Zanskar, Ladakh, India: After two days when poor weather obstructed travel between Leh and Zanskar, His Holiness the Dalai Lama was able today to fly into Padum by helicopter. He was given a grand reception at the helipad by the people of Zanskar and formally welcomed by the District Commissioner, Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, the Senior Superintendent of Police, as well as three Councillors of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council. The pilot and copilot of the helicopter joined His Holiness on the ground where he thanked them for a comfortable flight and stood so they could have their photograph taken with him.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s motorcade making it’s way to the new Karsha Phodrang in Zanskar, Ladakh, India on 21 July 2025. Photo by Tenzin Choejor.

He then climbed into a car for the drive up to the new Karsha Phodrang (KarGön Palace). The road from the helipad as far as the Duzin Phodrang and then from the bridge over the Suru River and up to the new Phodrang was lined by thousands of people in their finery. Their joyful faces reflected their elation that His Holiness was among them once more and that they were able to see him as he passed. He smiled and waved in return. Yesterday, members of th...