Sera Monastery (色拉寺)

Sera Monastery (色拉寺, Sèsī Sì) is one of the great monasteries of Lhasa — famous worldwide for its monks' daily debating sessions, a tradition that has continued unbroken for centuries.

What to See

The Debate — Every afternoon at 15:00, monks gather in the courtyard to debate Buddhist philosophy. The debaters use dramatic handclaps to emphasize points — the sound echoes through the monastery.

The Monastery — Founded in 1419, Sera is one of the six great Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The halls are filled with Buddhist art and scripture.

The Library — The monastery houses thousands of Buddhist texts, including the famous Kangyur — the collected works of the Buddha.

The Surroundings — The monastery is set in a beautiful valley with forested hills behind. The walk from Lhasa takes you through traditional Tibetan villages.

Practical Tips

• Entry fee: ¥50 ($7)
• The debate happens every afternoon at 15:00 — arrive early
• The monastery is 5km north of Lhasa — take a taxi (¥20)
• Allow at least 2 hours
• The debate is the highlight — don't miss it