urban Planner while delineating the boundaries of Industrial Area Plan and Local Area Plan 4 & 5.[16]

One theme of the Gelephu Plan is to develop inter-linked open-green spaces for use as recreation, sports, walking, cycling, exercising and play gardens that can provide an excellent opportunity to promote planned growth of Gelephu unlike many other settlements.[14]

In December 2023, during the 116th National Day celebration, King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck unveiled a project to establish a Special Administrative Region in Gelephu called Gelephu Mindfulness City[17] or the Gelephu Special Administrative Region. The project spans 1,000 square kilometers. Inspired by Bhutanese culture and Gross National Happiness principles, the plan includes an international airport, railways, a hydroelectric dam, and diverse public spaces.[18][19]

The Construction Development Corporation Limited (CDCL), fully owned by the Royal Government of Bhutan, following a 1996-1997 merger and subsequently upgraded the Gelephu workshop which now serves CDCL's Sarpang, Phuentsholing, and Zhemgang Field Divisions, covering a wide central region, with field support from workshops in Sarpang and Mangdechu.[20][21]

Trade and commerce

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Post office in Gelephu

The location of Gelephu is favorable for cross-border trade between India and Bhutan.[22] From that Indo-Bhutan border gate Bongaigaon, the sixth largest city of Ainamssamerging as business node for the economics affairs i.e., business dealing & logistic supports is 78 km away.

India continues to play a pivotal role in the GMC project, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing support during discussions with Bhutanese leadership. A roadshow in August 2024, organized by the Punjab, Haryana, Delhi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted opportunities for Indian investment in infrastructure, hospitality, and wellness sectors. Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, speaking at the International Cooperative Alliance conference in New Delhi on November 25, 2024, described the GMC as a "co-operative project" spanning 2,500 square kilometers, emphasizing its zero-carbon goals. The proposed 69.04-km Gelephu-Kokrajhar railway link, awaiting Indian government approval as of July 2025, aims to boost regional trade and connectivity. [23][24][25]

Transport

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See also: Transport in Bhutan and Rail transport in Bhutan

Gelephu Airport was completed in 2012, after being planned in the early 2000s.[26][27] In 2023, it was announced that a new international airport would be built as part of the proposed Gelephu Special Administrative Region. The existing domestic airport will remain operational.[28][29]

In July 2025, construction of the Gelephu International Airport (GIA), a key component of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, began with a groundbreaking ceremony on July 8, 2025, attended by Their Majesties and senior officials. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the airport integrates Bhutanese cultural elements and aims to be a carbon-neutral mobility hub with public transport options like trackless trams. Set to open by 2029, it will serve as Bhutan's second international gateway, enhancing regional connectivity with Assam, India, and supporting trade and tourism. Over 3,000 volunteers have contributed to the project, with ongoing royal support. [30][31]

Health

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In July 2025, the Gelephu Central Regional Referral Hospital (CRRH) established a Health and Medical Research Centre in July 2025, aiming to become a global leader within the GMC framework. [32][33]

Tourism

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Key attractions include the Gelephu Tshachu (a hot spring in the southern plains of Gelephu known for its miraculous healing power and properties, inaugurated by the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in 1962),[34] Royal Manas National Park, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Nyimalung Monastery, Tali Monastery, and Threma Lhakhang (temple).

In August 2025, the local hospitality sector reported a post-pandemic recovery, with hotels and restaurants experiencing increased visitor numbers in August 2025, driven by the GMC's growing prominence as a tourist destination. [35]

Climate

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Climate data for Gelephu (Bhur), elevation 375 m (1,230 ft), (1996–2017 normals)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 30.0
(86.0) 		35.0
(95.0) 		33.2
(91.8) 		36.4
(97.5) 		37.0
(98.6) 		36.0
(96.8) 		38.5
(101.3) 		38.8
(101.8) 		39.0
(102.2) 		37.0
(98.6) 		35.0
(95.0) 		32.0
(89.6) 		39.0
(102.2)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 22.3
(72.1) 		24.0
(75.2) 		26.4
(79.5) 		27.6
(81.7) 		28.8
(83.8) 		29.1
(84.4) 		29.5
(85.1) 		30.2
(86.4) 		29.6
(85.3) 		28.7
(83.7) 		26.3
(79.3) 		23.8
(74.8) 		27.2
(80.9)
Daily mean °C (°F) 17.8
(64.0) 		19.9
(67.8) 		22.4
(72.3) 		24.2
(75.6) 		25.6
(78.1) 		26.3
(79.3) 		26.7
(80.1) 		27.2
(81.0) 		26.5
(79.7) 		24.9
(76.8) 		22.0
(71.6) 		19.3
(66.7) 		23.6
(74.4)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 13.2
(55.8) 		15.8
(60.4) 		18.4
(65.1) 		20.7
(69.3) 		22.4
(72.3) 		23.5
(74.3) 		23.9
(75.0) 		24.2
(75.6) 		23.4
(74.1) 		21.1
(70.0) 		17.7
(63.9) 		14.7
(58.5) 		19.9
(67.9)
Record low °C (°F) 6.0
(42.8) 		8.0
(46.4) 		10.0
(50.0) 		13.0
(55.4) 		15.5
(59.9) 		18.2
(64.8) 		19.0
(66.2) 		19.5
(67.1) 		18.5
(65.3) 		15.0
(59.0) 		10.5
(50.9) 		7.0
(44.6) 		6.0
(42.8)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 16.6
(0.65) 		29.0
(1.14) 		73.6
(2.90) 		237.3
(9.34) 		445.6
(17.54) 		1,032.7
(40.66) 		1,313.7
(51.72) 		1,051.9
(41.41) 		686.2
(27.02) 		192.7
(7.59) 		16.3
(0.64) 		10.0
(0.39) 		5,105.6
(201)
Average rainy days 2.0 3.2 6.5 13.3 18.7 23.2 25.6 23.8 19.0 8.6 1.7 1.7 147.3
Average relative humidity (%) 70.2 68.9 69.2 78.8 82.0 86.5 87.5 85.9 83.5 76.6 71.9 70.5 77.6
Source 1: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology[36]
Source 2: World Meteorological Organization (rainy days 1996–2018)[37]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Gelephu Throm". Gelephu Official Website. Retrieved 18 Sep 2025.
  2. ^ "Sarpang Gelephu Official Government Site". Sarpang Gelephu Official Government Site. Retrieved 18 Sep 2025.
  3. ^ ""Change of name of Post Offices in Bhutan by Leo van der Velden in Postal Himal no.162, 2nd Quarter 2015"" (PDF). Post-Himal. Retrieved 18 Sep 2025.
  4. ^ "Gelephu Structural Plan: Foreword". Gelephu Structural Plan. Archived from the original on 2010-03-13. Retrieved 2010-10-11.
  5. ^ "Gelephu Statistics". Gelephu Official Website Statistics. Retrieved 18 Sep 2025.
  6. ^ "An Ethnographic Insight on Border-Markets: Reflections from the Indo-Bhutan Border], sadf.eu, accessed 23 October 2024". South Asian Democratic Forum. 17 Jun 2020. Retrieved 18 Sep 2025.
  7. ^ "Bhutan King announces mega Gelephu city project along Indo-Bhutan border". India Today NE. 2023-12-17. Retrieved 2023-12-17.
  8. ^ भूटान में बन रहा 'नई दुनिया' का अनोखा शहर, सिंगापुर से 3 गुना बड़ा आकार, दिखेगा प्रकृति का असली स्वरूप, indiatv.in, 21 Jan 2025.
  9. ^ "Gelephu Mindfulness City: A Vision for Sustainable Development". Daily Bhutan. 2023-12-18. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  10. ^ "From Vision to Runway: Gelephu International Airport Breaks Ground". Daily Bhutan. 2025-07-09. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  11. ^ "Gelephu–Kokrajhar railway project awaits final go-ahead". Kuensel Online. 2025-07-14. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  12. ^ "History of Southern Bhutan: Early Trade and Settlement". Best of Bhutan Tours. 2024-09-14. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  13. ^ "Gelephu: A Historical Overview of Trade and Culture". Bhutan Watch. 2023-06-10. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  14. ^ a b "Background History". Gelephu Thromde. Archived from the original on 2014-10-23.
  15. ^ "Gelephu Airport: A Historical Milestone". Anti Aero. 2023-08-15. Retrieved 2025-09-18."Modernization of Gelephu: 1970s to 2000s". Best of Bhutan Tours. 2024-09-14. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  16. ^ http://www.land.gov.bt Archived December 19, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  17. ^ see its official website gmc.bt
  18. ^ Emerson, Sarah. "A Thiel-Backed Startup Pitched A Futuristic City In Bhutan. Its Dragon King Is Building It Without Them". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  19. ^ News Desk (2023-12-22). "Plans for "Mindfulness City" in Gelephu Unveiled". The Bhutan Live. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
  20. ^ "Bhutan Auto - Let's build Trust with Truth". Archived from the original on 2020-02-18. Retrieved 2022-02-27.
  21. ^ http://www.cdcl.bt/index.php/80-about-cdcl/80-regional-workshops[permanent dead link]
  22. ^ "How an Indo-Bhutan Border Market Has Moved Beyond Narratives of Conflict and Security". The Wire. Retrieved 2023-12-25.
  23. ^ "India must stay invested in Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City". Awaz The Voice. 2025-08-31. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  24. ^ "As India inaugurates global co-operatives alliance, Bhutan pitches Gelephu as biggest co-operative project". The Hindu. 2024-11-25. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  25. ^ "Gelephu–Kokrajhar railway project awaits final go-ahead". Kuensel Online. 2025-07-14. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  26. ^ Dorji, Gyalsten K (2011-04-11). "Two Tenders, No Bids". Kuensel online. Archived from the original on 2013-06-05. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
  27. ^ "Gelephu airport inaugurated". Little Bhutan. 2012-10-25. Retrieved 2022-06-01.
  28. ^ Newspaper, Bhutan's Daily. "Master plan begins for international airport in Gelephu". Kuensel Online. Archived from the original on 2024-03-24. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  29. ^ Mattoo, Shashank (2024-01-31). "India to help Bhutan develop Gelephu airport". mint. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  30. ^ "From Vision to Runway: Gelephu International Airport Breaks Ground". Daily Bhutan. 2025-07-09. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  31. ^ "BIG Unveils Design for Bhutan's Gelephu International Airport, to Be Showcased at Venice Biennale 2025". ArchDaily. 2025-03-06. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  32. ^ "Gelephu CRRH opens medical research centre with global aspirations". Kuensel Online. 2025-07-21. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  33. ^ Quendren, Lhakpa (1 April 2025). "Cataract surgeries restore vision for 303 eye patients in Bhutan's Thimphu, Gelephu". Asia News Network. Retrieved 18 Sep 2025.
  34. ^ "Gelephu Tshachu, a Hot Spring that cures Illnesses and gives Glowing Skin". bhutanpilgrimage.com. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
  35. ^ "Gelephu hospitality sector sees post-pandemic uptick". Kuensel Online. 2025-08-14. Retrieved 2025-09-18.
  36. ^ "Climate Data Book of Bhutan, 2018" (PDF). National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  37. ^ "World Weather Information Service – Bhur". World Meteorological Organization. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
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