Sera Monastery Tourism

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.