Nestled in the remote Larung Valley of Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the Sertar Larung Wuming Buddhist Academy (also known as Larung Gar Buddhist Institute) is the world’s largest Tibetan Buddhist institute. Founded in 1980 by Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, this spiritual haven is home to over 40,000 monks, nuns, and lay students, living in a sea of red wooden cabins sprawling across the hills at an elevation of 4,000 meters. Renowned for its profound Buddhist teachings and striking landscape, it’s a destination for those seeking cultural immersion and spiritual reflection. However, travel restrictions and logistical challenges make planning essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide to visiting this extraordinary site.
A Travel Guide to Sertar Larung Wuming Buddhist Academy
Why Visit Sertar Larung Wuming Buddhist Academy?
Larung Gar is a unique blend of spiritual sanctuary and visual spectacle. The valley, filled with thousands of red huts encircling the central monastery, resembles a crimson lotus against the stark Tibetan Plateau. It’s a place to witness Tibetan Buddhist culture in action—daily rituals, scripture debates, and festivals offer a glimpse into a living tradition. The academy’s ecumenical approach welcomes students from all Buddhist sects, fostering a vibrant community. However, foreign travelers have been restricted from visiting since June 2016 due to government policies, so this guide is tailored for those with special permissions (e.g., Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan residents) or for future planning when restrictions may lift.
Important Travel Advisory
Foreign Traveler Restrictions: As of 2025, Larung Gar remains closed to foreign visitors, including those from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, unless they register with the Sertar police for guided visits with domestic Chinese groups. Independent travel attempts are risky, with checkpoints requiring Chinese IDs and potential escorts out of the area. Always check with local authorities or travel agencies for the latest updates before planning.
Sky Burial Note: The traditional Tibetan sky burial at Larung Gar is no longer open to visitors, including domestic tourists, to preserve cultural sensitivity.
How to Get There
Larung Gar is approximately 780 km from Chengdu, Sichuan’s capital, and the journey is arduous due to poor road conditions and high altitude. Here are the main options:
By Bus from Chengdu: Route 1 (via Maerkang): A daily bus departs from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station at around 6:30 AM, arriving in Sertar County after 14–16 hours (¥208–240). The bus stops at the academy’s entrance before continuing to Sertar town (20 km away). Route 2 (via Kangding and Luhuo): Two daily buses leave Chengdu’s Xinnanmen Bus Station at 6:10 AM and 6:15 AM, taking 14–16 hours to Sertar via Kangding (¥131 to Sertar, plus ¥139 Chengdu to Kangding). Tell the driver to stop at Larung Gar. Booking: Tickets sell out quickly, so purchase 2–3 days in advance via apps like Ctrip or at the station.
By Shared Minivan or Private Car: From Sertar town to Larung Gar (20 km), shared minivans cost ¥7–10 per person. Private cars from Chengdu or Kangding can be arranged via travel agencies (e.g., Third Pole Tour), costing ¥1,000–2,000 for a round trip. From Ganzi or Luhuo, frequent minivans run to Sertar (¥40–120, 3–5 hours).
By Air (Limited): The nearest airport is Garze Gesar Airport (200 km away), but flights are infrequent, and you’ll need to arrange onward transport.
Altitude Warning: At 4,000 meters, altitude sickness is a risk. Acclimatize in Chengdu (500 m) or Kangding (2,600 m) for 1–2 days, stay hydrated, and consider altitude medication.
Best Time to Visit
Year-Round Appeal: Larung Gar is photogenic year-round, with sunrise and sunset views over the red huts being particularly stunning. The academy is open 24 hours.
Seasons: Summer (June–August): Pleasant temperatures (10–20°C), but frequent rain and muddy paths. Winter (December–February): Harsh cold (as low as -40°C), but clear skies and fewer crowds. Dress in layers and bring extreme cold-weather gear. Spring/Autumn (March–May, September–November): Mild weather and vibrant landscapes, ideal for photography.
Festivals: Major events include: Shenbian Month Great Prayer: February 9–22 (15 days); Sakya Month Prayer: May 14–21 (8 days); Mingjing Month Prayer: August 3–10 (8 days); Youxi Month Prayer: November 17–24 (8 days); These festivals feature rituals and gatherings, but accommodations may be scarce.
Tickets and Permits
Admission: Entry to the academy is free, but non-Chinese visitors may need a permit, arranged via the Sertar police station for Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan residents.
Registration: Visitors from these regions must register at the Sertar police station upon arrival for a guided visit.
Travel Agencies: Companies like China Discovery or Explore Tibet can assist with permits and logistics, though they cannot officially organize foreign tours to Larung Gar.
What to See and Do
Larung Gar is a living Buddhist community, not a typical tourist site. Respect the monks, nuns, and local customs while exploring:
Main Monastery and Assembly Hall: The central monastery is the heart of the academy, where daily prayers and teachings occur. Visitors can observe (quietly) from designated areas. The 5:00 PM scripture debates in the main hall are open to the public, offering a lively display of Buddhist scholarship.
Red Hut Landscape: Wander the narrow paths among thousands of red wooden cabins, home to monks and nuns. The view from the hilltop near Larung Hotel is breathtaking, especially at night when lights illuminate the valley.
Nunnery and Lay Centers: The Pema Khandro Duling Nunnery, led by Jetsunma Muntso, is a key center for female practitioners. The Lektso Charbeb Ling trains lay vow-holders. These areas may have restricted access, so follow local guidance.
Photography: The academy’s sprawling red huts and prayer flags are a photographer’s dream. Avoid photographing monks or nuns without permission, and respect sacred spaces.
Evening Views: Climb to the platform near Larung Hotel at dusk to see the valley aglow with lights, a serene and humbling sight.
Cultural Note: Dress modestly (long pants, covered shoulders), remove hats in temples, and avoid loud behavior. The academy is a place of study and worship, not a tourist attraction.
Where to Stay
Inside Larung Gar: Larung Hotel (Tancheng Hotel): Basic rooms with shared bathrooms, ¥65–200/night. Book early during festivals. Fupin Guest House: Simple dorms and private rooms, similar pricing. Some monks or nuns may offer homestays, providing a unique cultural experience, but these are informal and depend on local hospitality.
Sertar Town (20 km away): Seda Shengcheng Hotel, Seda Shengyu Hotel, Seda Foyuan Hotel: Modern 3-star options with private bathrooms, ¥240–280/night. Xidu International Youth Hostel: Dorms (¥65) and private rooms (¥198), with English-speaking staff (Tel: +86 18030908551). Golden Horse Hotel: Comfortable rooms, ¥240–280/night.
Tip: Book accommodations in advance, especially during festivals. Hot water and heating may be unreliable in winter.
Where to Eat
On-Site: The academy offers vegetarian meals at small restaurants downhill from the main hall. Dishes like noodles, dumplings, or zanba (roasted barley paste mixed with butter tea) cost ¥10–30. Prices are higher due to the remote location.
Sertar Town: Local restaurants serve Tibetan and Sichuanese cuisine, including momos (dumplings), yak butter tea, and spicy noodles. Meals cost ¥15–40.
Tip: Bring snacks from Chengdu for convenience, as dining options are limited. Respect the academy’s vegetarian ethos and avoid bringing meat.
Tips for a Great Visit
Prepare for Altitude: Rest on arrival, avoid strenuous activity, and drink plenty of water to prevent altitude sickness.
Pack Warmly: Even in summer, nights are cold. Bring layers, a hat, gloves, and sturdy shoes for muddy or snowy paths.
Language Barrier: Few locals speak English. Learn basic Mandarin or Tibetan phrases (e.g., “Thank you” in Tibetan: thuk-je-che) or use a translation app.
Respect Restrictions: If turned away as a foreign visitor, comply with authorities to avoid complications. Consider alternative Tibetan cultural sites like Kangding or Daocheng Yading.
Cash Only: Bring enough RMB, as ATMs are scarce and digital payments may not be accepted.
Combine Your Trip: Pair Larung Gar with nearby attractions like Dongga Gompa Monastery (5 km from Sertar) or a longer Sichuan-Tibet tour to Jiuzhaigou or Daocheng Yading.
Final Thoughts
Sertar Larung Wuming Buddhist Academy is a profound destination that offers a rare window into Tibetan Buddhist life. Its sea of red huts, vibrant spiritual community, and remote beauty make it unforgettable, but its inaccessibility and restrictions require careful planning. For those able to visit, respect the sacred nature of the site and embrace the journey’s challenges for a deeply rewarding experience. If travel bans persist, consider exploring other Tibetan cultural sites in Sichuan until Larung Gar reopens to the world.
Happy travels!
