The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) has a rich history that dates back to 1934. Founded by enlightened elders, the LBA aimed to promote Buddhist interests, bring social reforms, and preserve Ladakhi art, culture, and traditions.

The idea of forming the LBA was conceived by Pandit Sridhar Koul, also known as Pandit Dulu, after the Glancy Commission failed to provide representation to Ladakhi Buddhists in the newly proposed Praja Sabha. Pandit Dulu's initiative led to the establishment of the Young Men's Buddhist Association (YMBA) in 1934, which was later renamed as the Ladakh Buddhist Association.

The YMBA was initially formed in 1934, two years after a loose structure of an association had already been set up around 1932. The Association's primary objectives included looking after the Buddhist interests, bringing social reforms in Ladakhi society, preserving its art, culture, language, traditions, and ethnicity.

At a later date, the YMBA was rechristened/renamed as "Ladakh Buddhist Association" and got itself registered under the Societies Registration Act, as a non-political, non-profit socio-cultural organization.

Raja Jigsmed Dodul Namgyal, son of Raja Sonam Namgyal, was the first President of the LBA from 1934 till 1949. Sh Tsewang Rigzin Kalon took over from him in 1949 and ran the LBA till 1957. During his tenure, Pandit Dulu remained the guiding spirit. Munshi Sonam Tsewang was the General Secretary, and Srannar Nono Tonyot Shah was also one of the important members of the Buddhist Association.

Kalon Rigzin was succeeded by Kachen Eshey Tondup Stok in 1957, and he continued till 1964. Yongzin Konchok Sonam Zangpopa took over from Meme Kachen and worked as President till 1973. (It was during his tenure - in 1969, that the 1961 government order allotting two Kanals of land at Kargil for construction of the Kargil Gonpa, was modified).

Advocate Sonam Gyaltsan; HE Stakna Rinpochay Nawang Tonyot Dorjai; Tundup Sonam Turtukpa Temisgam and Sonam Nurbu Nimoo Shinkhan worked as Presidents from 1973 till 1989 when Sh Thupstan Chhewang of Stok Palace became the President.

It was during his tenure that LBA resorted to agitational approach to press Ladakh's demand for UT status that culminated into conferment of ST status to 8 Ladakhi tribes and also declaration of two District level Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils- Leh and Kargil.

He was followed by Sh Tsering Nurbu Lampapa Nurla; Sh Tsering Samphel Hemis Shukpachan; Sh Tundup Sonam Turtukpa Temisgam; Dr Sonam Dawa Lonpo Shey; Sh Lobzang Rinchan Nerpapa Nurla; Dr Tundup Tsewang Chospa Hemis-Shukpachan; Sh Tsewang Thinless Gupta Leh; Sh PT Kunzang Saboo and Sh Thupstan Chhewang Stok Palace, in that order, from 1995 till the 10th of February 2024.

Mr Chhewang was the first President elected in 2021 after the LBA adopted the new Constitution, in the year 2020. Mr Chering Dorjay Lakruk won the election held on 5th May 2024 and is the incumbent President at the moment.

Ever since its inception, the Ladakh Buddhist Association has contributed yeomen services in the overall development of Ladakh and for the preservation of Himalayan Buddhist culture. The LBA has played a significant role in promoting Buddhist values, preserving Ladakhi traditions, and advocating for the rights of the Ladakhi people. Today, the LBA continues to work tirelessly towards the development of Ladakh and the preservation of Buddhist culture.