Dalai Lama Returns to Dharamshala After Over Two Months in Ladakh

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama returned to Dharamshala on Friday morning after spending more than two months in Ladakh, marking his return to his official residence in McLeod Ganj following an extended absence.

The Dalai Lama arrived at Kangra’s Gaggal airport, where senior Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) officials, including Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang and officiating Sikyong Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, were present to receive him.

He was given a warm welcome by thousands of Tibetans, devotees and well-wishers along the route from the airport to McLeod Ganj. Traditional Tashi Sholpa dancers performed at the airport as the spiritual leader emerged from the terminal.

Tibetans and local residents gathered at several locations along the route, carrying flowers, incense and traditional white scarves as they welcomed him back. Members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, CTA officials, monks and devotees also assembled at the Thekchen Choeling Tsuglagkhang and outside his residence to greet the spiritual leader.

The Dalai Lama had left Dharamshala for Ladakh on June 28, where he spent over two months delivering religious teachings and attending various public and spiritual programmes. His visit included celebrations marking his 91st birthday, prayer ceremonies and participation in the concluding session of the Yarchos Chenmo, or Great Summer Debate, at Matho.

His Ladakh programme followed a period of medical recovery. The Dalai Lama underwent left knee replacement surgery in New Delhi on June 8 and remained in the national capital during his initial recovery before travelling to Ladakh.

The CTA said the Tibetan spiritual leader had safely returned to Dharamshala after successfully completing his Ladakh engagements.

His return has brought renewed activity to Dharamshala, the headquarters of the Tibetan exile administration, with followers and devotees gathering across McLeod Ganj for a glimpse of the spiritual leader after his prolonged stay away from the hill town.