If there is one place that makes you truly realize that faith has weight, it is Sertar.
Endless red monk houses spreading across the mountains, monks in crimson robes moving silently through narrow paths, chanting in the cold highland wind—this is not a typical tourist attraction, but a living spiritual world.
This guide is written with one core goal: helping you visit Larung Gar once, properly, and without mistakes. The route follows an actual, practical order: Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy → Luori Camp → Mani Gango
All information is based on on‑site experience, including the latest ticket rules, transport logistics, realistic visiting timelines, and essential tips for independent travelers.
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I. Overview of Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy
Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy, officially known as Larung Gar Buddhist Institute, is located in Luoruo Town, Sertar County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.
It is currently the world’s largest Tibetan Buddhist learning center, home to tens of thousands of monks and nuns.
This is not a sightseeing monastery. It is an active religious community where monks (Zhaba) and nuns (Juemuo) live, study, debate, and practice long‑term retreats.
For this reason, visitor management is extremely strict, and all sightseeing must follow official routes, time limits, and rules.
II. Tickets and Visitor Permit (Must Read)
🎫 Entrance Ticket + Shuttle Bus (round trip): 48 RMB per person 🪪 Visitor Permit Deposit: 200 RMB per person (paid when purchasing the ticket; fully refundable if returned on time)
【How to Buy Tickets】
1️⃣ Online Booking (Recommended)
Mini Program: “Larung Valley Entry Reservation” (喇荣沟进沟预约) Only tickets departing from Jinma Grassland Transportation Center are available online.
Important Notes: • Tickets must be purchased one day in advance • Quotas are limited and often sell out in peak season • Boarding and drop‑off are only at Jinma Grassland Center • Bus ride takes about 30 minutes
2️⃣ On‑site Purchase (Luoruo Town)
Tickets can be purchased at Luoruo Town Transportation Center: • ID card and facial recognition required • On‑site purchase only, less flexible • Tickets may sell out by the time you arrive
💰 Price: 30 RMB per person 📍 Advantage: Closest access point to Larung Gar
Reminder: Each ID card can only purchase one ticket within 15 days. Do not cancel and repurchase casually.
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III. Official Visiting Rules & Practical Tips
• Official visiting time: approximately 90 minutes (maximum 2 hours) • Only designated visitor areas are accessible • Exceeding the time limit results in forfeiture of the 200 RMB deposit
Practical Experience:
✔ If you already have a ticket, go directly to line up at the transportation center ✔ Visitor permits are bound and issued on site before boarding ✔ Scan the permit to board the bus ✔ Deposit is refunded immediately upon return at the transportation center
⚠ The visitor permit includes location tracking and voice alerts if you leave the allowed area
IV. Recommended Visiting Route Inside Larung Gar
【1】Mandala (First Stop)
The shuttle bus drops you directly near the Mandala. Walk clockwise around the prayer wheels to acclimatize to the altitude before continuing.
【2】Khandro Dance Road → Viewpoint
Walk from the Mandala along Khandro Dance Road to the main viewpoint at around 4,200 meters elevation.
• East side: best for daytime photos of red houses • West side: ideal for night photography
The small hill behind the viewpoint is the best spot for wide‑angle shots combining people and red houses.
【3】Academy Streets
You may photograph prayer wheels and street scenes. Avoid photographing monks’ faces directly.
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V. Photography Spots Summary
📸 Must‑Shoot Locations:
1️⃣ Larung Valley Viewpoint: sunrise, sunset, and night scenes 2️⃣ Hill behind the East Viewpoint: best panoramic view 3️⃣ Circumambulation path west of the Mandala: telephoto shots with layered red houses 4️⃣ White Stupa near the Nuns’ Hall: only spot where monks may appear in the background 5️⃣ Hillside behind lecture halls: soft light before 9 a.m. 6️⃣ Red wall alleys of the Nuns’ Area: dramatic shots with 0.5× wide‑angle lens
Tip: Walking around the Mandala in odd numbers (3, 7, or 9 laps) is traditionally believed to be auspicious.
VI. Accommodation Guide
🏠 Luoruo Town (Highly Recommended)
• Located directly outside the academy entrance • Easy access after night photography • Convenient for early morning visits
🏠 Inside Larung Gar: Larung Hotel
• Price: from around 200 RMB • No advance booking; on‑site only • Go to the Mandala first, then arrange check‑in
Room Selection Tips: • Choose the 3rd floor • Avoid 2nd floor due to railing obstruction • Middle rooms offer the best panoramic views of red houses
VII. Food & Supplies
🍲 Academy Canteen: around 15 RMB 🍲 Buffet hotpot at Larung Hotel ☕ Lianzhou Library (Nuns’ Area): vegetarian meals, tea room, coffee and desserts
Notes: • Some residential areas are restricted • Bring snacks, chocolate, and energy bars
VIII. Sky Burial Observation Guide (Read Carefully)
⏰ Time: Daily from around 1:00 p.m., lasting 2–4 hours
🚶 Route: Mandala → Internal bus to Jushilin Station → pass through the school gate → walk about 30 minutes
⚠ Important Etiquette: • Remain silent and respectful • No photography or video recording • High‑altitude visitors should assess physical condition carefully
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IX. Luori Camp → Mani Gango Extension
Luori Camp is one of the best viewpoints for Mount Kawa Luori, revered as a famous “God of Wealth Mountain” in Tibetan culture.
Even when the peak is hidden by weather, the area offers flower fields, horse riding, and affordable food, making it an ideal rest stop after Sertar.
On the way to Mani Gango, Tibetan macaques are commonly seen. Do not feed them.
X. Essential Pre‑Trip Reminders
• ID card is mandatory • Large temperature differences between day and night • Even in August, temperatures may drop to 7–8°C • Avoid alcohol and washing hair when experiencing altitude sickness
