Dalai Lama to Travel to Delhi for Further Knee Treatment, Ladakh Visit Planned Later This Month

Dharamsala, June 2026 : Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama will travel to New Delhi on Friday for further medical treatment related to his left knee, nearly two years after undergoing knee replacement surgery in the United States, according to an announcement from his office on Thursday.

The 90-year-old Buddhist leader is expected to receive specialised medical care in the national capital before resuming his public engagements. His office stated that following his recovery, he is scheduled to visit the Union Territory of Ladakh toward the end of June for an extended stay.

The Dalai Lama, who has lived in exile in McLeodganj since fleeing Tibet in 1959, remains one of the world’s most respected spiritual figures and a global symbol of peace, compassion and Buddhism. Despite advancing age and health challenges, he continues to maintain an active public schedule and regularly interacts with followers from across the world.

Ladakh holds special significance for the Tibetan spiritual leader. For more than five decades, he has frequently visited the Himalayan region, which shares deep cultural and religious ties with Tibetan Buddhism. His visits often draw thousands of devotees and people from different faiths who gather to receive teachings and blessings.

A close aide of the Dalai Lama said that the people of Ladakh share a unique bond with him, rooted in faith, compassion and mutual respect. His most recent visit to the region took place in July 2025, when he addressed large gatherings and participated in religious programmes.

The spiritual leader is also expected to attend public celebrations marking his 91st birthday on July 6, likely to be held in Leh. The annual event traditionally attracts monks, devotees, political leaders and visitors from across India and abroad.

The Dalai Lama underwent successful knee treatment in the United States in 2024 and spent nearly two months recovering there. During that visit, he met Uzra Zeya, who conveyed the good wishes of then US President Joe Biden and discussed issues related to Tibet, including cultural preservation and human rights concerns.

The discussions also focused on international efforts to support dialogue between the Tibetan leadership and the People’s Republic of China. The Dalai Lama has long advocated a “Middle Way” approach, seeking genuine autonomy and protection of Tibetan culture within China rather than complete independence.

China, however, considers the Dalai Lama a separatist and remains sensitive to his meetings with foreign leaders, international appearances and official engagements. Despite political tensions surrounding his status, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate continues to promote non-violence, compassion and interfaith harmony across the globe.

His upcoming medical visit and subsequent trip to Ladakh are expected to be closely followed by his followers and the wider Buddhist community worldwide.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)