KATHMANDU: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan paid a quick private visit to Nepal on Friday, praying at the Swayambhunath and Boudhanath stupas, two of Kathmandu's most famous holy locations. He was on a transit trip back from India when he made the visit.

After his journey to New Delhi, the king landed in Kathmandu on Friday morning at Tribhuvan International Airport. Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, Nepal's foreign minister, welcomed him with open arms. Strict security measures, including a practice by the Nepal Army earlier this week, were put in place to protect the monarch.

King Wangchuck's motorcade left the airport and proceeded to Swayambhunath via several important city routes, such as Sinamangal, Tinkune, New Baneshwor, and Maitighar. The monarch participated in ceremonies and gave prayers at the ancient stupa, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He also took time to take pictures of the historic site.

The royal group visited Boudhanath, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant Tibetan Buddhist center, after the visit to Swayambhunath. Before arriving at the stupa, the journey went by several famous locations, such as Lainchaur, Gyaneshwor, and Gaushala. King Wangchuck participated in additional prayers and rites at Boudhanath, highlighting the visit's spiritual significance.

In all, the monarch spent nearly five hours in Kathmandu. His visit highlighted the close cultural and spiritual ties between Nepal and Bhutan, two Himalayan nations with comparable Buddhist traditions. Despite its short duration, the visit garnered significant notice and was notable for its warmth and meticulous preparation.

Later in the afternoon, King Wangchuck flew back to Bhutan from Tribhuvan International Airport, leaving Kathmandu. When Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba arrived at the airport to bid him farewell, his brief but important visit came to a close.

The friendly bilateral ties between the two nations, which are further enhanced by cultural exchanges and trips like this one, are reflected at this transit stop in Nepal.