Sera Monastery Tourism

Type of destination: Cultural and Religious Site

Ideal visit duration: 2-3 hours

Sera Monastery, one of the 'Great Three' Gelug university monasteries of Tibet, is located in Lhasa, the capital city of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa, it has a rich and colorful history. The complex comprises assembly halls, dormitories, and colleges, adorned with intricate murals and statues, standing as a testament to the splendor of Tibetan architecture and culture. It covers an area of 114,964 square meters. Sera Monastery is famous for its 'Debating Monks' where lamas discuss Buddhist scriptures in an energetic, almost theatrical manner, making it a fascinating attraction for visitors. It was named 'Sera' because of the wild roses ('se ra' in Tibetan) that were in bloom when it was built. The monastery has survived the cultural revolution and has been partially restored. It continues to function as a monastery and educational institution for Gelug monks, preserving the unique heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.

Top 5 Reviews on Sera Monastery

887jalilh

Wrote on 29th May, 2024

Free us from China

Very nice and quiet monastery, but ubnfoirtunatley hordes og Chinese around may ruined it. And it's such a pity that China ruins everything I Tibet by packing it into their flag og Chinese letters.

BobbyGentry

Wrote on 14th Apr, 2023

Sera Temple ??? ?

Sera Temple, one of the "great three" Gelug (yellow hat) university monasteries. Watching the monks debating was interesting.

KidKodak88

Wrote on 22nd Dec, 2021

Monks in action

If a monk stops by your group, ASK him questions. We were lucky but we should have asked him more questions. We were treated to an amazing debate among the monks. Such emotion and passion. We didn't u..

vitaloncar

Wrote on 9th Oct, 2021

See this amazing place!

Sera Monastery is not big as other monasteries, but I really like it. Try to come around 5 and you will see monks during the debate! Vita

taitaimimi

Wrote on 9th May, 2021

Very nice !

Temple dedicated to the children, so nice to visit with kids. The must see is the monks practicing for the exam. Great experience. One part of the monastery is under renovation and not open for visits..

Sera Monastery Tourism

Sera Monastery Tourism

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