31 October, 2026
In the morning, the Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje met with H.E. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister of Thailand, and H.E. Mrs. Thananon Charnvirakul. They had a cordial exchange of warm wishes.
Shortly thereafter, the Gyalwang Karmapa departed for Gelephu. On his way, he stopped at Punakha Dzong, an ancient fortress that contains both the monastery and administrative office of the Zhung Dratshang, Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body. He was welcomed by Machen Zimpon Namgyal Wangchuk as His Holiness visited the Lhakhang, the Machen Shrine, and the Goenkhang. He made offerings of lamps and mandalas, and prayed for the teachings of Lord Buddha and Guru Rinpoche who brought Vajrayana Buddhism to these Himalayan lands. His Holiness then went to the nearby Lingana palace for lunch before resuming his journey to Gelephu.
His Holiness was met at the Gelephu helipad by Dasho Dr. Lotay Tshering, Governor of Gelephu, H.E Sangye Nyenpa Rinpoche, and other rinpoches who had gathered to welcome His Holiness to the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Shortly thereafter, he went to His Majesty’s Office, GMC, in Gelephu to meet with His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King of Bhutan, and Her Majesty Jetsun Pema, Queen of Bhutan, who received him warmly. His Holiness expressed his happiness to finally arrive in the Kingdom of Bhutan after such a long time of planning—he said that it was a dream come true and the beginning of a historic journey.
