Bhutan has officially begun construction of its Nu. 160 million temple complex in Lumbini, Nepal, marking a major step in strengthening cultural, religious and diplomatic ties between the two Himalayan nations. The Salhang-Tendrel, or ground-breaking ceremony, was held on June 28 at the Sacred Garden in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in the presence of senior government officials and religious leaders from both countries.
The temple complex will be built on an 80-metre by 80-metre plot in Lumbini’s Western Monastic Zone. Fully funded by the Royal Government of Bhutan, the project will feature traditional Bhutanese Dzong architecture, centred on a three-storey temple inspired by the Utse of Tango Monastery. The complex will also include residential quarters for monks and facilities for pilgrims and visitors. Construction is expected to be completed by 2028.
During bilateral talks held alongside the ceremony, Nepal proposed direct flights between Paro International Airport and Gautam Buddha International Airport to strengthen the regional Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. Nepal also requested Bhutan to consider reducing or waiving the Sustainable Development Fee for Nepali visitors. Bhutan reaffirmed its commitment to preserving shared Buddhist heritage, promoting pilgrimage tourism and expanding cultural cooperation. Once completed, the temple complex is expected to become a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in Lumbini while enhancing tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.