Amid deep reverence and spiritual fervour, His Holiness the Dalai Lama arrived in Leh on Saturday, marking the start of a month-long spiritual retreat across Ladakh. The Tibetan Buddhist leader’s visit has sparked an outpouring of devotion from followers across the region.
As his convoy made its way from Leh airport to Shewatsel—his residence during the visit—crowds of monks, nuns, lay devotees, and well-wishers lined the route. Many held traditional khatas (ceremonial scarves), flower offerings, and prayer beads, creating a moving display of collective devotion.
Religious groups, cultural organisations, and community leaders came together to extend a warm ceremonial welcome. The Ladakh administration coordinated detailed security and logistical arrangements, including Z-plus security coverage. The Dalai Lama reached Leh on an Indian Air Force aircraft.
According to officials from his office, His Holiness will spend the initial days adjusting to Ladakh’s high-altitude terrain before beginning a series of spiritual teachings, community engagements, and youth interactions.
This marks his first trip to Ladakh since 2023, after a brief hiatus last year due to a knee procedure in the United States.
At Shewatsel, the Dalai Lama addressed monks and guests, reiterating the importance of preserving the rich Nalanda tradition of Buddhist learning. Thiksey Rinpoche led the ceremonial offerings at the residence, symbolising Ladakh’s unwavering spiritual bond with His Holiness.
Teachings and Empowerments to Be Held in Leh; Zanskar Visit Also on Agenda
A key highlight of the visit is a two-day teaching session on The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva, scheduled for July 24 and 25, followed by an Avalokiteshvara Empowerment on July 26. These events will be held at the Shewatsel Teaching Ground and are expected to draw hundreds of devotees from Ladakh, surrounding Himalayan regions, and abroad.
His Holiness is also likely to travel to Zanskar, one of Ladakh’s most remote and spiritually vibrant regions, during the course of his stay.
The Ladakh Buddhist Association and various monastic institutions have hailed the Dalai Lama’s visit as a profound blessing. For the people of Ladakh, he is more than a religious leader — he is regarded as a global beacon of compassion, inner peace, and resilience.
Global Spotlight on Succession Process Amid Spiritual Tour
The timing of his visit also comes amid increased global interest in the succession of the Dalai Lama. His office issued a pointed reminder that “no one else has any authority to interfere in this matter” — a clear counter to China’s repeated claims of having a role in determining the next spiritual leader.
Having recently turned 90 on June 6, the Dalai Lama remains steadfast in his message: cultivating a kind heart and compassion is the true path to peace of mind. His presence in Ladakh once again rekindles that message — echoing through mountain monasteries, quiet valleys, and the hearts of countless followers.
Security beefed up in Ladakh
As the revered Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, prepares to arrive in Leh on Saturday for a month-long spiritual tour, the administration in Ladakh has heightened security and finalised elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth and grand welcome.
After a few days of rest and acclimatisation to Ladakh’s high-altitude conditions, His Holiness is scheduled to deliver spiritual teachings at multiple locations across the Union Territory and meet with monastic figures, followers, and members of the public.
To ensure his safety, Z-plus security cover has been deployed, with detailed crowd control and traffic management plans put in place along the route from the Indian Air Force base to the Dalai Lama’s residence. Thousands of residents are expected to line the roads to greet him with traditional offerings.
The President of the Youth Wing of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), Jigmet Rafstan, has appealed to locals to turn out in their traditional attire as a mark of respect and cultural pride. Tourists in the region are also expected to join the welcoming crowds.
One of the focal points of the visit, the Jivetsal grounds at Choglamsar near Leh—where teachings and public discourses will take place—has been placed under tight security. Deputy Commissioner of Leh, Romil Singh Donk, along with Additional Deputy Commissioner Ghulam Mohammad and Senior Superintendent of Police Shruti Arora, conducted an on-site review of preparations at Jivetsal and the Dalai Lama’s residence.
The Deputy Commissioner inspected logistics and security arrangements, including the planned installation of CCTV cameras across key areas to enhance surveillance and ensure public safety during the events. He also assessed parking areas to optimise space and improve the experience for devotees and visiting tourists.
Discussions were held on managing traffic flow during major gatherings and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards throughout the venue. DC Donk emphasized the Administration’s focus on creating a safe, accessible, and respectful environment for all attendees.
Senior officials from various departments, along with the LBA Youth Wing President, were present during the review.
In the run-up to the visit, Ladakh’s Chief Secretary, Pawan Kotwal, chaired a high-level meeting in Leh on Thursday to assess the overall preparedness. The review focused on ensuring robust security arrangements and seamless logistical coordination for the Dalai Lama’s stay and public appearances.
With anticipation building across Ladakh, the region is preparing not just to host a spiritual event, but a deeply meaningful moment of unity, tradition, and devotion.
