Nearly two years after having knee replacement surgery in the United States, the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, is set to go to Delhi for further medical care on his left knee. Following his recovery, he plans to visit Ladakh later in June for an extended period. The 90-year-old monk resides in McLeodganj, near Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.
Known as a symbol of Buddhism, the Dalai Lama enjoys traveling to Ladakh, a remote mountainous region bordering Tibet, to meet people of all faiths, which has caused tension with China. He has been visiting Ladakh for more than 50 years, fostering a special bond with the locals based on faith and compassion. His last visit to Ladakh was in July 2025.
In addition to his medical trip, the Dalai Lama will participate in a public event to mark his 91st birthday on July 6, likely in Leh. In 2024, he underwent a successful knee treatment in the US. During his stay in New York for the surgery, he met with Uzra Zeya, the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues, who conveyed then-President Joe Biden’s regards and discussed human rights issues in Tibet.
Having fled Tibet in 1959 after an unsuccessful uprising against Chinese rule, the Dalai Lama advocates for a “middle-way” approach, seeking greater autonomy for Tibet rather than complete independence. Beijing considers him a “separatist” and closely monitors his interactions with international leaders and visits to places at the invitation of the Indian government.
