During an informal visit to Kathmandu, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk was warmly welcomed at Swayambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Preparations for his arrival began early in the morning, with staff from the Swayambhunath Management and Conservation Committee working to hang a banner reading “Warm welcome to the Bhutanese King at Swayambhunath” at the entrance of the stupa.
Around 10 AM, Nepal and Bhutan’s national flags were raised at the entrance, with committee members, archaeology officials, and security personnel ready to greet the king. By 10:50 AM, the king arrived directly from Tribhuvan International Airport, passing through Baneswor and Kalimati. He was welcomed by Buddhist spiritual leaders, senior committee officials, and archeological officers at the entrance to the Swayambhunath complex.
The King proceeded to visit the World Peace Pond and was briefed by Archaeology Officer Devendra Bhattrai about the historical and cultural significance of the Swayambhunath Stupa, including the Mahachaitya and Shantipur. After a tour of the stupa, the king enjoyed panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.
At the Buddha Temple in front of the stupa, the King participated in a traditional prayer ceremony, lighting lamps and offering prayers in the Harati Temple according to local customs. Bajracharya gurus performed sacred chants during this ritual. The King also performed a similar ceremony at a Mahayani Temple dedicated to Lord Gautama Buddha within the complex, lighting lamps and offering prayers, while Lama gurus chanted sacred prayers.

During his visit, the committee president, Bhikku Dharmamurti, shared the rich historical, mythological, and cultural significance of the Swayambhunath site with the king. To mark the visit, the Swayambhunath Management Committee presented the king with a statue of Buddha as a gift, symbolizing peace and friendship between Nepal and Bhutan.
The visit is seen as a significant step in promoting religious tourism in Nepal. According to Bhikku Dharmamurti, the king’s visit, particularly his prayers and ceremonies, would inspire not only Buddhists but also peace-loving individuals from around the world to visit Swayambhunath. He expressed hopes that the visit would enhance Nepal’s profile as a hub for global peace initiatives.
After the Swayambhunath visit, the king continued his journey to Boudhanath Stupa. Bhikku Dharmamurti emphasized the pride and honor of having been able to facilitate the king’s visit to such an important religious site, noting that it would have positive long-term effects on Nepal’s tourism sector.
The Bhutanese king’s visit to Swayambhunath was part of his transit through Kathmandu, after a trip to India, before returning to Bhutan. The visit was coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Archaeological Department, and security agencies to ensure a smooth and successful event.
The king was warmly received at Tribhuvan International Airport by Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba. After completing his visit, the king returned to Bhutan, leaving behind a lasting legacy of goodwill and promoting Nepal’s historical and cultural landmarks on the international stage.