History of Gelephu

Located on the southern plains near the Indian border, Gelephu plays a vital role in the kingdom's economic life. Historically serving as a gateway to Bhutan, this city has transformed from a small trading post into one of the country's key settlements.

Foundation and First Mentions

The settlement's history is deeply rooted in the past when this area was known by the historical name Hatisar. Translated, this means "Land of Elephants," reflecting the region's rich fauna at that time. For a long period, the territory consisted of dense jungles at the foothills of the Himalayas, through which important caravan routes passed. As a permanent administrative and urban centre, Gelephu began to actively take shape in the second half of the 20th century, when the government initiated development programmes for the southern border regions.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation from a seasonal settlement into a city was driven by a fortunate combination of several factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on a fertile plain, distinguishing it from the high-altitude settlements of the rest of the country. Its proximity to the Indian state of Assam made it a natural transit point.
• Trade: For centuries, the exchange of traditional goods took place through Hatisar. Mountain residents descended here in winter to trade wool, spices, and dairy products for rice, salt, fabrics, and tools from the plains.
• Transport Accessibility: The construction of roads linking the south with central dzongs (fortresses) cemented the city's status as a crucial logistical hub.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Thanks to its location, the region was characterized by cultural diversity from the very beginning. Here, the traditions of the inhabitants of mountainous Bhutan intersected with those of the peoples of the neighbouring Indian plains, creating a unique atmosphere of openness. The early economy was built not only on trade but also on agriculture: the warm climate and flat terrain allowed for the cultivation of crops unavailable in the cold mountain valleys, such as rice, areca nut, and tropical fruits.

Key Dates in History

• Mid-20th Century: The historical trading post of Hatisar is officially renamed Gelephu, beginning its development as a permanent urban centre.
• 1960s: The start of large-scale construction of motor roads connecting the southern plains with the central districts for which Bhutan is known.
• 2010: The country's Parliament approves the boundaries of the municipality (Thromde), defining the territory for planned urban development.
• January 2011: The first municipal elections are held, forming the local administration and securing the status of a self-governing city.
• October 2012: Official opening of the domestic airport, designed to improve the region's transport accessibility.
• 2015: Commissioning of the new bridge over the Mao Chhu river, ensuring reliable communication with the city even during the monsoon season.
• 2017: Resumption of regular commercial flights linking the city with other parts of the kingdom.
• December 2023: His Majesty the King announces the launch of the strategic "Gelephu Mindfulness City" project, a Special Administrative Region.

Stages of Transformation and Their Significance

The development of the city of Gelephu is a story of the gradual transformation of a border trading post into a strategic economic hub. Each milestone in its history has not only changed the face of the city but also opened up new opportunities for the entire kingdom of Bhutan. Below are the key stages of transformation and their impact on the region.

• Granting of Thromde (Municipality) Status
  The transition to self-governance allowed for the implementation of modern urban planning standards. This launched systematic development and the creation of water supply and sewage systems, turning a chaotic settlement into an orderly city with clear zoning.
• Opening of the Domestic Airport
  The appearance of the air harbour became a symbol of technological progress and a desire for integration. The airport provided a rapid link to the western and central regions of the country, which is critically important for the development of business tourism and emergency services.
• Construction of the Bridge over the Mao Chhu River
  For a long time, the river divided the region, making crossing impossible during the monsoon season. The opening of a permanent bridge ensured year-round transport communication, uniting agricultural areas with the urban market and simplifying logistics.
• Creation of the Jigmeling Industrial Park
  The establishment of a large industrial zone in the city's vicinity marked the transition from a purely trading economy to a manufacturing one. This created a base for enterprises processing local raw materials and attracted investors.
• Rail Link Project with India
  The signing of agreements on the construction of the Kokrajhar — Gelephu line was a breakthrough in international logistics. This project aims to integrate the city into India's vast railway network, significantly reducing the cost of exporting and importing goods.
• Announcement of the "Gelephu Mindfulness City" Strategy
  The proclamation of the city as a Special Administrative Region has fundamentally changed its future. Attracting world-class architects (such as BIG) and investors aims to create a unique eco-city combining Buddhist values, high technology, and a sustainable economy.

Architectural Appearance: From Trading Post to City of the Future

The architecture of Gelephu represents a unique fusion of established traditions and bold futurism. Unlike high-altitude settlements where houses literally "cling" to steep slopes, the flat landscape allowed this city to develop freely and systematically. Here, classical Bhutanese canons meet the functionality of a border trading centre and world-class visionary projects.

Traditional Style and Modern Adaptations

Even on the southern plains, Bhutan strictly adheres to the national architectural code. Most buildings in the city, whether administrative offices or private homes, retain key elements of the historic Dzong style, adapted for modern materials:

• Decorative Wooden Elements: Multicoloured painted cornices and beams adorning facades symbolize protection and prosperity.
• Traditional Windows (Rabsel): Distinctive complex window frames, often projecting from the wall plane, give buildings a recognizable silhouette.
• Multi-tiered Roofs: Raised "floating" roofs, designed to protect against the heavy monsoon rains typical of this region.

Urban Development and Functionalism

During the period of active formation in the second half of the 20th century, the city's development was primarily utilitarian. This was the era of functionalism, where the main priority was creating efficient infrastructure for trade with India.

A distinctive feature of Gelephu's urban planning became a clear, almost regular grid of wide streets and blocks, which is extremely untypical for the winding mountain roads of the rest of the country. The city centre is formed by low-rise buildings with open verandas and galleries creating shade, which is necessary in the hot subtropical climate.

Eco-Futurism: "Mindfulness City"

The newest chapter in the region's architectural history opens with the ambitious "Gelephu Mindfulness City" master plan. Developed by the world-renowned architectural bureau BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), this concept implements principles of biophilic design and sustainable development, destined to change the face of the region in the coming decades.

Iconic elements of the new architectural identity:

• Inhabitable Bridges: A revolutionary concept where bridges across numerous rivers serve not just as transport arteries but as fully-fledged buildings — cultural centres, markets, universities, and clinics.
• Integration with the Landscape: A rejection of high-rise construction in favour of mid-rise buildings that flow seamlessly into rice terraces and forest masses, blurring the boundary between city and nature.
• Mandala Structure: The layout of new districts is inspired by the sacred geometry of Buddhism, where each quarter is formed around a community centre, fostering social interaction.

Notable Figures

The history of the city's development is inextricably linked with the names of monarchs, reformers, and modern visionaries who transformed Gelephu from a border trading post into a global project of the future.

• Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck — King of Bhutan (The Fifth Druk Gyalpo)
  The initiator and chief ideologue of the "Gelephu Mindfulness City" project. His strategic vision turned the region into a Special Administrative Region, destined to become an economic and spiritual bridge connecting Bhutan with South and Southeast Asia.
• Jigme Dorji Wangchuck — The Third King of Bhutan
  Played a key role in the integration of the southern regions in the mid-20th century. It was on his initiative that the historical settlement of Hatisar was officially renamed and began to develop as a fully-fledged Bhutanese city.
• Lopen Nyapchi — Royal Official
  A historical figure credited with the modern name of the city. According to chronicles, it was he who proposed replacing the old name "Hatisar" ("Land of Elephants") with "Gelephu" during administrative reforms to unify toponyms.
• Dasho Lotay Tshering — Statesman, Doctor
  Former Prime Minister of the country, who in 2024 was appointed the first Governor of the Special Administrative Region. Responsible for the practical implementation of the new eco-city's development strategy.
• Bjarke Ingels — Architect, Founder of BIG
  World-renowned Danish architect who developed the master plan for the "Mindfulness City" and the project for the new international airport. His concept of "inhabitable bridges" defined the unique futuristic appearance of the future metropolis.
• Jigme Singye Wangchuck — The Fourth King of Bhutan
  During his reign, the city received a powerful impulse for modernization. Under him, modern urban infrastructure was created, and the Central Regional Referral Hospital was built, becoming the most important medical institution in the south of the country.
• Mun Leong Liew — Business Leader, Executive
  Appointed the first CEO of the Mindfulness City project. Previously heading Changi Airport in Singapore, he brought advanced international experience in managing large infrastructure hubs to the project.