Sera Monastery

Located at the foot of Tatipu Hill in the 5km northern suburb of Lhasa City, Sera Monastery is one of three great monasteries in Lhasa, with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery. The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when it was built in 1419.

Highlights of Sera Monastery

Debating of Buddhist Doctrines

The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique among the three famous monasteries in Lhasa. From 3pm on Monday to Friday, the monks gather in a central courtyard and debate points of Buddhist learning. The debate usually lasts about one hour and a half. It may be conducted on Saturday occasionally because of the ritual ceremony at the same day.

The monks use all kinds of gestures in order to strengthen their argument; the elder monks clap their hands to urge their opponent to answer the question or pull the monk's prayer beads to signal that he has answered corrected. You will be deeply affected by the intense atmosphere.

A Great Assembly Hall

The hall is a 4-storey structure in the northeastern part of the monastery where several religious rituals and rites are carried out. The 2,00 square meters hall with its 125 pillars contains 5 chapels which house statues or images of the Buddhas.

Three Colleges

There are three main buildings there, including Me Zhacang, Je Zhacang and Ngaba Zhacang, where the monks study the Buddhist classics. Scriptures in 105 volumes written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloth and unparalleled murals can be found in these halls.

Travel Tips

1. The opening time is from 09:00am to 17:00pm.
2. The entrance ticket is ￥50 per person. Interior photography fee is ￥15 to ￥30 and video fee is ￥850.
3. After entering the monastery, all tourists must walk clockwise from left to right as the local does, and thus keeping shrines and chortens on your right.
4. The most attractive point is Debating of Buddhist Doctrines which is held between 3pm to 5pm except Sunday. Chapels start to close at 3pm, therefore tourist should firstly see the monastery chapels, and then head to the debating.
5. No photograph without permission.
6. Don't carry any water, fluid, lotion, etc, just like going onto the plane.
7. Don't step on the doorsill and smoke in the halls.
8. Don't wear a hat or sunglasses inside the palace.