Tawang: The six-day ‘Freedom Trail’ commemorating the historic journey of the 14th Dalai Lama during his escape from Tibet in 1959 concluded on Saturday at Dzongtse Pungteng, the Phodrang (residence) of the religious leader, in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
The trek which was carried out with deep spiritual reverence saw participation from hundreds of trekkers and supporters.
The trail, flagged off on March 31 from Kenzamani, the site on the Indo-Tibetan border where the Dalai Lama was first received by Indian officials after crossing over from Tibet, retraced the route followed by him during his escape into India. The route passed through the villages of Sakpret, Pamaghar, Tsaighar, Kangteng, and Temilo, before concluding at Tawang Monastery.
Organised by the Tawang district administration under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang, the event witnessed participation from around 300 people, including monks, local leaders, members of the security forces, tourists, and volunteers. The trail, described by officials as both spiritually significant and historically symbolic, served to highlight the enduring civilisational ties between India and Tibet.
The Dalai Lama, in a special message, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative and recalled the events of 1959 when he crossed into India after a perilous journey from Lhasa.
“I am very moved to know that 300 people have embarked on a Freedom Trail, retracing the six-day journey I made in 1959 from Khen-dza-mani on the border between Tibet and India to Pungteng-tse at Tawang,” the 88-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader said in his message.
“I clearly remember those days and the feeling of relief and freedom I felt as we reached India, and how reassuring it was to be given such a warm welcome wherever we went,” he said.
The Dalai Lama, who has lived in India since 1959, said the journey reaffirmed India’s long-standing cultural and civilisational ties with Tibet, describing the bond as “alive and unwavering”.
“Since those six days travelling from Khen-dza-mani to Tawang, India has become my second home. Living here, I have been able to meet all sorts of people I would not otherwise have done. I have learned to regard disasters, such as losing your country, less as setbacks and more as opportunities to develop courage and renew our resolve to help others,” he said.
“As the trekkers reach Tawang Monastery on April 5, I will pray that their efforts contribute to the thriving of compassion, non-violence, and human values and that this may lead to a more peaceful, harmonious world,” he added.
The spiritual leader also expressed gratitude to the people and Government of India, the Monpa community of Arunachal Pradesh, for their continued support and friendship over the past 66 years.
Congratulating the participants, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said The Freedom Trail is not only a tribute to the resilience of His Holiness, but also a powerful symbol of compassion, non-violence and harmony.
He expressed hope that it would grow into a meaningful destination for spiritual and cultural tourism, attracting people from across the globe to walk this path of reflection and peace.
The Freedom Trail began on March 31 with an inaugural ceremony at Kenzamani, where monks and villagers gathered to offer prayers for the long life of the Dalai Lama, followed by traditional Monpa performances. Lungla legislator Tsering Lhamu, addressing the gathering, described the journey as spiritually transformative.
“As we embark on this journey along the Freedom Trail, we draw strength from the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and hope for a peaceful future,” she said. “Our relationship with Tibet is centuries old, rooted in shared history, culture, and mutual understanding.”
Chairman of the Department of Karmik and Adhyatmik Affairs (DoKAA), Jambey Wangdi, also addressed participants and urged them to carry forward the teachings of His Holiness in daily life.
Deputy Commissioner Darang, who led the district administration’s efforts in organising the trek, emphasized the historical significance of Kenzamani as the first point of reception for the Dalai Lama in India and also paid homage to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1962 Sino-Indian war.
As the trek progressed, trekkers carried a portrait of the Dalai Lama along with a branch of a sacred tree. At Chudangmo, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) offered a ceremonial guard of honor to the participants. The trail included significant spiritual stops, including Gorzam Choeten, and was marked by community celebrations and religious observances at every halt.
“The trail was a tribute to His Holiness’s message of compassion, non-violence, and harmony. It is also an opportunity for the younger generation to connect with this important chapter of history,” an official involved in the programme said.
The event concluded with a special prayer ceremony at Dzongtse Pungteng, symbolizing the Dalai Lama’s safe arrival in Tawang in 1959 — a moment remembered not only as a pivotal historical event but also as a spiritual milestone in India-Tibet relations.
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