Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, Sertar (Not Open for Foreign Tourists)

Located about 20 km southeast from Sertar County (Seda,色达) that is filled with Tibetan color, Larung Gar Buddhist Academy is also called “Larung Gar Buddhist Institute”, “Serthar Buddhist Institute” or “Larong Wuming Tibetan Buddhist Institute”. First set up in 1980 with only some 30 apprentices, the academy was accepted by the 10th Panchen who wrote to the county government to apply for support. Through their efforts, this famous Tibetan Buddhist Institute was bestowed the title of “World’s Largest Buddhist Institute” by an American newspaper in 1993. Then, in 1997, Larung Gar Buddhist Academy was officially established. And till now, there are more than 20 thousand Buddhist apprentices here learning the sacred Buddhist courses and purifying the soul.

(Recent news: Larung Gar Buddhist Academy is not open for foreign tourists.

What to See & Experience in Larung Gar Buddhist Academy

The Buddhist Courses

There are short education and long education in Larung Gar Buddhist Academy. Long education needs 6 years to finish, and some special degree needs even 13 years to get. Every apprentice has to be bone up to pass all the courses and a debate, so then he or she can get the degree given by the Khenpo (the Master). Since the principles in the academy are very strict, no monk is permitted to visit a nun even if they are siblings.

Spectacle Scenery of “Red River”

Standing on the hillside under the azure sky, surrounded by green fields, you can appreciate the most shining highlight of Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, namely, the grant view of countless little cabins. Thickly dotted on the hillside, the cabins, where all the monks and nuns live in, spread for miles that you cannot see its ends, being the unique superb view in the world.

Splendid Night View

At night when all the apprentices stay in their own cabins, all the light lit. At this time, you can see the whole academy is extraordinarily glorious. Every cabin is like a shining colorful star surrounding the golden and silver temples, roads with sparkling golden and blue lights crossing the academy. The splendid nigh view makes Larung Gar Buddhist Academy an attractive photographic scenic spot.

The Sacred Mandala

This resplendent and magnificent building is on the highest peak of Larung Gar Buddhist Academy. The Mandala is the place where sacrificial Buddhist activities are held, and usually you can find many people turning their prayer wheels for worshipping here at the upper part of the Mandala. It is said that if you are ill, the sickness will be driven away after you turn the wheel here walkinig for 100 rounds.

The Devout Buddhist Seekers

On this land full of Buddhist culture, you can find a zillion devoted seekers here reading scriptures and leaning Buddhist course day and night in Larung Gar Buddhist Academy. No matter young or old, they all wear vermilion Buddhist robes. Set off by the blue sky, the dresses on the 20 thousand Buddhist seekers present exquisite and solemn.

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Questions & Discussions

Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.

Sangeeta

Foreigner with Chinese Work and Residence Permits?

Hello, my husband and I are foreigners but we both have Chinese work permits and residence permits. Can we visit Sertar/Seda in July 2018? Thank you!

2018-06-16 14:56

Hi Sangeeta,

Greetings from China! So far we have not received the official news of reopening of Sertar to foreign people, However, we will update the news as soon as we get the official notice. Thank you for your understanding!

Have a great day!

Carrie at China Discovery 2018-06-19 06:22

Chad Killoran

Is Sertar open to tourists now?

Hi, I’ve seen lots of articles saying Sertar is closed to foreign tourists currently. I wanted to check if that is still the case?

Thanks,

Chad

2018-05-28 09:10

Hi Chad,

Thank you for the good question. So far we have not received the official news of reopening of Sertar to foreign people, however, we will update the news as soon as we get the official notice. Thank you for your understanding!

Wish you a good day!

Carrie at China Discovery 2018-05-29 01:54

Jessie

Tour to Sertar

Hello, we have Americans, Hong Kongers and Taiwanese in our group. Is it possible for us to enter Sertar in the coming August?

Thank you so much!

2018-05-21 13:39

Hello Jessie,

Greetings from China! So far we have not received the official news of reopening of Sertar to foreign people and visitors from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, however, we will update the news as soon as we get the official notice. Thank you for your understanding!

Have a nice day!

Carrie at China Discovery 2018-05-29 01:56

Stéphane

Tour to sertar

I'm a french art photographer and i want to go to Sertar. Could you tell me when the area is open again for book a tour.

Thank you very much

2018-02-28 16:52

Hello Stéphane,

Thank you for the message. So far we have not received the official news of reopening of Sertar to foreign people, however, we will update the news as soon as we get the official notice. Thank you for your understanding!

Have a nice day!

Carrie at ChinaDiscovery 2018-03-05 01:07

Manoj

Tour to Serdar

Hi, I need to go to Serdar for a two day trip with another group. Um from Sri Lanka & only me will be travelling. I can't speak Chinese. Early response z appreciated.
Manoj Samarathunga

2017-10-03 22:44

Dear Manoj,

Thanks for your message. I am sorry to tell you Sertar (Seda) is not open for foreign travelers because there are some constructions in progress. It may be reopen in 2018, but hard to say when.

Louis 2017-10-16 10:35