U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gor with Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
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th-online Administrator
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Thiksey Monastery in Leh on Friday, to meet Buddhist monks and learn about the religious traditions that have shaped Ladakh’s cultural life.Gor interacted with the monks at the monastery, who briefed him on aspects of Buddhism and the role of monastic institutions in preserving the region’s spiritual and cultural traditions, an official said.“The visit to Thiksey was part of envoy’s engagements during his first trip to Ladakh,” said an official.The monastery, one of the prominent Buddhist centres in the region, is known for its traditional architecture, religious artwork and hilltop location overlooking the Indus Valley.Gor arrived in Leh on Thursday after weather conditions disrupted his flight from Srinagar. Ladakh administration officials received him at the airport and escorted him to his hotel under tight security.During his visit, Gor also visited Nimmu, the meeting point of the Indus and Zanskar rivers, and took part in a river-rafting activity.His visit comes while the Dalai Lama is in Ladakh, leading to speculation about a possible meeting between the US envoy and the Tibetan spiritual leader. There has been no official confirmation of any such meeting.Gor’s Ladakh visit also comes against the backdrop of the region’s strategic importance. Ladakh borders China and Pakistan, while eastern Ladakh has remained a sensitive security zone since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the military standoff between India and China.Before travelling to Ladakh, Gor met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar. During the meeting, he described Jammu and Kashmir as an important part of India and indicated that Washington could review its travel advisory for the region.Published on August 21, 2026
