LEH: His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama arrived in Leh on Saturday for a month-long visit to the Union Territory of Ladakh, which coincides with a historic milestone-his 90th birthday.

This visit has sparked a wave of anticipation across the cold desert region. Elaborate preparations have been made by the Ladakh administration, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), and various Buddhist and Tibetan organisations to welcome the revered spiritual leader.

According to officials, the Dalai Lama will stay at Shiwa Tsel Photang, his traditional residence during Ladakh visits, located on the outskirts of Leh. The location will also host a number of religious activities and teachings during his stay.

The Dalai Lama will be provided Z-plus security cover throughout his stay and a medical team at venues, they said.

His Holiness will rest for a few days to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment before beginning public engagements, the Ladakh Buddhist Association said.

A major highlight of the visit includes a two-day teaching on "The Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva" by the Tibetan master Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo, scheduled for July 24 and 25. This will be followed by an Avalokiteshvara Empowerment on July 26, both events taking place at the Shewatsel Teaching Ground in Leh.

Recognizing the Dalai Lama's advanced age-he turned 90 on July 6, 2025-the LAHDC and other stakeholders have prioritised his health and comfort. Enhanced medical, security, and logistical arrangements have been put in place for the duration of the stay.

Thousands of devotees from Ladakh, neighboring Himalayan regions, and abroad are expected to attend the teachings. Local authorities have made special arrangements to manage the anticipated crowds while maintaining the spiritual atmosphere of the events.

The Dalai Lama has been visiting Ladakh almost annually since the 1980s, and his teachings are a central event in the region's religious calendar. This year's visit carries added emotional weight as Buddhist communities begin a year-long celebration honouring his decades-long contribution to global peace, compassion, and interfaith harmony.

This year's visit is expected to be particularly poignant as preparations begin for what is being described as a "year of gratitude and celebration" in honour of His Holiness's lifetime of spiritual leadership and commitment to peace.