Sera Monastery is one of the big monasteries inLhasa, and is the last Buddhist monastery to be built. There are many Buddha statues and beautiful murals in the halls. Sera Monastery has been listed asone of China's National Cultural Relicssince 1982.
- Chinese:色拉寺 Sèlā Sì /ser-laa srr/
- Location:6 km (4 mi) north of Jokhang Temple, 20 minutes' drive
- History:built in 1419
- Altitude:4,000 meters (13,000 feet)
- Highlights:monks debating, thangka unveiling, and Bengqin Festival
- Time needed:2 hours
- Open:9am–4pm
- Peak season (April–October):50 yuan (8 dollars)
- Low season (October–April):25 yuan (4 dollars)
Sera Monastery is not as large asDrepung Monastery, and it is not as glorious asJokhang Temple. However, it is stunning and very peaceful.
Highlights
Monks Debating
Every day (except on Sundays) at 3pm, there is a debating session on Buddist doctrines among the monks at theDebate Courtyardof Sera Monastery.
The debating isheld on open grounds, and is a necessary way of learning sutras and scriptures. A monk will slap his hands together loudly and point to another monk to debate or argue.
Onlookers can watch the debate, but it is advised to keep quiet. This activity attracts many tourists, and you are recommended to get there before 3pm as it can become very crowded.
You cantake photosof monks debating by cellphone here for free. Butno camera.
Thangka Unveiling during Shoton Festival
During theShoton Festival, which is one of the most important traditional festivals in Tibet, the grand ceremony of Sunning the Buddha is held at Sera Monastery.
Shoton Festival is held every year in August in many monasteries in Tibet.
Sera Bengqin Festival
There is a big festival in Sera Monastery known as the Sera Bengqin Festival which is held on the 27th day of the twelfth month of the Tibetan calendar (usually in February).
It is said that avajra pestlewas introduced from India and the Khampo took it to the temple to worship it.
Bengqin节日期间,K的遗嘱执行人hampo took the pestle to the Dalai Lama at the Potala Palace. After the Dalai Lama blessed it, the executor took it back to the Sera Monastery quickly. Then the Khampo held the pestle to accept all the pilgrims' prayers and worshipping.
This festival attracts thousands of pilgrims from everywhere in Tibet.
Murals
There are a lot of wall paintings in the halls, and you are recommended to take aflashlightto discover the mysterious paintings.
Tour Sera Monastery with China Highlights
If you are planning to travel to Sera Monastery, See our most popular tours for inspiration.
- 7-Days Tibet Tours by Train from Xining: Experience the new Tibet railway, enjoy the most mysterious and beautiful area in the world.
- 5-Days Lhasa Classics and Lake Yamdrok -Tour: See Lhasa's highlights and a lakeside picnic nearby Tibetan holy Lake-Lake Yomdrok.
- 4-Days Lhasa Highlights Comfort Tour: Explore mysterious Tibet in comfort. Watch the colorful prayer flags flutter and pilgrims' worshipful walks.
Or contact us todesign a unique touraccording to your requirements. For more Sera Monastery tour please seeLhasa tours.