DHARAMSHALA, SEPTEMBER 04, 2026 : Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama returned to his official residence in Dharamshala on Friday morning after spending more than two months in Ladakh.
He arrived at Kangra’s Gaggal Airport, where senior officials of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), including Tibetan Chief Justice Commissioner Yeshi Wangmo, Speaker Dolma Tsering Teykhang and officiating Sikyong Tsegyal Chukya Dranyi, were present to receive him.
Thousands of Tibetans, devotees and well-wishers gathered along the route from Gaggal Airport to McLeod Ganj to warmly welcome the spiritual leader. Traditional Tashi Sholpa dancers performed at the airport as he emerged from the terminal.
People lined the route carrying flowers, incense and traditional white scarves, while monks, devotees, senior CTA officials and members of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile assembled at Thekchen Choeling Tsuglagkhang and outside his residence.
The Dalai Lama had left Dharamshala for Ladakh on June 28, 2026, where he spent over two months conducting religious teachings and participating in various public and spiritual programmes.
His Ladakh visit included celebrations marking his 91st birthday, prayer ceremonies and participation in the concluding session of the Yarchos Chenmo (Great Summer Debate) at Matho.
His return follows a prolonged absence from Dharamshala. Before travelling to Ladakh, the Dalai Lama underwent left knee replacement surgery in New Delhi on June 8 and remained there during his initial recovery.
The Central Tibetan Administration said he had safely returned to Dharamshala after successfully completing his Ladakh programme.
His arrival has brought renewed activity to the hill town, with large numbers of followers gathering to welcome and catch a glimpse of the spiritual leader after his extended stay away.
