Dalai Lama, 91, recuperating in Leh: 'Climate well suited to my health'
Synopsis
Turning 91 in Leh, the Dalai Lama offered a rare personal update: his left knee surgery in New Delhi is behind him, and Ladakh's climate is doing the rest. His birthday remark — that dream 'indications' suggest he may live to 130 — captured the blend of humour and spiritual conviction that defines him at nine decades of life in exile.
Key Takeaways
The Dalai Lama is recuperating in Leh, Ladakh after a successful medical procedure on his left knee in New Delhi .
He confirmed on 9 July that he plans to remain in Ladakh for several more weeks , citing the favourable climate.
The Nobel Peace Laureate turned 91 on 6 July ; celebrations were held at the Shewatsel teaching ground in Leh.
He remarked that 'indications in his dreams' suggest he may live to 130 , expressing hope to serve both Chinese people and the wider world.
His office noted he has been visiting Ladakh for more than 55 years , reflecting a deep bond with the region's people.
Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama, who underwent a medical procedure on his left knee in New Delhi last month, said on Thursday, 9 July that he finds Ladakh's climate well suited to his health and plans to remain in Leh for the next several weeks. The 91-year-old Nobel Peace Laureate shared the update in a message to followers and well-wishers who greeted him on his birthday.
Birthday Message and Recovery Update
In a written note of gratitude, the Dalai Lama said, 'I would like to thank you all for your greetings on my 91st birthday. As I mentioned to those gathered here in Leh on July 6, when I look back on my life, I see that the core of my practice has been to be of benefit to others. That is the altruistic motivation with which I wake up every day.'
On his recovery, he wrote, 'As you may be aware, following a successful medical procedure on my left knee in New Delhi last month, I have since been recuperating here in Ladakh. As in past years, I find the climate here at this time of year well suited to my health, and I therefore plan to remain in Ladakh for the next several weeks.'
Birthday Celebrations in Leh
A joyful gathering was held on 6 July at the Shewatsel teaching ground in Leh to mark the Dalai Lama's 91st birthday. Addressing those present, the Buddhist monk reflected on a life guided by compassion: 'People everywhere seem to admire me because of this sense of warm-heartedness, the thought to benefit others, that I cherish within.'
In a remark that drew wide attention, he said, 'I'm 91, but according to indications in my dreams it seems I may yet live to be 130. So, I hope to be able to help Chinese people through the teaching of the Buddha and also to help people around the world to lead good, positive lives.'
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
The Dalai Lama used his birthday message to renew his lifelong call for compassion, writing, 'Spreading compassion and kindness continues to be my life's primary mission. Such an attitude is essential to making our world a better place for everyone. I therefore call on my brothers and sisters everywhere, both young and old, to practice warm-heartedness and compassion, with genuine concern for the well-being of others.'
He added, 'To be able to do so is, I believe, what it means to lead a meaningful and purposeful life of service.'
Ladakh: A Decades-Long Connection
According to his office, the Dalai Lama has been visiting Ladakh for more than 55 years, with residents sharing a deep bond of faith and loving-kindness with him. The spiritual leader, who fled Tibet along with many supporters in 1959 after Chinese troops moved in and took control of Lhasa, has taken refuge in India since then. He reportedly remains optimistic about returning to Tibet one day.
As he continues his recovery in the high-altitude terrain of Leh, the Dalai Lama's message to the world remains unchanged — a call for kindness, purpose, and service to others.
Point of View
In Indian-administered Ladakh, with Tibet still under Beijing's control — is a quiet but pointed assertion of relevance and intent. The remark about living to 130 will be read lightly by many, but it lands at a moment when questions about Tibetan leadership succession are anything but light. His continued presence in Ladakh, a region that borders both China and Pakistan and carries its own strategic weight, is never purely a spiritual matter.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Dalai Lama in Leh, Ladakh?
The Dalai Lama is recuperating in Leh following a successful medical procedure on his left knee performed in New Delhi last month. He has stated that Ladakh's climate at this time of year is well suited to his health, and he plans to stay for several more weeks.
When did the Dalai Lama turn 91 and how was it celebrated?
The Dalai Lama turned 91 on 6 July 2025. A birthday celebration was held at the Shewatsel teaching ground in Leh, where he addressed followers and reflected on his life's guiding principle of compassion and service to others.
What did the Dalai Lama say about living to 130?
During his birthday address in Leh, the Dalai Lama said, 'according to indications in my dreams it seems I may yet live to be 130.' He expressed hope to use that time to help Chinese people through Buddhist teachings and to guide people worldwide toward positive lives.
How long has the Dalai Lama been visiting Ladakh?
According to his office, the Dalai Lama has been visiting Ladakh for more than 55 years. The region's people share a deep bond with him rooted in faith and loving-kindness.
What is the Dalai Lama's message to his followers on his 91st birthday?
The Dalai Lama called on followers everywhere to 'practice warm-heartedness and compassion, with genuine concern for the well-being of others.' He described spreading compassion and kindness as his life's primary mission and said living in service to others is what makes life meaningful.
