Zhabtog Tourism
…in the service of Bhutan
Zhabtog Tourism
Zhabtog Tourism is a voluntary service initiative of the tourism industry of Bhutan, dedicated to transforming people and places through funding, material donations, and hands-on service.
Driven by the profound honor of the prestigious Druk Thuksey Medal and inspired by the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), Zhabtog Tourism was born out of a sacred duty to serve Bhutan. It is a calling of devotion – a shared journey to realise the vision of Bhutan.
Culturally, offering Zhabtog is seen as a way to earn merit and demonstrate loyalty to the nation. It isn’t just “work”; it’s a social glue that brings people from different backgrounds – high-ranking officials and farmers alike – to work side-by-side.
In short, if you are asked to “offer Zhabtog,” you are being invited to join a collective effort to build something that serves everyone, rooted in the Bhutanese belief that community strength comes from shared sacrifice.
Launching “Zhabtog Tourism” is very relevant to tourism in Bhutan. In a world where travelers are increasingly seeking “High Value” experiences, shifting the focus from being a tourist to being a guest steward through voluntary contribution is a perfect alignment to the tourism vision of ‘High value, Low volume’.
The Zhabtog Tourism will serve as a vital platform, mobilizing individuals, communities, and organizations – both from Bhutan and across the globe – to voluntarily contribute toward building a better Bhutan.
Taking Part
Individuals, groups and agencies can take part in Zhabtog Tourism by supporting with funds, donating materials, or hands-on service contribution. A list of activities will be implemented under Zhabtog Tourism. Some of the activities are as follows.
- Join ‘Friends of Tourism (FoT)’ program: Volunteer for our collective monitoring initiative to promote professionalism and champion service excellence across the industry.
- Upskill Tour Guides:Support advanced capacity development and certification programs to help Bhutanese guides become world-class ambassadors.
- Empower Hospitality Professionals:Fund skilling initiatives for hospitality workers to elevate service standards, increase earning potential, and unlock new career opportunities.
- Champion Safe Workspaces for Women:Invest in targeted support systems, advocacy, and infrastructure to ensure a safe, empowering working environment for female guides.
- Uplift Local Communities:Revitalize rural villages and grassroots communities, ensuring the socio-economic benefits of tourism are shared equitably.
- Expand Learning & Exchange Programs:Develop structured volunteer programs, internships, and experiential learning opportunities for local tourism partners.
- Improve Sanitation Infrastructure:Fund the maintenance of clean public restroom facilities and drive behavioral awareness campaigns to promote hygiene and user respect.
- Preserve Pristine Ecosystems:Sponsor community actions to keep trekking trails, streams, viewpoints, and campsites clean, green, and waste-free.
- Beautify Landscapes:Partner with relevant agencies to execute large-scale tree-planting initiatives and environmental landscaping projects.
- Mobilize for Event Support:Provide vital volunteer manpower to ensure the seamless execution of major national festivals and localized cultural events.
- Respond to Emergencies:Maintain a resilient, trained network of volunteers ready to assist in disaster relief and emergency situations.
These are just some of the initial ideas. A proper gathering of ideas for volunteer services or offer will be initiated to develop a comprehensive list.
Project 108
Throughout history, humanity has raised monumental structures to reflect its highest aspirations. Today, the Kingdom of Bhutan invites the world to be part of a very special undertaking, a plan to build 108 Chortens (Stupas), a living vessel of prayers, entirely by the power of collective devotion, unity, and peace in ONE day.
On 1 November 2026, in the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a historic event will unfold. In a single, coordinated day, 40,000 volunteers will join hands to build 108 Jangchub Chortens (stupas), each standing 15 meters tall. This is our sacred offering to a world that deeply needs it.
The tourism industry is joining hands to raise a minimum of USD 200,000 (Nu. 20,000,000) to sponsor one Chorten, and rally a minimum of 3,000 volunteers under the proud banner of ‘Zhabtog Tourism’ to volunteer in-person on 1st November 2026.
As the national tourism fraternity, we cannot simply be passive observers of this historic transformation. We must be its builders. These Chortens will stand for generations at the gateway of GMC. It will serve as a profound narrative point for our guides, a place of reflection for international visitors, and a physical testament to our industry’s unwavering commitment to mindful travel. This joint endeavor will powerfully demonstrate the collective strength, shared vision, and deep devotion of our tour operators, hoteliers, guides, artisans, and hospitality professionals.
To turn this vision into reality, let us join hands immediately by extending the invitation to our international guests, offering them a rare, deeply meaningful opportunity to contribute to this historic moment. Imagine the profound legacy we will create: thousands of hands from across the tourism sector working side-by-side in Gelephu to build an enduring monument of peace.
The section will have a list of individuals, groups, and agencies who take part in this historic movement.
“We know that the most extraordinary things human beings build are never built alone, but together”
GMC
Guided by the vision of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Special Administrative Region (SAR) was established under a Royal Charter as a highly autonomous region in the Kingdom of Bhutan with executive & legislative powers, and an independent judiciary.
As an SAR, GMC will operate under the concept of “One Country, Two Systems” with the mandate to adopt and adapt best governing and business practices from around the world. His Majesty The King envisioned an oasis of mindfulness and prosperity amid global challenges and geostrategic uncertainty, with GMC offering a path that blends Bhutanese values of spirituality, harmony with nature, and community with the dynamism of technology, innovation, and global commerce.
His Majesty The King also conceived GMC as a catalyst for Bhutan’s administrative reform and economic growth. The “Diamond Strategy” establishes a “One Country, Two Systems” framework, with GMC driving economic and administrative transformation through global best practices over the next two decades, before reintegrating as an economically advanced “One Country, One System.”