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Sera Monastery
Introducing Sera Monastery
At the foot of the Wuze Hill in Sera to the north of Lhasa, the Sera Monastery is one of the three great monasteries in Lhasa and one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Buddhism in Tibet. Sera Monastery was built by one of disciples of Zonggaba in 1419. On 27th of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar, Sera Monastery holds the grand Sera Bungchen Festival, which attracts flocks of Buddhists and others.
Sera Monastery Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Se La Si 色拉寺
• Best Time to Visit: May to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Tibetan Buddhism
• Opening Hours: 09:00-16:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY 50
• Address: No. 1 Sela Road, Chengguan District, Lhasa, Tibet
What to expect at Sera Monastery
Sera in Tibetan means Wild Rose Garden since opulent wild rose woods once grew around it. A legend said Tsong Khapa and his two disciples once proceeded religious cultivation around. One day, they heard horse whinnying underground when they were taking a walk in the rose woods. A statue of Hynagriva (a horse-headed demon-god) was dug out then. Tsong Khapa started to build the monastery to enshrine Hynagriva. However, the truth is that in 1414, Jamchen Chojey (or Sakya Yeshe), one of Tsong Khapa's disciples, on behalf of Tsong Khapa, visited Emperor Chengzu, who granted him a title of Dharma King of Great Mercy as well as sutras and a set of sandalwood Arhats. In order to preserve them, Tsong Khapa suggested Jamchen Chojey to build a monastery to house these treasures. Then Sera monastery was set up in 1419.
Sera is famous for its "Buddhism Scriptures Debating": monks can be seen preparing for monastic exam by staging mock debates in the ritual way. Some sit cross-legged under the trees, while others run from group to group giving vigorous hand-claps to end a statement or make a point. Master and dignitaries sit on the raised tiers when a real exam takes place. Witness these debates that are held as per a set schedule, at 15:30 every day except for Sunday in the 'Debating Courtyard' of the monastery.
Among all the festivals in Sera Monastery, the Sera Bengqin Festival is the most impressive one. The festival is held on December 27th in Tibetan calendar (between January and February in Gregorian calendar). On the festival day, a Vajry Pestle, which is a dagger of exorcism, is ceremoniously taken to the Potala Palace and the Dalai Lama offers prayers to the Buddha to bestow strength and blesses the Pestle. Then the Pestle is sent back to Sera Monastery, and the Khenpo (president) of the Ngaba Zhacang place the Pestle on the heads of the monks and disciples which means they are all blessed. The festival attracts many devotees and visitors every year.
How to get to Sera Monastery
• By Bus: take bus No. 6, 16, 20, 22, 23, 24 or L1 to Sera Monastery.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Lhasa to Sera Monastery.
Additional travel advice on Sera Monastery
• Sera Monastery is a religious site, so visitors should dress modestly, behave with good manner. Do not talk too loud. Do not smoke inside the temple.
• In the principle of Tibetan culture, walking around temples, palaces and turning praying wheels should follow the clockwise direction.
• Visitors can enjoy the panorama of Lhasa city at the rear mountain of Sera Mountain. As the mountain is high, please plan your tour according to your health condition.
• Sunglasses and sun cream are always needed to protect from the sunburn and strong ultraviolet radiation in the daytime.
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Tour Highlights
• Visit Drepung Monastery, the largest of all Tibetan monasteries & one of Tibet's top Gelug university monasteries
• Witness monks debate Buddhist philosophy in the courtyard of Sera Monastery, one of Tibet's top university monasteries
• Wander along Norbulingka, the largest man made garden in Tibet and summer residence of the successive Dalai Lamas
• Experienced English speaking tour guide
• Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshmentsAbout This Tour
• Departure: Daily departing from Lhasa
• Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
• Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
• Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
• Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Lhasa
• Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Pick up from your accommodation in Lhasa
• Visit Drepung Monastery
• Lunch on your own
• Visit Sera Monastery
• Visit Norbulingka
• Transfer back to your accommodation in Lhasa
Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
• If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)
1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 + $438 $248 $188 $148 $138 $128 $118 $108 $98 $88
Price Remark
• Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).
Price Inclusions
• Professional English language speaking private tour guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places
• All government taxesPrice Exclusions
• Hotel accommodation.
• Your personal expenses.
• Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.Additional Info
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.
Know Before Going to Tibet
• Independent travel is prohibited in Tibet. Foreigners need Tibet Travel Permit to enter Tibet.
• The only way to get Tibet Travel Permit is to join an organized group or have a private tour arranged by a travel agency.
• Tibet Travel Permit is issued by the Tourism Bureau of Tibet Autonomous Region, two weeks prior to the entry of Tibet.
• A valid China Visa is required to apply for Tibet Travel Permit, Get your China Visa at least a month before your trip.
• GoGrandChina will apply for your Tibet Travel Permit once you book Tibet tours with us.
Altitude Sickness
• With an average elevation over 4,000 meters, a mild Altitude Sickness on the first day(s) in Tibet is quite common.
• Try to avoid catching a cold before enter into Tibet.
• Make sure to get a good night's sleep the night before flying to Lhasa.
• Avoid strenuous activity during your first day in Tibet.
• Better drink more water.
• When arriving in Lhasa, walk slowly, take deep breaths. Take time to acclimatize.
• Ascend to higher altitudes gradually. DO NOT ASCEND ANY HIGHER if you begin feeling ill.
• Prepare AMS medication, in accordance with a doctor's advice.Cancellation Policy
• You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
• Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
• Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
Learn More
• Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
• GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
• GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
• GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
• No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
• No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.
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