How did the 14th Dalai Lama escape from Tibet in March 1959?

In March 1959, rising tensions in Lhasa culminated in a popular uprising after rumors spread that Chinese authorities intended to kidnap the 14th Dalai Lama. As crowds gathered around his summer palace to protect him, communication between his government and Chinese military authorities collapsed.1

During the resulting chaos, the Dalai Lama escaped under the cover of darkness on March 17, 1959. To avoid detection, he traveled in the disguise of a Tibetan soldier. Accompanied by a small party of family members and teachers, and escorted by guerrilla fighters, he traversed the Himalayas on foot and horseback while being pursued by Chinese troops. He successfully reached India on March 31, 1959, where the Indian government granted him asylum.12