Bhutan has taken a bold step in digital finance by pledging up to 10,000 Bitcoin to support the Gelephu Mindfulness City project. The government revealed the plan on December 17, 2025, signaling one of the largest sovereign Bitcoin commitments seen so far. The move highlights Bhutan’s growing confidence in crypto assets as tools for long term economic development.
The pledge focuses on funding infrastructure and strategic projects inside the Gelephu Special Administrative Region. Officials stressed that Bhutan will not sell its Bitcoin holdings. Instead, the country plans to use structured financial tools to unlock value while keeping its reserves intact.
A New Role for Bitcoin in National Development
King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced the initiative during a national address. According to officials, the Bitcoin allocation could support development without draining traditional reserves. Therefore, the plan relies on modern financial strategies rather than liquidation.
Key elements of the Bitcoin Development Pledge include:
- Using Bitcoin as collateral for development focused lending
- Exploring yield generating strategies tied to digital assets
- Preserving sovereign Bitcoin reserves for the long term
This approach allows Bhutan to benefit from crypto exposure while managing risk. Furthermore, it positions the country as an innovator among small nations exploring blockchain driven finance.
Gelephu Mindfulness City Takes Shape
Bhutan introduced Gelephu Mindfulness City in 2023 as a future focused economic hub near the Indian border. The city aims to blend sustainability, cultural values, and advanced technology. Leaders want it to attract foreign investment and create jobs, especially for younger citizens.
The project also supports Bhutan’s goal to reduce reliance on hydropower and tourism. In earlier statements, planners confirmed interest in holding digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum as part of strategic reserves.
Bhutan already operates Bitcoin mining powered by renewable energy, which helped it build sizable crypto reserves. However, crypto market volatility remains a concern. Financial authorities say they will introduce a clear governance framework to ensure transparency and capital protection.
As construction continues, global observers will watch closely. Bhutan’s experiment could offer a real world example of how digital assets fit into national planning.
