Dharamshala — His Holiness the Dalai Lama left Samstenling Monastery in Nubra Valley to return to Leh on the Morning of July 15. Monks and local residents gathered to see him off.
Shortly before reaching the top, at a place where a white Buddha statue has been installed, His Holiness and his the party stopped for tea and refreshments organized by Thiksey Rinpoche, where he also spoke briefly to local people assembled there. Before setting off again, His Holiness accepted a request to bless the source of the Shyok River that rises nearby.
The party again stopped at the top of the pass and His Holiness accepted an invitation to visit and bless the medical facility set up to cater to tourists’ needs at 18,380 feet / 5,359 m on the highest motorable pass in the world. There was one more quick stop for tea before reaching down the hill. It seemed like the entire town once again lined up to welcome him back. His Holiness reached the cool sanctuary of the Shiwatsel Phodrang in time for lunch.
He is presently at Zanskar for four days.
