Leh, July 11: Two years after his last visit, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama will arrive in Ladakh on Saturday, July 12, bringing renewed energy and devotion to the region. His Holiness, who turned 90 last week, is expected to stay for nearly a month and a half, during which he will travel across Ladakh and offer teachings and public addresses.
The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) announced the arrival and invited the public to gather in large numbers to welcome the Tibetan spiritual leader. The Dalai Lama will land at the Technical Airport near the Indian Air Force base, from where he will be escorted to a public reception at the Civil Airport area.
Leh’s roads are being prepared to receive the Dalai Lama with fervent celebration. Religious heads, senior administrative officials, and thousands of school children in traditional attire are expected to line the route to Jivetsal, the summer residence of His Holiness, where he will rest and acclimatise.
The itinerary for the visit remains undisclosed, but his office confirmed that the Dalai Lama will travel to Zanskar later in the month. Meanwhile, preparations are underway across Leh and Kargil districts. Banners, prayer flags, and ceremonial decorations now line the streets of Leh, while local meat shop owners along the reception path have been requested to suspend operations on the morning of July 12 as a mark of respect.
The visit is being coordinated under the supervision of Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal and Lieutenant Governor Brigadier BD Mishra (retd). Deputy Commissioner Leh, Romil Singh Donk, and Senior Superintendent of Police Shruti Arora have visited Jivetsal to oversee the arrangements. Leh Hill Council chief Tashi Gyalson and officials from the Tourism and Culture Department are also actively reviewing preparations.
Zanskar is also preparing to host His Holiness, with Hill Council chief Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon finalising logistics and support for the visit. Authorities have been instructed to ensure seamless road connectivity, especially along the Nimmo-Padum-Darcha route.
Traffic management has been a major focus. Ladakh Traffic Police has issued an advisory outlining diversions and parking protocols for the day of arrival. No vehicles will be permitted along the primary route from the airport to Jivetsal, except emergency and official vehicles. Designated parking will be available at the Driving Test Ground near the Devachan Cremation Ground.
The visit is expected to draw thousands of devotees from across Ladakh, and efforts are being made to ensure smooth logistics and a respectful welcome. The Dalai Lama’s presence once again marks a moment of unity, reverence, and reflection for the people of Ladakh.
