Kathmandu, Dec8 (Agency) Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was in Nepal on Friday on a short private visit, during which he offered worship at some important Buddhist shrines. He was returning to Bhutan after his two-day official visit to India.Upon his arrival in Kathmandu, he was greeted by Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba.King Wangchuck, along with the Queen Jetsun Pema, came to Kathmandu on a special flight from New Delhi. The Bhutanese King landed at Tribhuvan International Airport at around 10 am, and left for his visit, though his wife remained at the airport. From the airport, King Wangchuck went to the Swayambhunath Temple. He travelled from the airport through Tinkune, New Baneshwor, Maitighar, Thapathali, Tripureshwor, and Chhauni before reaching the ancient Swayambhu religious complex located atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the holiest Buddhist stupas in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There he was greeted by the officials of the Swayambhu Management and Conservation Committee, following which he offered prayers at Swayambhu, clicked photographs, and then enjoyed a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley from there, MyRepublica reported. After spending almost an hour at Swayambhunath, he travelled to the Baudhanath and offered prayers. Following his visit to the stupa, the Bhutanese King, along with the Queen left for Bhutan from Tribhuvan International Airport around 2:30 pm. Foreign Minister Deuba, who had welcomed the royal couple at the airport, accompanied them to the airport to bid them farewell. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Bhutanese king’s visit as private. “During this visit, he did not engage in any political or diplomatic meetings or discussions,” said Ministry Spokesperson Shubhang Parajuli.