Larung Gar Buddhist Academy
喇荣五明佛学院
The world’s largest Tibetan Buddhist academy, with tens of thousands of crimson-red houses covering an entire valley. Chanting is heard throughout the day, and at night the lights glow like a sea.
Larung Gar Buddhist Academy is located in the Larung Valley in Luoruo Town, Seda County, about 20 kilometres from the county seat, at an altitude of 3,700–4,000 metres. It was founded in 1980 by the Dharma King Jigme Phuntsok. In just a few decades it grew into the largest Tibetan Buddhist centre of learning in the world, and at its peak tens of thousands of monks and nuns lived here. The crimson wooden houses built around the Great Assembly Hall stretch from the valley floor up to the ridge, forming the unique Red House landscape. All tourist vehicles park at the car park at the valley mouth. After registering with your real name, you transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus up the hill (about RMB 20 for a round trip). It mainly stops at the Great Assembly Hall, the Mandala and the summit viewing platform. Highlights include the Great Assembly Hall, where monks debate and chant daily and you can watch from outside; the streets of red houses near Larung Guesthouse; the mandala on the hilltop; and the panoramic viewing platform. The best time to visit is late afternoon into nightfall. At sunset the red houses glow golden, and after dark, lights come on in every home. It is a must-shoot night scene, so bring a tripod and wear a warm jacket. Admission to the academy is free, but policies change often. In recent years, visitors have been restricted from entering or staying overnight at various times, so check before you set out. Photography inside the halls is prohibited, and you must not take close-up shots of monks or nuns. Dress modestly, and circle the stupas clockwise. Drones are usually not allowed. The altitude is high, so walk slowly on slopes and stairs. Most food within the academy is vegetarian, and you can get noodles at small shops near the mandala.
Opening hours
About 08:00–20:00, subject to on-site notices; access policies change often
Nearby sights
- Larung Gar Mandala (Tanchen)
- Red Houses Viewpoint
- Luoruo Town
- Sertar Sky Burial Site
- Sêrtar Town & Jinma Square
- Yarlung Monastery
- Jinma Grassland
- Dongga Monastery