Dalai Lama begins 45-day Ladakh tour

Shimla: Tibetan spiritual leader and the 14th Dalai Lama , Tenzin Gyatso , embarked on his much-anticipated 45-day tour to the Union Territory of Ladakh from his residence in McLeodganj, Dharamshala, on Saturday.

He last visited Ladakh on July 11, 2023. His Ladakh visit was cancelled last year as he underwent knee replacement surgery in New York on June 28, 2024. A large number of Tibetans and his followers, holding silk scarves, lined up roadside on Saturday morning. Many also reached Kangra airport to catch a glimpse of their spiritual leader and receive his blessings before he boarded an Air Force aircraft for Leh.

During his stay in Leh, thousands of Tibetans and his followers from around the world are expected to attend his religious teaching programmes. The Dalai Lama turned 90 on July 6, and this year is being observed as the "year of gratitude and celebration" to honour his lifelong commitment to peace and spiritual leadership.

Upon arriving at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, he was welcomed by the local religious leadership and monks before proceeding to his house, Shewatsel Phodrang, on the outskirts of Leh. At his residence, he addressed a congregation during his welcome ceremony. MSID:: 122407311 413 |