[2025 Sertar Attraction] Travel Guide for Seda Sky Burial Platform (Updated May)

Sertar on Earth | The ultimate guide for May–August: Read this before you go! If you're longing for a soul-cleansing trip, Sertar is a must-visit destination. From May to August, Sertar has a pleasant climate, with green mountains and plains contrasting with the red Buddhist country, creating a breathtaking view. But if you want to have fun and avoid pitfalls, you'll need this guide! Basic information you should know - Location: Sertar County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is about 600 km from Chengdu, and the journey takes about 10 hrs. The scenery along the way is picturesque, so don't miss the views outside the window. - Altitude: The altitude of the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy is 4,127m, and the altitude of Sertar County is 3,781m. When traveling in high-altitude areas, it is important to take precautions against altitude sickness in advance. - Ticket information: Sertar is a county, not a scenic spot in the traditional sense, so there is no entrance ticket. However, the bus ticket to the Buddhist Academy is equivalent to an entrance ticket, and there are several price points: CNY 30/48/168. The CNY 168 ticket may include some special experiences or services. Please consult locally for details. Keep the ticket-purchasing guide in mind Tickets can only be purchased offline at the Jinma Distribution Center in Sertar County. There are two departure points to choose from: one is from the Jinma Distribution Center in Sertar County, which costs CNY 48/person; the other is from the Luoruo Town Distribution Center, where the Buddhist Academy is located, which costs CNY 30/person. The two places are more than 20 km apart, so be careful not to buy the wrong ticket. In addition, the departure times are fixed, so be sure to plan your time in advance before traveling to avoid delaying your trip. Endless unique attractions - Larung Gar Buddhist Academy: One of the largest Tibetan Buddhist academies in the world, with red monks' houses all over the mountains, surrounding several magnificent golden halls like stars surrounding the moon. The scene is extremely shocking. Here, you can listen to the chanting of the lamas and nuns and feel the power of faith. It is recommended to go to the viewing platform at sunset to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Buddhist Academy shrouded in the golden sunset. - Sky Burial Platform: This is a display site of the traditional Tibetan funeral method. Although the process is a bit shocking, it can give people a deeper understanding and awe of life. Sky burials are generally held in the afternoon. Please remain quiet and respectful when watching, and do not make loud noises or take pictures. - Dongga Temple: Known as one of the "Three Great Temples of Sertar", it is the first of the 13 Buddhist temples in Sertar in ancient and modern times. The temple enshrines a statue of Sakyamuni, and the three walls are painted with ancient religious murals. The red pillars are carved with dragons and flowers, which are of extremely high artistic value. - Jinma Grassland: Wildflowers bloom in summer, and cattle and sheep gather in groups, making it a good place for hiking and photography. Stroll through it, feel the vastness and freedom of the grassland, and experience special activities such as horseback riding. Taste all kinds of special delicacies - Tsampa: Fry highland barley, grind it into flour, mix it with tea, add a little ghee and milk residue, mix it by hand and knead it into a ball to eat. It has a unique fragrance and is the traditional staple food of Tibetans. - Butter tea: Made from ghee and strong tea. Put an appropriate amount of ghee into a special bucket, add salt, pour in strong tea juice, and stir with a wooden handle until milky. This is an essential drink for Tibetans every day, which can replenish energy and keep you warm. - Yak yogurt: The surface layer has a creamy yellow hard fat milk skin, and the yogurt underneath is soft, thick, white as snow, and has a sweet, sour, and cool taste. It is an ideal health drink. - Yak Meat Covered with Quilt: The yak meat is at the bottom and covered with a layer of cake, which has an interesting shape. The yak meat is firm and tastes unique when paired with the pancake. - Hand-grabbed Tuotuo Meat: Cut the meat into large pieces and cook it. After it is cooked, cut it with a knife and eat it. It is original and full of local characteristics. Helpful notes - Altitude sickness prevention: Sertar is about 4,000m above sea level, so altitude sickness is likely to occur. Take Rhodiola Rosea continuously for a week before departure. Avoid strenuous exercise and bathing on the day you arrive in Sertar. You can prepare glucose and oxygen cylinders to deal with altitude sickness. - Bring your documents: Be sure to bring your ID card. Those without an ID card, compatriots from Hong Kong and Macao, and foreign friends cannot enter. Foreign friends also need to apply for a letter of introduction in advance. - Visiting time: You usually only have 1 hr to visit the Buddhist Academy. If you miss the bus, you can take the bus in the temple or walk down the mountain. - Night view: If you want to see the night view, you can take the bus out after sunset, no later than 9pm. The temperature difference between day and night is large, so remember to keep warm and bring a thick coat. - Cultural respect: Sertar is a place for monks and nuns to practice, so respect the local culture. Do not make loud noises in the Buddhist Academy, and turn the prayer wheel clockwise; do not take photos of monks and locals without permission; avoid eating meat, scallions, ginger, garlic and other foods that monks abstain from in public places.

📍Best time to visit: April-October, mild climate, stunning scenery. 🚗Transportation: About 10 hours' drive from Chengdu, with breathtaking views along National Highway 318. 🔥Must-see attractions: 1️⃣ Larung Gar Buddhist Academy: The world's largest Tibetan Buddhist academy, with tens of thousands of red houses covering the valley, an incredibly stunning sight! When the lights come on in the evening, it looks like a galaxy falling to earth. 2️⃣ Mandala: The highest point of the Buddhist academy, a sacred place for prayer and circumambulation, with a glorious golden roof and stunning night views. 3️⃣ Sky Burial Platform (visit with caution): Witness the cycle of life and death, experience Tibetan funeral culture, and maintain reverence. 4️⃣ Donggar Monastery: The first of the three major monasteries in Seda, resplendent and magnificent, a treasure of Tibetan Buddhist art. 5️⃣ Seda Grassland: Under the blue sky and white clouds, yaks roam in herds, as if stepping into a painting. 🍜Food recommendations: Tibetan noodles, butter tea, tsampa, black yak meat, experience authentic Tibetan cuisine. ⚠️Important notes: - Altitude 4000m+, be aware of altitude sickness and avoid strenuous exercise. - Respect religious customs, no photos or loud noises in temples. - Currently, reservations and sightseeing buses are required to enter the Buddhist academy, and visiting time is limited, so plan ahead. ✨Seda is not just a trip, but a spiritual baptism! Save it and get ready to go!📸✨

**📍 Larung Gar Buddhist Academy** The world's largest Tibetan Buddhist academy! Thousands of red houses blanket the valley, with chanting and juniper smoke enveloping the mountains 🙏 **📍 Mandala Circumambulation** The eternal cycle of the golden temple! Follow the devotees for 108 rounds, and enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the red house ocean from the top floor 🌅 **📍 Sky Burial Platform** An open-air classroom of life and death education (starts at 13:00)! Vultures circle in the sky during this most profound ceremony of life 🦅 **📍 Dongga Monastery** A famous Nyingma sect monastery in Tibet! Thousand-year-old murals and golden stupas, turn the prayer wheels for powerful blessings 📿 **📍 Luoruo Town Grassland** A pure land at the foot of the Buddhist academy! Summer wildflowers carpet the ground, and adorable marmots playfully wrestle 🐾 **⚠️ Pilgrimage Guidelines** ▪️Respect customs by not photographing sky burial ceremonies ▪️No meat, alcohol, or smoking inside the Buddhist academy ▪️Acclimatize in advance for altitude sickness

Sky burial is one of the ancient funeral customs. Sky burial is a ritual in which the body is fed to birds for memorial services, which still remains in Tibet and Inner Mongolia. The place where this ritual is held is the "sky burial platform." Temples with sky burial platforms are common in eastern Tibet, and some of the more famous ones are Larung Garung Gompa, Litang, and near Yaqing Temple. Generally, sky burial involves leaving the body on a cliff or other surface and letting nature take its course, leaving it to birds to peck at, but the Tibetan method is a bit more extreme. The body is pulverized and fed to vultures. It is believed that having the body eaten down to the bones will allow the body to be reincarnated in the next life and be memorialized. The ceremony is usually performed by relatives, etc. The ceremony is held in a private location, but some parts are open to the public for tourists. However, only those involved know when and where the ceremony begins, so tourists obtain information in advance through acquaintances. A large number of vultures gather at the sky burial platform from nowhere, smelling the smell of death. The scene is unrealistic and terrifying, like a scene from a movie. The sky burial platform also had a raw, strange smell that I had never smelled before, which was a severe culture shock. I ended up not being able to witness the ceremony this time, but it was a unique cross-cultural experience. 📍Yaqing Temple Sky Burial Platform Location: Acha Town, Changtai District, Baiyu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province 15 minutes walk from Yaqing Temple *Be careful of altitude sickness as it is 4000m above sea level *The gate is the same as Yaqing Temple (passport control available) *It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by shared taxi from the town of Ganzi to Yaqing Temple #Let's go to China #China #Amazing view

Seda, located in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is famous for its spectacular Five Sciences Buddhist College (Seda Buddhist College). It is a holy place for Tibetan Buddhist practice and is also the "Red Buddhist Kingdom" in the hearts of many travelers. 1️⃣ Wuming Buddhist College (Larung Gar Buddhist College) Thousands of crimson wooden houses are built on the mountain, forming a stunning visual spectacle, a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Recommended Activities - Take panoramic photos in the early morning or at dusk (the viewing platform is located on the west side of the mandala). - Attend an open class (respect religious etiquette and keep quiet). - Circumambulate the mandala and pray (circumambulate clockwise and recite scriptures silently). - Note: Drone flying is prohibited within the Buddhist Academy. Some areas may restrict visitors from entering and regulations must be followed. 2️⃣Seda Sky Burial Platform One of the few sky burial platforms open to tourists in Tibet, you can experience the Tibetan view of life and death up close (those with weak psychological endurance should be cautious). ⏰: Sky burial ceremonies are usually held between 1-3 pm (depending on local conditions). 🈲: No taking photos, making noise, 🚬, please keep solemn. 3️⃣ Dongga Temple A famous temple of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, it has a magnificent golden roof, a large collection of thangkas and classics, and overlooks the Seda grassland. 4️⃣Jinma Grassland In summer, the grassland is full of wild flowers. You can ride horses, camp, and experience the life of herdsmen. 5️⃣ Dengdeng Qudeng Pagoda (Demon Subduing Pagoda) One of the tallest pagodas in Tibet, with Buddha statues enshrined in the pagoda, and circumambulating the pagoda to pray is a local tradition. 🚗: Start from Chengdu, via Wenchuan-Maerkang-Wengda-Seda, the whole journey is about 580 kilometers and takes 12 hours (the road conditions are complicated, SUV is recommended). 🚌: There are daily buses from Chengdu Chadianzi Station directly to Seda County (about 14 hours), or you can go to Kangding/Maerkang first and then transfer. ⭐️Internal transportation It is about 20 kilometers from Seda County to Wuming Buddhist College. You can take a taxi or carpool You need to walk or take a bus (3 yuan/person) to the Buddhist College. The bus only goes halfway up the mountain, and the rest of the way is on foot. 😵‍💫Prevention of altitude sickness Sedar is about 3800-4000 meters above sea level, which can easily cause altitude sickness. Recommendations: 1. Take Rhodiola rosea 1-2 weeks in advance and avoid strenuous exercise after arrival. 2. Prepare oxygen cylinders, glucose, and ibuprofen (to relieve headaches). 3. Keep warm and avoid catching a cold (colds in high altitude areas can easily cause pulmonary edema). ⚠️Notes 1. Respect religious culture - No meat, tobacco, or alcohol is allowed in the Buddhist Academy. Do not take photos of monks at will. Women are not allowed to wear short skirts. - Prayer wheels and turrets must be turned in a clockwise direction. 2. Environmental awareness - Take the garbage with you and do not damage the natural environment. 3. Safety Tips - There may be vultures circling around the sky burial platform, so do not approach wild animals. - The temperature is low at night, so prepare down jackets, hats and scarves. 🌞Best time to travel May-October: mild climate, lush green grasslands, suitable for photography. November-April: The snowy scenery is stunning in winter, but some roads may be closed, so travel with caution. 📝Tips Documents: Bring your mainland China ID card, as you may need to register to enter the Buddhist Academy. Cash: There is no signal in some areas of the Buddhist College, so please prepare enough cash. Itinerary planning: It is recommended to arrange a 2-3-day itinerary for Seda, and reserve at least 1 full day for the Buddhist Academy. Seda is a holy place to cleanse the soul, maintain awe, and feel the power of faith and the magnificence of nature. It is recommended to pay attention to local policies (such as temporary closure notices) before departure.

Hey guys! Seda in winter is breathtakingly beautiful! 😍 When snowflakes fall, Seda seems to be covered in a sacred glow. The red houses look even more vibrant against the white snow. 🏠 Walking on this land, you can feel a sense of tranquility and solemnity. The distant mountains are covered in silver, complementing the red houses of Seda, creating a stunning winter painting. 🌄 Here, your soul seems to be cleansed. Listening to the chanting from the temples, you can feel the power of faith. 🙏 Seda in winter is a place that calms the soul. Come here and start your own sacred journey! 💕

🎒【Travel Plan】Day1: Depart from Chengdu, enjoy the magnificent mountains and rivers along the way, arrive in Seda in the evening, and watch the red house lights at night; Day2: Explore the Buddhist Academy, discover the path of practice under thousands of butter lamps, and visit the Sky Burial Platform in the afternoon to feel the cycle of life; Day3: Visit the natural beauty around the Seda Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, return to Chengdu in the evening, and come back fully loaded. 📚【Travel Essentials】Warm clothing🧥, sunscreen🌞, water bottle🥤, camera📷 to capture every stunning moment. Respect local customs and bring a sense of reverence. 🚗【About Transportation】Self-driving or chartering a car is recommended. It takes about 7 hours to drive from Chengdu to Seda, with endless scenery along the way. You can also choose to take a long-distance bus, but it offers less flexibility. 🍜【About Food】Try Tibetan hot pot🍲, which warms both body and heart; Tsampa and butter tea☕️, authentic flavors not to be missed. There are also many Sichuan restaurants in Seda town to satisfy your Chinese palate. 🏨【About Accommodation】It is recommended to choose inns near the Buddhist Academy for convenient early morning sightseeing. Although the conditions are limited, the starry night and morning chanting will surely be unforgettable. 📸【Photo Spots】The red houses of the Buddhist Academy, with the best shooting point at the mountain top viewing platform🌄; the Sky Burial Platform, although not suitable for long stays, can still touch the soul from a distance; at night, the red houses under the starry sky are a paradise for photography enthusiasts🌌. 💡【Tips】Pay attention to sun protection and warmth in high-altitude areas, drink water moderately to prevent altitude sickness; respect local culture and beliefs, and keep the environment clean; accommodation is tight during peak seasons, so it is recommended to book in advance. Don't wait, take this guide and head towards the pure land of the soul!🚀

📝 Note tips: - Reservation for visit: Advance reservation is required, with both online and offline reservation methods available. - Online reservation : Search for 'Larung Gar Entrance Reservation' on WeChat, where you can book one of three time slots for entry: 9:10 AM, 1:40 PM, and 4:40 PM. The visit is generally 40 minutes long, with the same vehicle for both entry and exit. Tickets are released 54 hours in advance (at 6 PM), so for a visit on the 4th, you need to book precisely at 6 PM on the 1st. - Offline reservation : You can make a reservation on site one day in advance at the Seda County Jinma Grassland Tourist Distribution Center, where the number of tickets for each time slot is limited. If you can't make a reservation, you can also enter through local channels, with costs ranging from 100 to 200 yuan. 📝 Note tips: - Best time to visit: May to October, when the weather is warmer and the mountains are covered with red leaves. 🗓 Itinerary: - Dongga Monastery (over 3 hours) - Seda Sky Burial Platform (2 hours) - Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy (2 hours) - Mandala (2 hours): First, visit Dongga Monastery, where marmots appear from July to October. Then return to the foot of the Buddhist Academy for lunch, followed by a brief stop before heading to the Sky Burial Platform to learn about the Tibetan sky burial customs. Afterwards, proceed to the Five Sciences Buddhist Academy, stroll along the academy's paths, and experience the monks' way of practice. As night falls, you can stand on the platform beside the Mandala to overlook the entire valley and enjoy the quiet, dazzling night. 📝 Note tips: - Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy is a place of religious activities, and it is important to respect local religious beliefs during your visit. - Flying drones is prohibited in the Buddhist Academy. - Be sure to keep warm and protect yourself from the sun. - The average altitude of Seda is around 4,000 meters, so always pay attention to your physical condition. - Private vehicles are not allowed to enter, and you need to park your vehicle in advance at the Luoruo Town parking lot and take the shuttle bus from the distribution center.

Seda, Sichuan, a place full of mystery, attracts countless tourists to visit. If one day you feel weary, why not escape the hustle and bustle of the world and walk through Seda. Here, the Red Buddha Land, the golden grassland, and the blue sky lake, form a unique visual feast. Come to Seda to feel the power of faith and bathe in the Buddha's light! 🌟Recommended itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Seda, visit the Seda Buddhist Academy, and appreciate the charm of the Red Buddha Land. Day 2: Go to the Wuming Buddhist Academy, listen to the Buddhist teachings, and experience the lively scene of monks debating. Day 3: Climb to the top of the Buddhist Academy mountain, watch the spectacular sunrise and sunset, and feel the solemnity of faith. Day 4: Visit the Seda celestial burial platform, and understand the cultural customs of Tibet. Day 5: Ride horses and take photos on the Seda grassland, and appreciate the beauty of nature. 💖Travel tips: 1. Seda is at a high altitude, take precautions against altitude sickness in advance. 2. Respect local customs, do not touch Buddha statues and prayer wheels at will. 3. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and other sun protection items. 4. Take advantage of the clear weather to take beautiful photos. 😜Emoji pack attack: 1. The Red Buddha Land of Seda, inspiring awe in people. (😲) 2. Monks debating, a collision of wisdom and passion! (🎓) 3. Sunrise at the top of the Buddhist Academy, the power of faith warms the heart. (🌅) 4. On the celestial burial platform, contemplation of the cycle of life and death. (🌌) 5. On the Seda grassland, ride horses freely, releasing freedom! (🐎) Come to Seda, start your journey of faith! Here, you will experience an unprecedented shock and emotion! 💪💖

Into the color of this red-colored Buddha world, a city full of miracles in the mountains of faith. It is like a dream, walking into people is a vision, illusory, and immersed. Everything here is related to faith, and it is very moving. Mysterious burial platform, covered with prayer flags. The white horse in the vicinity is in harmony with the world of Buddhism in the distance. The sheds scattered on both sides of the road are decorated in a red world. The world of the world of Buddhism, blooming under the blue sky and white clouds.