POKHARA: Former King Gyanendra Shah and his spouse Komal Shah were welcomed by a mass of cadres affiliated to royalist political groups and Hindu right-wing party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal, upon their arrival at Pokhara airport on Monday.

The former king was feted with a 21-kg-garland and a traditional Panche Baja band. In reply, Shah also walked from Pokhara Airport to Birat Chok greeting well-wishers and accepting flowers on the way.

Shah, who will reportedly spend two weeks in the beautiful lake city has not disclosed the itinerary of his trip. But, it has been learnt that the former king will be busy in some political meetings and celebrate the Gregorian New Year in Pokhara before his return to Kathmandu.

However, Shah’s spokesperson, Fadi Raj Pathak downplayed speculations and said that the former king is on a private visit to Pokhara.