Sera Monastery is one of the three great Gelugpa university monasteries in Tibet (The other two are Ganden Monastery and Drepung Monastery). Sera Monastery tour is a popular tour on the itinerary of many Lhasa visitors. The monastery was founded in 1419 by Jamchen Chojey of Sakya Yeshe, a disciple of Tsongkhapa. The name of the monastery came from the fact that the site where the monastery occupies had many wild roses. Sera Monastery houses the Great Assembly Hall and the dwellings in addition to three monastic colleges. The structures in the monastery complex also form a clockwise pilgrimage circuit.

Sera Monastery sits at the foot of Tatipu Hill in the northern suburb of Lhasa. It is about 5km (3.1 mi) from Jokhang Temple and 6km from Potala Palace in downtown. It is especially famous for the unique Buddhist activity “Monk Debate” that takes place in the afternoon. Between 3pm and 5pm from Monday to Saturday, the monks gather together and challenge each other on matters of philosophy. It is one of the most extraordinary sights you can expect among all your Tibetan monastery visits.

Sera Monastery tour is one of the best short Lhasa tours we especially like to recommend to our guests. If you have a free afternoon in Lhasa and are looking for a most unique Tibetan Buddhism experience, this tour with our knowledgeable English speaking local guide is the ideal option for you!