[2025 Lhasa Attraction] Travel Guide for Sera Monastery (Updated Mar)

🏔️Withdrawal reaction after being hit by the holy mountain and holy lake The truth I want to tell you even if I'm gasping for breath at an altitude of 5,200 meters 🚗 Three-piece set to prevent confusion in transportation ▫️Take the Z165 train to Tibet! The Golmud-Lhasa section is a mobile IMAX ▫️Taking a Didi in Lhasa is cheaper than hailing a taxi (most drivers will not take detours) ▫️Tips for avoiding pitfalls when hiring a car: "Hide AL license + operating license" double insurance ⚠️Lessons learned through hard work: Don't ride a horse at Yanghu Lake! After paying 50 yuan for taking photos, you may be charged 200 yuan for "nursing fees" 🌌 Soul-out-of-body moment Namtso starry sky camping → The administrator goes off work after 21:00. Climb over the prayer flag fence to enjoy the Milky Way alone → Bring glucose oral solution! : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

On Ganden Ngamchoe, Lhasa transforms into a "sea of lights" ✨—the golden roof of Jokhang Temple shimmers like a galaxy, pilgrims circumambulate Barkhor Street amidst swirling juniper smoke, and lesser-known temples like Ramoche Temple and Zaki Temple exude a serene sanctity. Lhasa's streets are even livelier than during Losar (Tibetan New Year), with flickering candlelight illuminating every corner, from grand avenues to intimate temple courtyards, throughout the night. People chant mantras or offer prayers as they light candles and lamps. I felt a sense of holiness, and my heart found peace. 🙏 The flickering candlelight in the window, radiating warmth and light, marks this special occasion for the Tibetan people, and I was fortunate to be a part of it! If you happen to be in Tibet during this time, don't miss this truly worthwhile experience! 🌟 🔥 Origins This festival commemorates the death of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. For over 600 years, devotees have offered butter lamps to express their devotion and seek blessings. Je Tsongkhapa passed away in 1419 at Ganden Monastery. Before his death, he urged his disciples to continue upholding the Dharma. Subsequently, followers adopted the lamp as a symbol of wisdom, dispelling darkness. 📅 Date The 25th day of the 10th month in the Tibetan calendar (corresponding to December 25 in both 2024 and 2025, coinciding with Christmas Day) 📍 Many temples observe Ganden Ngamchoe, including: ✅ Ramoche Temple: Less crowded, with picturesque golden butter lamps against red walls ✅ Zaki Temple: Dedicated to the God of Wealth on Wednesdays, offering blessings for prosperity with the Zambala Trio Set ✅ Sera Monastery: Witness the monks' lamp-lighting ceremony in the Tsokchen Assembly Hall and enjoy a panoramic view of Lhasa's starlit cityscape ✅ Jokhang Temple: Experience the bustling atmosphere of Barkhor Street after its closure, with the golden roof's illumination intertwining with juniper smoke 🗺️ My Itinerary To avoid the crowds, I visited the less-frequented Ramoche Temple and Zaki Temple. As it was a Wednesday, I also paid my respects to the God of Wealth at Zaki Temple (Note: Zaki Temple has different deities for each day of the week; Wednesday is for the God of Wealth) and purchased the Zambala Trio Set. 🛍️ 🔥 Core Customs 1️⃣ Lamp Lighting Ceremony: Temples and windowsills of homes are adorned with an odd number of butter lamps (symbolizing auspiciousness), burning day and night 2️⃣ Juniper Burning Ritual: Juniper branches and butter are burned together, accompanied by the chant "Lha gyalo!" to praise the Dharma 3️⃣ Sharing "Ngatu" Porridge: A vegetarian porridge made from roasted barley flour, commemorating Je Tsongkhapa's last meal 🚗 Tips * Temples remain open late on this day, with extended hours. 🌙 * The ideal time to visit is around 6:00 PM when it gets dark. 🌆 * Barkhor Street closes to vehicles in the afternoon, but pedestrians can still access it. 🚶‍♀️ * Jokhang Temple gets very crowded, so arrive early. 👇 ✨ As countless lights merge into a galaxy, for whom will you light a prayer lamp? Share your answer in the comments, or tell us about a moment of prayer that holds special meaning for you! 💌

#favouriteitinerary A 3-day Lhasa itinerary lets you experience the rich Tibetan culture, stunning monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes. --- Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization Highlights: Potala Palace – The iconic former winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Explore its golden halls, chapels, and panoramic views of Lhasa. Barkhor Street – A lively marketplace surrounding Jokhang Temple, perfect for shopping Tibetan crafts and trying local snacks. Jokhang Temple – Tibet’s most sacred temple, home to a golden statue of Buddha. Join pilgrims in the kora (ritual walk) around the temple. Rest & Acclimatize – Lhasa sits at 3,650m; drink water, avoid strenuous activity, and rest if needed. --- Day 2: Monasteries & Tibetan Culture Highlights: Drepung Monastery – Once the world’s largest monastery, home to thousands of monks. Sera Monastery – Famous for its afternoon monk debates (around 3–5 PM), a unique and lively Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Norbulingka Palace – The summer palace of the Dalai Lama, featuring beautiful gardens. Try Tibetan Food – Sample yak butter tea, momos (dumplings), and thukpa (noodle soup). --- Day 3: Scenic Views & Spiritual Sites Highlights: Ganden Monastery (Optional) – About 1.5 hours from Lhasa, offering spectacular views and a peaceful atmosphere. Drak Yerpa Caves – A sacred meditation site in the mountains, ideal for those seeking spiritual insight. Local Tibetan Market – Buy authentic Tibetan jewelry, incense, and handwoven rugs before departure. --- Travel Tips: Altitude Precautions – Move slowly, stay hydrated, and consider altitude sickness medication if needed. Permits – Foreigners need a Tibet Travel Permit, arranged through a registered travel agency. Best Time to Visit – April to October for mild weather; avoid the harsh winter months. Transportation – Taxis and walking are the best ways to explore Lhasa. For monasteries outside the city, hire a private car or join a guided tour. Respect Local Customs – Always walk clockwise around religious sites, don’t photograph monks without permission, and avoid discussing sensitive political topics. #travel#lhasa

🔆During the few days of traveling in Lhasa My friend and I spent a day taking photos of the Tibetan costumes we had always dreamed of. Different from the gorgeous clothes in commercial photography We bought our own clothes. Come experience Tibetan clothing in Lhasa‼ ️ 🟡There are many clothing stores near Barkhor Street in Lhasa city. My friend and I each bought a set The price ranges from 100 to 180 depending on the style and fabric. While trying on clothes, I also learned some differences about Tibetan clothing. In fact, due to the different natural environments and production and living styles in different places, Tibetan costumes also have their own characteristics. It is mainly divided into Amdo, Kham and U-Tsang regions. The more plain and elegant style we bought is the Wei Zang clothing 🔴Wearing special clothes makes you feel different It matches the Tibetan architecture in Lhasa very well. 📷Recommended photo spots in Lhasa 1⃣️Potala Palace, you must take a photo in front of the iconic building 2⃣️Barkhor Street is a great place to experience Tibetan customs. The traditional buildings in the ancient city and the handicraft shops in the streets and alleys are all good places to take photos. It is also the place where you can see the most people taking ethnic photos 3⃣️Jokhang Temple, you can take photos in the designated areas 4⃣️Sera Monastery, few people, and the yellow and white exterior walls are easy to take pictures ✅️Address: Lhasa Main attractions: Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, etc. 🔆Photography tips: When taking photos in temples, you must respect local customs and do not take photos in places where photos are not allowed. If you buy Tibetan clothes yourself, you can buy some simple accessories in Barkhor Street, such as headdresses, necklaces, etc. They are actually very cheap. You can buy a headdress for 10 yuan, which makes the photos look better. If you don’t have friends who can take photos, you can find some Trip Moments, where the clothing choices are gorgeous and the makeup photos are more exquisite You can see a lot of Trip Moments in Barkhor Street, the cheap price is around 299 The advantage of buying clothes by yourself is that you can see them in many places later. We took pictures in Shigatse and Namtso. ·If you buy clothes yourself, remember to bargain‼ ️

Total cost for 19 days: 2,817 + 1,664 (round-trip travel expenses) = 4,481 yuan ㅤ Train to Tibet 🚞 787 yuan (hard sleeper, lower berth) Flight from Tibet ✈️ 877 yuan Transportation in Lhasa 🚦 142 yuan Accommodation 🏨 717 yuan Food 🍽 600 yuan ㅤ Five-day, four-night tour of Mount Everest 1,200+ yuan (100 yuan for single room supplement) ㅤ Tickets for Zaki Temple, Drepung Monastery, and Sera Monastery total 130 yuan ㅤ Hat 28 yuan (Brothers Department Store is very affordable, and a windbreaker is just over 100 yuan) ㅤ Some of the above items are slightly overestimated, but the difference is not significant. For reference only. ㅤ I didn't experience altitude sickness, so I didn't buy oxygen and only used a small bottle of oxygen provided by the tour group. Here's why I didn't experience altitude sickness: I'm not tall, not fat, and not active. When you first arrive, don't get too excited, talk less, and don't wash your hair. ㅤ Some details ㅤ Transportation 🚦 Taxi from Lhasa Railway Station to Barkhor Street is about 30 yuan Gonggar Airport to Barkhor Street is 30 yuan per person Bus is 1 yuan per person ㅤ Accommodation 🏨 Staying in a youth hostel costs about 40 to 50 yuan per day on average. I recommend staying near Barkhor Street, so you can walk to Barkhor Street. ㅤ Food 🍚 1. Tibetan noodles are 6 to 7 yuan per bowl 2. Sweet tea is about 5 to 6 yuan per small pot, and butter tea is a bit of an acquired taste (I heard that butter tea can relieve altitude sickness) 3. You can try Nepalese food, but some dishes are a bit strange, such as mung bean soup with cumin flavor. The average cost is 50 to 60 yuan per person 4. Yak yogurt is too sour. I recommend ordering a ginseng fruit yak yogurt on Meituan. The ginseng fruit is delicious! 5. Sweet tea at Old Guangming Teahouse is 1 yuan per cup. The atmosphere is great. ㅤ In Lhasa, I visited the following attractions: Potala Palace, Barkhor Street, Nanshan Park, Sera Monastery, Zaki Temple, Drepung Monastery, Tibet Museum, Tibet Museum of Natural Science and Technology, Norbulingka, and Tibet Art Museum (except for the temples, all of these attractions were free because I visited during the Tibet Winter Tour) ㅤ Reflections on my trip to Tibet: You pay for your own knowledge throughout your life. The brave enjoy the world first. This is my one and only life.

| Sera Monastery. Sera Monastery is one of the three major monasteries in Lhasa, and is famous for its unique debate tradition. Every Monday to Saturday afternoon, when the sun shines on every corner of the monastery, the debate field becomes a sea of knowledge. People flock in, and you can see the lively scene of the debate field 200 meters straight from the main entrance. However, it is important to note that cameras are not allowed on site, but you can use your phone to capture the lively atmosphere. Walking along the stone path to the east side of Sera Monastery, you will see the solemn main hall, which enshrines Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug sect. He is not only the soul of the sect, but also the spiritual pillar of the monastery. To the west is another main hall, which enshrines the protector of Sera Monastery, Hayagriva. He guards the peace and tranquility of the monastery, and the devotion of every pilgrim. The architecture and painting art of Sera Monastery complement each other, and every corner tells the profound cultural heritage of the Tibetan region.

👩‍🏫Background knowledge: Sera Monastery's full name is "Sera Mahayana Monastery" One of the six main monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism Together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, it is known as one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa 🔖There are two theories about the origin of the name Sera Monastery: One theory is that a hailstorm occurred when the monastery was being built. The Tibetan word for hail is "sera," so the monastery was named "Sera Monastery," meaning "Hail Monastery." Another theory is that the monastery was built in a place where wild roses were in full bloom, so it was named "Sera Monastery," as the Tibetan word for wild rose is also "sera." 📍Location: At the foot of Sera Wuze Mountain, 3 km north of Lhasa 🚗Transportation: Transportation is very convenient throughout the city Transportation in Lhasa is a bit expensive 3 km from the city center A Didi ride costs CNY 26 🎫Tickets: CNY 50 per person, excluding guide 📚Debate: The debates at Sera Monastery are very famous Time: 3:00–5:00 pm (no debates on Sundays)

| Complete Guide to Attractions & Pitfalls. When traveling to Tibet, you must spend at least two days in Lhasa, the "City of Sunshine," to experience the cultural landscape and visit famous historical sites. It is also recommended to stay in Lhasa first to adapt to the high-altitude environment before heading out to visit other popular attractions. 🎡 Attractions: 🏯 Potala Palace: Lhasa's iconic landmark, a World Heritage Site, with numerous cultural and artistic treasures. 🛕 Barkhor Street: A famous commercial street and a sacred pilgrimage site, with a wide variety of unique goods. 🛕 Jokhang Temple: A sacred pilgrimage site for believers, where you can experience the strong religious atmosphere and admire the exquisite Buddhist architecture and artifacts. 🛕 Drepung Monastery: One of the largest monasteries in the world, where you can learn about the history and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. 🛕 Sera Monastery: One of the three great monasteries of Lhasa, where you can watch the fascinating debate performances. 🌊 Namtso Lake: One of the three sacred lakes of Tibet, the highest saltwater lake, with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. 🏞 Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon: One of the deepest canyons in the world and one of the most beautiful canyons in China, where you can marvel at the wonders of nature. 🍱 Food: 🍵 Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan drink, a blend of milk and tea. 🍶 Qingke Wine: A must-have for festivals and celebrations, made from fermented Qingke barley, with a rich aroma. 🍘 Tsampa: A traditional staple food made from Qingke barley flour, which goes great with butter tea or Qingke wine. 🥩 Yak Beef: Tender and delicious, can be boiled, roasted, or stir-fried. 🍜 Tibetan Noodles: Traditional noodles made from Qingke barley flour, with a chewy texture. 🏨 Accommodation: 🛏 Hotels: Hotels of various grades are available in the city center, with the best locations near the Potala Palace or Barkhor Street for convenient sightseeing. 🏡 Homestays: Homestays offer a unique atmosphere, but be sure to check reviews before booking. 👚 Clothing: 🌤 Lhasa has a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring both thick and thin clothes. If you are going to higher altitudes or glaciers, remember to bring a down jacket. ☀ The plateau has strong ultraviolet rays, so a sun hat, umbrella, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. ✨ Transportation: 🚂 Train: Direct trains to Lhasa are available from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xining, and Lanzhou, with stunning scenery along the way, allowing you to gradually adapt to the high altitude. ✈ Airplane: Lhasa Gonggar Airport has airport buses to the city center, with a journey of about 60 kilometers and about 1 hour, with a ticket price of 30 yuan/person. If you have plenty of time, you can also rest near the airport for a night before setting off. 🚕 City: Buses cost 1 yuan, and taxis start at 10 yuan, making it very convenient to get around the city.

Sera Monastery is one of the six main monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, it is known as one of the three great monasteries of Lhasa. It is located at the foot of Sera Wuze Mountain, 3 kilometers north of Lhasa. The history of Sera Monastery dates back to the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1409), when it was built by Jamchen Chojey, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Over the centuries, Sera Monastery has undergone multiple expansions and renovations, gradually forming its current scale. The architectural style of Sera Monastery is unique, blending Tibetan, Han, and Indian elements. The main buildings of the monastery include the Tsokchen Hall, Jey College, Me College, and Ngagpa College. Among them, the Tsokchen Hall is the main hall of Sera Monastery, enshrining statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and Tsongkhapa. Sera Monastery has a rich cultural heritage, housing a large collection of Buddhist scriptures, statues, thangkas, and other artifacts. Additionally, Sera Monastery is one of the important centers of Buddhist education in Tibet, having nurtured numerous high-ranking monks and scholars. Apart from its architecture and culture, the debate sessions at Sera Monastery are also a major highlight. Every afternoon, the monks gather in the debate courtyard to engage in debates. Through intense discussions and questioning, they explore Buddhist doctrines and practices. These debates are not only a method of learning and exchange but also a way to showcase Buddhist wisdom and culture. The debate sessions at Sera Monastery are a unique form of learning and exchange in Tibetan Buddhism. Here are the rules and procedures: - Debate Rules: - Debate Methods: - Direct Debate: Two people debate in turns, one asking questions and the other answering without counter-questioning. After a period, they switch roles. - Established Debate: One person presents a thesis, and others can challenge it. The responses can only be 'yes,' 'no,' or 'uncertain.' - Discussion Basis: - Logical Reasoning: Using commonly accepted principles as the basis for logical reasoning and questioning according to Buddhist logic. - Quoting Scriptures: Referencing texts from universally recognized scriptures, quoting the words of the Buddha and ancient sages to cross-examine and discuss the subtle meanings within the scriptures, thereby generating discussions on Buddhist doctrines. - Debate Procedures: - Every afternoon at a fixed time (usually from 3 to 5 PM, except on Sundays and certain holidays), monks gather in the debate courtyard of Sera Monastery. - Monks form different groups, some one-on-one, some one-on-many. Generally, the standing monk is the questioner, and the seated monk is the respondent. - The questioner first states a 'base,' then raises their right hand high, claps with the left hand, and extends the right hand towards the respondent before pulling it back to start questioning. During the questioning, they often clap, wave prayer beads, move their bodies, and sometimes shout to enhance their momentum and express their views. - The respondent remains calm and composed, responding steadily regardless of the questions. The answers can only be 'yes,' 'no,' or 'uncertain.' Throughout the process, counter-questioning is not allowed. - The debate revolves around Buddhist doctrines, exploring and understanding the essence of Buddhism through a question-and-answer format. The topics may include interpretations of scriptures, methods of practice, and Buddhist philosophy. - After a debate session, roles may be switched, or new groups formed for the next round of debates. Debating is not only a test and enhancement of the monks' Buddhist knowledge but also an essential part of their practice. For visitors, watching the debates is a unique window into understanding Tibetan Buddhist culture and the monks' learning life. However, it is important to remain quiet and respectful of the monks' religious activities and customs while watching. If you have the chance to visit Sera Monastery, don't miss this fascinating and unique scene. In summary, Sera Monastery is a historic, culturally rich, and architecturally unique Buddhist monastery. It is one of Tibet's important cultural heritage sites and tourist attractions.

| Red-robed monks and light meet by chance, bustling yet quiet. The red-robed monks of Sera Monastery stand quietly in the light, as if isolated from the world. Their figures cast long shadows on the walls of the monastery, intertwining with the light, creating a serene and mysterious scene. Around them is a bustling crowd, but the monks' hearts are incredibly peaceful. In this noisy world, they have found their own quiet corner. Light streams through the windows of the monastery, falling on the red-robed monks, illuminating the scriptures in their hands. They chant softly, their voices echoing in the air, as if merging with the light. The melodious sound of the monastery's bells drifts in, intertwining with the monks' chanting, like a heavenly melody. In this moment, time seems to stand still, everything becomes so peaceful and beautiful.

📍Location: Seraroad, Chengguan District, Lhasa, that's where Sera Monastery is located😃 🚌Transportation: Buses No. 21, 12, 24, 23, 16 can all take you there🤗 📝Opening Hours: 8:30 - 17:00 🎫Ticket: 50 yuan (locals do not need to buy a ticket) ✨Sera Monastery, officially known as 'Sera Mahayana Monastery', is one of the six main monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism👏. Along with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, it forms the Great Three Monasteries of Lhasa and is the last built among them. ✨There are two interesting theories about the origin of the name 'Sera Monastery'😜: One is that during the foundation of the monastery, there was a severe hailstorm, and 'hail' in Tibetan is pronounced 'Sera', hence the monastery was named 'Sera Monastery', meaning 'Hail Monastery'; the other is that the monastery was built on a field of blooming wild roses, and 'wild rose' in Tibetan is also pronounced 'Sera', thus giving the monastery its name. ✨Inside Sera Monastery, there are thousands of Vajra Buddha statues, most of which are meticulously made by local Tibetans🎖️. There are also many bronze Buddha statues that have come from the mainland or India. The walls of the great hall and various scripture halls are adorned with a large number of exquisite original color murals. Among them, the most famous statue is the 'Hayagriva' in the great hall, located inside the Dharmapala temple on the fourth floor of the Jikang warehouse. Just walk straight forward from the main hall, through a row of small halls, and it's at the very end. Locals will stick their heads into a small shrine to touch the base of the statue with their heads. ✨From the Buddha basking platform to the northeast of Sera Monastery, one can take in the entire beautiful view of the monastery👀. Every year during the Shoton Festival, a grand Buddha basking ceremony is held here. ✨Sera Monastery is quite famous for its debating. The debating ceremony of Sera Monastery is held in the debating courtyard on the north side of the monastery, starting at three o'clock in the afternoon and continuing until five o'clock🕔. ✨Debating is actually a deep exploration of Buddhist knowledge, and can also be said to be a unique learning method of the lamas. The monks of Sera Monastery have such a wonderful debating session every day. It is a challenging debate, and debaters often use various vivid gestures to enhance the force of the debate, either clapping their hands to urge the opponent to answer quickly😤, or pulling on prayer beads to signify drawing on the power of Buddha to overcome the opponent. ✨There are no debates on Sundays and certain special holidays. Unfortunately, I went there on a Sunday, so I missed it😔. However, the advantage is that there are fewer people, and Sera Monastery is very photogenic📷. Walking around the monastery, one feels an immense sense of inner peace. There are also many cute cats and dogs🐶🐱 in the temple, but some dogs may bite, so everyone should still be careful!

Took a taxi to Sera Monastery, which is right on the edge of Lhasa city Traveling alone, so I used public transportation Went there for the debate recommended by the hostel owner Not sure if it had ended or not It was written to start at two o'clock, and I arrived a few minutes after two at the debate site So I followed the locals up the back mountain It took about 3 hours to hike The scenery was great, with a view of the entire Lhasa city and the Potala Palace But it also depends on the individual's physical condition, after all, it is at a high altitude

Here comes the 11-day, 10-night Tibet travel guide for an average cost of 2500 per person|| 1️⃣Accommodation - Muyang Chenge Youth Hostel (Jokhang Temple branch) 25💰 per bed I'm not an advertiser, dear friends 2️⃣Dining - I mostly ordered takeout and didn't check in at any popular restaurants. You must try the fried potatoes in Tibet, they are really delicious 3️⃣Itinerary 📌Yamdrok Lake (90💰) includes meal 📌Sera Monastery entrance fee 50💰, after 5 pm 10💰 Debates start at 3 pm, there are no debates after 5 pm so it's cheaper 📌Tashilhunpo Monastery is especially efficacious for wealth-seeking on Wednesdays 📌Nanshan Park is free, the scenery is beautiful 📌Hanging prayer flags on Nakin Mountain 230💰, 200 meters is enough 📌Tibetan costume photo shoot 158💰 (includes 3 hours of costume rental) You rent the costume and take your own photos. The costume seems to be 100 and makeup 58, you can ask around, I forgot The address is: Tibet Cultural Physical Examination Space 4️⃣Essential items Indigestion medicine, cold medicine, painkillers, glucose Ibuprofen granules (good for high altitude headache) Hat, sunscreen, sun protection gloves, motion sickness medicine if you get car sick 📌Tibet is really a magical place. On this trip, I met many interesting friends who added a lot of fun to my journey. Although the 53-hour hard seat train journey was long, I met friends from all over the world. We shared food and took care of each other. I met a super nice girl from Guangzhou in the hostel, and on the way back, I met travel companions to play with. The trip to Tibet has ended. There are regrets, but the imperfections make the journey beautiful. 📌The places you want to go to at 20, don't wait until you're 30. Because the feelings at 20 are different from those at 30. I hope we can all catch the tail of youth and enjoy life in time ✋(My advice) Tibet is a slow-paced city, don't rush your itinerary. In Lhasa, watch the Potala Palace, daydream, drink sweet tea, turn the prayer wheel, and spend a leisurely day experiencing the city's life, culture, and beliefs. 📌Warning: Remember not to join a tour group in advance. If you sign up for a tour before even arriving in Tibet and then suffer from altitude sickness, you'll be rushing your itinerary and that's just paying to suffer.

Sera Monastery (sera-theg-chen-gling), located about 5 kilometers north of Lhasa city center, at the southern foot of Sera Utsé Mountain. 'Sera' in Tibetan means 'wild rose garden'. Its formal name is 'theg-chen-gling', which means 'Mahayana continent'. Founded in 1419, it was built with the support of the noble Langkazanbu (nam-mkav-bzang-po) by Jamchen Chöjé Shakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. Sera Monastery covers an area of 114,964 square meters. It is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, originally designed for 5,500 monks but actually housing over 9,000. The main structures include the Coqen Hall (assembly hall), the 'three great Zhacangs' and 32 Kangtsens. The early buildings were centered around the Mazhacang and Abacang, and after many generations of expansion and renovation, it has reached its current size, hence there is no overall plan in its layout. However, the architecture is adapted to the local conditions, with a prominent main body, dense but not cramped, complex but not chaotic, reflecting the unique style of the Gelug monasteries, resembling a religious capital city. In 1962, it was listed as a key cultural relic protection unit by the autonomous region.

I bow to Master Tsongkhapa, who possesses wisdom and compassion. Paying homage to the Buddha who lived nine hundred years ago, we will encounter hardships and grace. Thank you Emperor Yongde, your generosity and faith will live forever. For hundreds of years, the pagoda has been pure and spotless, but at some point, the hearts of all living beings have become filthy. May this land always be peaceful and harmonious, and may the people here always be happy and healthy.

Lhasa, the holy land for backpackers, the most suitable city for solo travel in the country. 🧚🏻In winter, all A-level tourist attractions in Lhasa except temples are free, and the travel price is very low, half cheaper than summer tourism. Free attractions include the Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Yamdrok Lake, etc. ⛰️The main city tour of Lhasa is to visit temples and tour the Potala Palace. Book free tickets in advance through the Potala Palace ticket reservation system one day in advance. There is basically no need to queue in the off-season, but it is very tiring to climb the Potala Palace. Those with poor physical fitness should prepare oxygen tanks in advance. Note that photography is not allowed inside. 💞The winter climate in Lhasa is cold, and you need to prepare thick down jackets and thermal underwear. If you are traveling alone, you should prepare all kinds of medicines, especially for colds, fever, diarrhea, etc. Oxygen tanks are life-saving. 🚂The starting price for taxis in Lhasa is 10 yuan, and 12 yuan at night. They don't like to use the meter, so you need to agree on the price in advance. City buses can also reach major attractions. You can take a bus to tour Lhasa alone, and you can reach Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Yaowang Mountain, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Zaki Temple, etc. along the way. 🍩It is suitable for individuals to eat Tibetan noodles and drink sweet tea, the most cost-effective food and drink in Lhasa, with an average cost of 10 yuan. 🧘🏻‍♀️Winter is the cheapest season for accommodation in Lhasa. You can stay in a youth hostel or a guest house. Around 50 yuan.

Sera Monastery. Lhasa is a multifaceted city, both modern and traditional, both commercial and devout. For the first two days here, what I felt was the overwhelming prosperity and noise, the commercial atmosphere was so strong that I could forget that I was on the snow-capped plateau, with many people, cars, and shops everywhere. In the following days, I started to visit various temples, and truly felt the peaceful and serene life atmosphere of the traditional Tibetans. Today I came to Sera Monastery, initially attracted by the architecture, colors, and debates mentioned in the mouth. Although I still didn't catch up with the debate, the architectural colors were as expected, and they were very photogenic~ Yellow and white are the main colors, occasionally matched with red, very simple and atmospheric, it is a good choice to slowly play in Lhasa. Small tips: 1. The debate time is 3-5 pm (rest on Sundays), the entrance is a bit far from the debate field, if you want to listen to the debate, you need to advance A 2. Sera Monastery is a bit big, each independent small courtyard has its own characteristics, suitable for not in a hurry to stroll around 3. Before 5 o'clock, the ticket is 50, after 5 o'clock, because many places are closed, the ticket is 10 yuan. If you just want to take pictures, it is suitable to go after 5 o'clock.

Sera Monastery, located at the foot of Sera Uze Mountain in the northern suburbs of Lhasa, is one of the three major monasteries in Lhasa and the second largest monastery in Tibet. The architectural style of the monastery is unique, and the golden and magnificent main hall and the grand scale are breathtaking. The monastery houses many precious Buddha statues, as well as a large number of scriptures, exquisite thangkas, embroidery, murals and other art treasures, which are excellent choices for worship or viewing. The debate activities of Sera Monastery are well-known in Tibet and are an important part of visiting Sera Monastery. The debate activities are held in the debate field in the north of the monastery, starting at three o'clock in the afternoon and lasting until five o'clock. It should be noted that there are no debate activities on Sundays and special holidays. During the debate, the monks are exaggerated in their actions and debate the scriptures, which is very interesting. You can walk to see the buildings and Buddha halls of Sera Monastery. The perimeter of the entire monastery is about 1.5 kilometers. The layout of Sera Monastery is centered on the Cochin Hall, surrounded by many buildings of the major Zha Cang. Unlike the architecture of Han Buddhism in the mainland, the architectural layout of Sera Monastery is not centrally symmetrical, but scattered in the mountains. The more famous halls include the Horse Head Ming King Hall and the Cochin Hall, which can be visited in focus. The Horse Head Ming King Hall enshrines the famous Horse Head Ming King statue of Sera Monastery. The Horse Head Ming King is a Dharma protector of Tibetan Buddhism's Vajrayana, with powerful magic power to exorcise evil and solve difficulties. It is said that this statue of the Horse Head Ming King was dug out by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism, when he heard the neighing of a horse while walking, so it has a strong exorcism power in the legend of Tibetan Buddhism. This is also a key point for believers to worship at Sera Monastery. You can join the believers' team to worship and pray for blessings and exorcism. The central Cochin Hall is a larger building of Sera Monastery, supported by 108 large pillars. During religious ceremonies, it can accommodate more than 8,000 monks. The statue of the founder of the monastery, Shakyamuni, is enshrined in the hall. The hat on the head of the statue is very unique, with Sanskrit written on it. This hat was personally bestowed by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty when he was preaching in the mainland. You can go and discover it yourself. The back mountain of Sera Monastery is relatively high, and you can see the panoramic view of Lhasa city from the top of the mountain, which is a good place for mountain climbers. The relative height of the mountain is about 500 meters, and it takes about 4 hours to climb, requiring a certain amount of physical strength. Looking back at the city of Lhasa along the mountain road, the view is very wide. However, it is not recommended for tourists who are prone to altitude sickness when they first arrive in Lhasa to go to the top of the mountain.

- Arrived at Sera Monastery near Lhasa city in the afternoon There's no debate on Sundays, the temple is quiet and comfortable In my view, it's better to shoot here than the Potala Palace The light and shadow will guide the way forward The bright colors of red, yellow, and white will guide you to press the shutter Some shooting positions, I see no one has shot before~ The Tibetan incense of Sera Monastery is a worthy souvenir, 8-15r As for the ticket, it's worth a deal If you're just here for photos, it's suggested to come after 5 pm, 10r for a ticket If you want to see the details inside the hall, it's suggested to come in the afternoon, 50r for a ticket But don't get stuck coming after 4 pm, in addition to the expensive ticket The big and small halls are also closing one after another

Pabongka Monastery is located on the back hill of Sera Monastery in the north. At first glance, it is a very unremarkable small temple, but upon closer inspection, you can see its beauty. This temple does not require a ticket, and there are not many people, so you can basically go in directly when you arrive. We do not need to make an appointment in advance. But please note that its opening hours are from 9 am to 5 pm. The temple is closed at other times and no longer receives visitors. When we went there, it happened to be spring, and the peach blossoms in the temple were in full bloom. The towering temple wall could not block the spring scenery of the full garden. However, according to the person in charge of the temple, the best scenery is in winter. The pure white snow and the red walls of the temple are particularly matched. Standing on the high place of the temple and looking down, the scenery under the mountain is exceptionally beautiful.

Visiting Sera Monastery was a spontaneous decision, so I didn't specifically plan to watch a debate. But as one of the three major temples in Lhasa and one of the six main monasteries of the Gelug sect, the fact that Sera Monastery has such a strong sense of life was unexpected. Perhaps it's because in Tibet, life is faith, and faith is life, which is why Buddhism has continued to this day. As for the origin of the name Sera Monastery, one theory is that before the monastery was built, the land was full of wild roses, and Sera is the pronunciation of 'rose' in Tibetan. Another theory is that during the foundation of the monastery, there was a fierce hailstorm, so Sera Monastery means 'Hail Monastery'. If it were up to me, I would of course prefer the former, after all, flowers may be frail, but they always bring fragrance, hail is strong, but always accompanied by destruction. Walking down the steps from the Guanyin Hall of Sera Monastery, I happened to see a small altar full of roses, and an old man was kneeling in worship, this scene was so gentle, unlike in the powerful temples of Lhasa. It was the time when autumn was getting stronger, and the ginkgo trees in Sera Monastery were also beginning to turn yellow. During the less crowded times, I saw local residents walking in the sun in the temple, leisurely entering and exiting the Buddha Hall, praying in the prayer wheel corridor, and a large group of dogs wandering around freely, I really felt that Sera Monastery was like a religious small town, where faith is daily life, and even the small animals seem to have become accustomed to living a leisurely life amidst the chanting and the smell of butter. Sera Monastery is built on a hill, and although it is not grand and luxurious, it has formed a certain scale and characteristics through generations of expansion. The buildings that seem to be scattered in the mountain actually all have their own roles and functions. The Coqen Hall, the three major warehouses, and 32 Kang villages form the clear and strict organizational structure of Sera Monastery. The tens of thousands of Vajra Buddha statues and murals, and Thangkas are all very wonderful and worth a careful look. If you have good physical strength, you can climb the mountain before sunset and overlook the whole Lhasa, which is said to be very spectacular. Tips: Tickets are 50 before 5 o'clock, and 10 after 5 o'clock. Although it is in the suburbs, there are many buses available, and the transportation is convenient.

Sera Monastery ⛩️ Located at the base of a mountain, take a wander into a significant Monastery in Lhasa's history. Walk the streets and smell the incense from all directions whilst admiring the traditional Tibetan architecture. 🏠 Inside the Monastery itself you'll find butter offerings to various Buddhas and admire the artistry in each room, intricate carpets and wall paintings throughout 🖼🎨 Ensure you're there between 3:00pm and 5:00pm to see the "Monks' Debate". Where Monks test one another's knowledge about all things Buddhism, Scripture and Tibetan.. #monastery #tibet #monks

Sera Temple is the Gelugpai Temple. It is also known as the "Lhasa Three Great Temples" with Ganden Temple and Drepung Monastery. I went to the Sera Monastery completely for the debate, because I heard about the Sera Monastery before I left. The debate is one of the folklore that Lhasa must watch. The lamas were in the hall of the hall, chanting, and I and the Tibetans sat around the stools around the main hall, feeling the sacredness of the short, long, sacred, listening to the debate at three o'clock in the afternoon, first by an elderly The lama introduced a brief opening ceremony. Then, after the debate began, although the words could not be understood, I would like to visit the Sera Monastery in order to experience the inheritance of this day. After the event, watch a scene of debate for faith. [Tips] Transportation: Located at the foothills of the Sera in the northern suburbs of Lhasa, the Jokhang Temple comes out to Beijing Middle Road, take the 503 CMB to Sera Monastery, the fare is 2 yuan, the journey is about 50 minutes. Tickets: 50 yuan Note: The debate is not carried out in the hall, but outdoors, to pay attention to the place, the time is usually started at 3 pm.

I like the living conditions of Buddhism in Tibet. Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery are the three major temples in Lhasa. It is the oldest building in the three major temples. The temple has the most famous debate ceremony in Tibetan areas When I arrived at the temple, both the monks dressed in shackles and the Tibetans in Tibetan clothes revealed their sincerity towards the Buddha. It is like two worlds with us./ Most tourists like us are all directed at us. The most famous debate ceremony here comes ~ There are many people who watch the debate. When we arrived, the debate hall was filled with dense tourists, and there were many foreign tourists~ dozens Lama or standing or standing, divided into one-on-one, one-to-many, or many-to-one combinations, questioning, rebutting, refuting and then answering, using a variety of gestures, physical movements, or hand rosary, One foot is independent, even glaring at each other, vigorously claping to make a strong voice~ A debate is a practice for the monks, it is like watching a lively event for tourists~ but dont care, dont understand, dont use Deliberately explore the meaning of chanting, be able to come here and feel positive Everything that has been born is already the fate of the previous Buddha... In addition to watching the debate, the Sera Monastery itself is also a very large temple~ Walk around and turn around, maybe a corner can surprise you~ There are all kinds of beautiful Thangka murals inside, so you cant take pictures~

Sera Monastery tickets are 50 yuan and there is no student ID card. Local residents do not need tickets. Yes, the student ID card is very bad in Tibet. Brought with a leucorrhea. Sera Temple has a well-known debate. I used to see it in books. The book describes the very...the Holy Spirit. (Forgive me for not being able to describe words.) The debate was originally from India. In fact, it is to follow the logic of reasoning system, to debate the teaching of Buddhist teachings. Of course, when we went to see it, we couldnt understand what they were saying. Only their momentum can infect people. Everyone is very focused on doing one thing, very devoutly speaking about the Buddhist theory they understand. Sometimes when you are excited, you will also increase your voice and your face will rise. After reading a debate, your back will be unconsciously sweated.

In the morning, I went to the Sera Monastery and climbed up. Our goal is actually Figure 9, or it is a little worse, and I can't climb. The weather in Lhasa is really good.