Bhutanese King Jigme to visit Swayambhu and Boudhanath during Nepal transit

Kathmandu, December 5 — Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, who is currently on a visit to India, will transit through Nepal on his way back to Bhutan on Friday.

During his brief stopover, which is expected to last around four to five hours, the king plans to visit the Swayambhu and Boudhanath Stupas.

According to police sources, King Jigme is scheduled to arrive at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport at around 9:50 AM and head directly to Swayambhu for a visit.

Afterward, he will proceed to Boudhanath. Following these visits, the king will return to the airport and continue his journey back to Bhutan.

The Nepali government has made arrangements for the Bhutanese king’s security and other services during his stay in Nepal. Airport security has been heightened since Wednesday in preparation for the king’s arrival. However, no official meetings or interactions with anyone are planned during his brief time in Nepal.

The Bhutanese king is currently in India to discuss the ongoing border dispute between Bhutan and China, which also involves India. During his visit to India, he is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.

Earlier, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay had also visited India, and before him, Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, had visited Bhutan.

In a separate development, former King Gyanendra Shah of Nepal visited Bhutan in October, where he was given a royal reception.