The Dalai Lama embarked on a 45-day visit to Ladakh on Saturday. Before departing from his residence in McLeodganj, he thanked everyone for the warm wishes extended on his 90th birthday. He said it was heartening to see thousands of people from around the world participate in the celebrations. This is the Dalai Lama’s first visit to Ladakh in two years.
Upon arrival, the Tibetan spiritual leader would rest for a few days to acclimatise to the region’s high altitude. His itinerary includes a series of public teachings and private engagements in Leh and nearby areas. The Dalai Lama would spend much of his time in Zanskar, a remote and spiritually important region renowned for its ancient monasteries and Buddhist heritage.
Ladakh Buddhist Association chairman Tsering Dorje expressed “great joy” over the visit, highlighting the profound spiritual and cultural importance of the Dalai Lama’s presence in the Himalayan region. The association has made elaborate arrangements to accord a grand welcome to the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama had cancelled his scheduled visit to Ladakh in July 2024 due to knee surgery in the United States. In the months that followed, religious and community leaders from Ladakh remained in active communication with his office to renew the invitation, which was eventually accepted by him.
In October 2024, a high-level delegation comprising Thiksey Rinpoche, Tsering Dorje, Tsering Angdus of the Ladakh Gonpa Association and Jigmet Rabtan of the Ladakh Youth Association had met the Dalai Lama at his Dharamshala residence to finalise the proposal for his 2025 visit. During his Ladakh visit, the Dalai Lama will offer teachings focused on Buddhist philosophy, universal compassion and interfaith harmony, the values he has consistently promoted throughout his life.
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