Sera lies about 5 km north of the Potala at the foot of the hills. Founded in 1419 by a disciple of Tsongkhapa, it was one of the three great Gelug monasteries of Lhasa. Visits usually start in the late morning or early afternoon with the main assembly hall and colleges, where chapels hold statues, murals and the horse-headed deity Hayagriva, to whom parents bring children for blessings.
From around 3 pm on most days except Sundays and holidays, monks gather in the debate courtyard under old trees. A standing monk poses a question, then claps and stamps forward to challenge his seated partner. Pairs argue in rapid Tibetan, laughing and teasing, and the scene runs for an hour or more. Visitors watch from the edges; camera use is generally allowed in the courtyard, though some areas charge a separate fee.
After the debate, walk part of the Sera kora, a path of about an hour around the monastery walls past painted rock carvings. It is gentle enough for a second-day activity and a good way to adapt to Lhasa's altitude.
Good for
- Photographers
- Families
- First-timers
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
What time is the monk debate at Sera Monastery?
Debates usually run from around 3 pm to 5 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, but the schedule depends on the monastery's calendar and festivals, and debates are sometimes cancelled. Your guide checks on the day. Sundays and some holy days generally have no debate.
Can I take photographs of the Sera debate?
Photography is normally allowed in the debate courtyard, but rules for chapels are stricter and some rooms charge a camera fee or forbid photos. Keep a respectful distance, do not use flash and never walk between debating monks. Your guide will tell you the current rules.
How far is Sera Monastery from the Jokhang?
Sera is about 5–6 km north of the Jokhang and Barkhor, around 15–20 minutes by vehicle depending on traffic. Our tours combine it with Drepung Monastery on the same day, visiting Drepung in the morning and Sera for the afternoon debate.
