Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery

Sera Monastery is one of the "great three" Gelug monasteries of Tibet, located 1.25 miles (2.01 km) north of Lhasa and about 5 km (3.1 mi) north of the Jokhang. The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery. The origin of its name is attributed to a fact that during construction, the hill behind the monastery was covered with blooming wild roses (or "sera" in Tibetan). The monastery is famous for the debates of Buddhist doctrines.

Debates among monks on the Buddhist doctrines are integral to the learning process in the colleges in the Sera Monastery complex. This facilitates better comprehension of the Buddhist philosophy to attain higher levels of study. This exemplary debating tradition supplemented with gestures is said to be exclusive to this monastery, among the several other monasteries of Lhasa. Visitors also attend to witness these debates that are held as per a set schedule, every day in the 'Debating Courtyard' of the monastery.

Sera Bengqin Festival

The monastery hosts an impressive festival, popularly known as the ‘Sera Bengqin Festival’, which is largely attended by monks and devotees. The festival is held some time in February as per the Gregorian calendar corresponding to specific date fixed by the monastery according to the Tibetan calendar. On the festival day, a Dorje Pestle is ceremoniously taken to the Potala Palace. The Dalai Lama offers prayers to the Buddha to bestow strength and blesses the Pestle. Thereafter, the pestle is briefly placed on the heads of the monks and disciples by the Khenpo (president) of the Ngaba Zhacang.

Address: No. 1 Sera Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa City

Entrance ticket: 50 yuan / person during 7:00am-17:00pm; 5 yuan / person after 17:00pm

No debates on Sundays and special holidays.

Contact: 0891-6383639

Opening hours: opening at 7:00am; Debates start at 15:00; after 17:00, the main halls are closed.

Arrival: Take bus No.6, 16, 24 and get off at Sera Monastery stop.

Recommended visiting time: 3-4 hours