Larung Gar

Sertar Larung Gar: The World’s Largest Buddhist Institut

Sertar Larung Gar, also known as Sertar Ngarig Buddhist Institute, is a Buddhist academy located in the Larung Valley. It was founded in 1980 by Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to approximately 40,000 monks and nuns. The housing for monks and nuns is divided by a winding road that runs through the Larung Valley. Larung Gar is the largest and one of the highest Buddhist institutes in the world.

Historical Foundation and Leadership

Sertar Larung Gar was originally founded by Dudjom Lingpa in the late 19th century but was expanded by Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, who is considered to be the incarnation of Lerab Lingpa. He was the teacher of thousands of monks and nuns of both Tibetan and Chinese origin. Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok traveled widely in Europe and North America before passing away in 2004.

Architectural Layout and Facilities

There are two main buildings that serve as the primary study and prayer places for monks and nuns. The monks’ study assembly hall is located in the upper area within the monks’ district, while the nuns’ assembly hall is in the lower area within the nuns’ district. Although these two buildings are close to each other, they serve their respective communities.

Both buildings at Larung Gar are three-story structures. The lowest level contains an assortment of small temples with concrete structures. The main assembly hall and the famous monastic college called Shedra of Larung Gar are on the second story. The highest level of teachings are held in small groups on the top story.

Another monastic-style building sits atop a hill next to the Larung Gar Hotel. This hilltop building is dominated by two spectacular chapels: the three-dimensional Gyutrul Lhakhang and the Tonpei Dekhang, which contains a large reclining Buddha. This is also the main place for pilgrims to make prostrations and circumambulate around this golden building. The rest of the valley is filled with houses and huts of the monks and nuns, which cover almost the entire Larung Valley.

Unique Administrative Structure

Unlike other monasteries throughout Tibet, Larung Gar is managed not by a high lama or abbot but by a group of senior monks who have received the Khenpo degree in Tibetan Buddhism. There are no special ranks or privileges for lamas or reincarnated tulkus in this monastery. The only way to achieve higher rank is through study and examinations. Once you pass the Khenpo degree, you are ranked as a Khenpo and have a special role in the monastery.

Access Restrictions and Travel Information

Sertar Larung Gar has been closed to foreign visitors since 2015 and remains closed to foreigners. The monastery is accessible only through the main gate below the monastery, and this area is strictly guarded by security personnel. Do not attempt to sneak in or find alternative routes.

How to Reach Sertar Larung Gar:

There are two types of transportation options:

Local Bus: Buses run daily from Markham and Ganzi, but it can be difficult to find the bus station if you do not speak the local language.
Private Car: Hire a private car from Luhuo, Ganzi, Markham, or Padma. You will first reach Sertar town (Seda County), then drive 15km north to the monastery.

A Remarkable Center of Buddhist Learning

Despite access restrictions for international visitors, Larung Gar remains one of the most significant centers of Buddhist education in the world, representing a unique model of monastic governance based purely on scholarly achievement rather than traditional hierarchical structures. Its massive scale and innovative approach to Buddhist education make it a remarkable institution in contemporary Tibetan Buddhism.

Serta Larung Gar is originally founded by Dudjom Lingpa in the late 19^thcentury, but expanded by the Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok by instruction from 10th Panchen Lama.