Overview
Sera Monastery was founded in 1419, by Jamchen Chojey, who was a disciple of TsongKhapa. It is located at the foot of a mountain about 5 kilometers north of Lhasa. The origin of the name ‘Sera’ derived from the fact that the original site was surrounded by ‘Wild Roses,‘ which in Tibetan language read as “Se” “Ra.”
Brief
Sera monastery had three main colleges that are as follows:
-1), “Sera Mey Dratsang” provided basic instructions to the young monks and was built in 1419.
-2), “Sera Jey Dratsang,” the largest, was built in 1435, reserved for wandering monks.
-3), “Ngagpa Dratsang” was built in 1559 with the purpose of teaching the Gelug pa tantras.
Sera monastery has the most famous debating training class across Tibetan Cultrual Area. The debate was held in the debate hall in the far north of the monastery. There are so many people who come to witness the debating training, suggesting to arrive earlier for a good spot for visiting.
It is recommended to carry flashlight or headlights for visiting the well-preserved old murals. The Sky-funeral ground is on the mountain behind Sera Monastery, however, in order to respect the customs of local Tibetan people, the local authority does not allow travelers to watch it. Although you can not see the funeral, but there is a nearby rock field worth to pay a visit, from which a panorama view of Lhasa is visible.
Sera Monastery Data
Built Date
It was found in 1419 AD
Type
Gelug pa Monastery
Altitude
3,650 meters above sea level
Opening hour
07:00 am – 17:00 pm
Monk-Debating-Class begin at 15:00 pm
Entrance Fee
07:00 am – 17:00 pm: RMB 50.00 per person
After 17:00 pm: RMB 5.00 per person
Season defination
High Season: from April 21st to October 19th
Low Season: from October 20th to the next April 20th
Tips on Visit
It is recommended to carry flashlight;
It is suggesting to be this monastery before 14:00 pm in order to witness the open class of Debating
How to Get There
Sera monastery is located in the northeast of Lhasa city, it can be reached easily with bus or taxi;
By Bus
Take Bus No. 6, No. 16,and No. 24, get off at bus stop “Se-La-Si-Stop | 色拉寺站”
By Taxi
Taxi can reach very close to the entrance, which usually cost RMB 20.00 one way from the center of Lhasa