The maiden visit of Her Majesty the Queen Mother of Bhutan, Ashi Tseyring Pem Wangchuck, and Her Royal Highness Princess Ashi Kesang Chodren Wangchuck to Ladakh became a momentous celebration of Himalayan kinship, reviving centuries-old bonds of friendship, culture, and spirituality.

Invited by Tashi Namgyal Lingtse (Flowering Dharma & IICE) and formally hosted by the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, the Royal Family was honoured as State Guests with the gracious support of Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta  and  Adv. Tashi Gyalson, Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC-Leh.

The visit blended spirituality, culture, and diplomacy—strengthening Bhutan–Ladakh ties and opening avenues for collaboration in education, heritage preservation, sustainable development, and people-to-people exchanges.

The royal entourage included Dechen Lhendrup (Personal Secretary), Rinzing Wangmo Dukpa, Lama Palden Gyatso, Dorji Ohm (Secretary General, YDF), Major Gado (ADC to HMQM), Dr. Tashi Dema (Medical Specialist), Tsewang Choden Wangdi (Principal, Nazohen Pelri School), Jigme Tenzin and Phub Dorji (Attendants), and Karma Loday Dema (Social Enterprise Officer, YDF).

Day 1: 7 September 2025 – Grand Arrival & Welcome Dinner

A crisp Ladakhi morning greeted the Royal Family as they arrived at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh, to a ceremonial welcome by Executive Councillor Stanzin Chospel, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, and senior monks from Stakna and Chemdey Monasteries. A traditional reception awaited them at Hotel Grand Dragon Ladakh.

That evening, Tashi Namgyal hosted an intimate welcome dinner at his Yourtung residence. Guests included Princess Sarla, Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) President Chering Dorjee Lakruk, Vice President Rigzin Dorjay, and cultural leaders. The gathering radiated warmth, blending Ladakhi and Bhutanese traditions in a spirit of harmony.

Day 2: 8 September 2025 – Weaves of Heritage & Sacred Splendour

The day began with an immersion in Ladakh’s textile artistry at Jigmet Couture Textile Museum, where the Queen Mother admired exquisite hand-woven pashmina and naturally dyed fabrics—living testaments to the region’s timeless craftsmanship.

The delegation then travelled to  Hemis Monastery, Ladakh’s largest monastic institution, where they were welcomed with ceremonial offerings and a traditional lunch. Later, the Royal Family enjoyed a leisurely stroll through Leh Market, mingling with local artisans and entrepreneurs. The evening ended with a Vietnamese dinner at Saigon Restaurant, hosted by Flowering Dharma, blending global flavours with Himalayan hospitality.

Day 3: 9 September 2025 – Monastic Serenity & Official Courtesy

The morning featured a visit to the historic Alchi Monastery, followed by a traditional Ladakhi lunch at Alchi Kitchen.

In the evening, Her Majesty and Her Royal Highness paid a courtesy visit to Raj Niwas, meeting Lt. Governor Kavinder Gupta and First Lady Bindu Gupta. Discussions centred on cultural preservation, development initiatives, and shared Buddhist values.

The day culminated in a cultural dinner at Hotel Zen Ladakh, hosted by the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and the Ladakh Gonpa Association (LGA). Renowned singer Dorjey Stakmo enchanted the audience with soulful Ladakhi folk music, while leaders of LBA and LGA highlighted the centuries-old Bhutan–Ladakh spiritual bond.

Day 4: 10 September 2025 – Education, Spirituality & Royal Encounters

Her Majesty addressed enthusiastic students at Mahabodhi School, Choglamsar, encouraging them to cherish Ladakh’s heritage while excelling in modern education. Venerable Bhikshu Sanghasena welcomed the delegation at the Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre (MIMC), where the Queen Mother praised the centre’s humanitarian and interfaith work.

The spiritual journey continued to Thiksey Monastery, where the Royal Family received mementos symbolizing shared Buddhist heritage, followed by a serene visit to Stakna Monastery for a traditional Ladakhi lunch and blessings.

Later at Stok Palace, H.E. Raja Jigmet Wangchuk Namgyal hosted high tea, where the Royal Family exchanged gifts and pleasantries. A surprise meeting with Bollywood icon Salman Khan added a contemporary sparkle, as they spoke warmly about Indian cinema and Bhutan.

The evening concluded with a Grand Farewell State Dinner at Hotel Grand Dragon, hosted by LAHDC-Leh. Folk music, traditional dances, and heartfelt speeches celebrated the enduring Bhutan–Ladakh friendship. In a historic gesture, Her Majesty received the inaugural “Bhutan–Ladakh Friendship Ceremonial Honor,” marking a new chapter in cultural diplomacy.

In her address, the Queen Mother described Ladakh as her “second home,” praising its majestic landscapes, sacred monasteries, and the profound kindness of its people.

Day 5: 11 September 2025 – Departure & Lasting Legacy

As the royal entourage departed for New Delhi, Ladakh bid farewell with gratitude and reverence.

This four-day visit stands as a milestone in Bhutan–Ladakh relations—a journey of spiritual enrichment, cultural revival, and shared aspirations for generations to come.

The author is Founding Director, Flowering Dharma. You can mail your feedback and comment on Tashi@floweringdharma.org