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Seda County is a county under the jurisdiction of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.
Seda boasts a long history and profound folk religious culture. As one of the birthplaces of the epic "King Gesar," Seda boasts a rich and rich history of ethnic culture, boasting grasslands, lakes, rivers, and vibrant Tibetan customs. Its diverse cultural and natural landscapes are a riot of colour, with Gesar culture and temples holding a prominent place in folk culture. Beneath the azure sky, amidst verdant grass, tens of thousands of wooden houses cluster around a few magnificent halls, like stars surrounding the moon. From the cabins dotting the hills to the robes of the monks and laypeople and the walls of the main halls, everything is a reddish-brown hue. It feels like you've entered the world of Buddha.
Best season: May to October, when you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Seda's mountains, rivers, lakes, and rolling hills. From June to August, you can see the flowers blooming on the Seda grasslands, and in October, you can see the red leaves and colorful forests.
Five Sciences Buddhist College
Founded in 1980 by His Holiness Jigme Phuntsok, in a valley surrounded by mountains about 20 kilometers southeast of Seda, it has rapidly risen from a deep valley in Tibet in just a few years and has become the largest Tibetan Buddhist college in the world.
Dengdeng Qudeng Pagoda
Dengqudeng Pagoda, also known as the Demon-Subduing Pagoda, was built for the prophecy of suppressing demons and exorcising evil spirits, eliminating disasters and difficulties, saving all living beings, and ensuring peace and prosperity. It is the tallest Tibetan Buddhist pagoda in Sichuan Province.
Seda Sky Burial Platform
Seda is the largest sky burial platform in Tibet. The sky burials here are also very famous and everyone is allowed to watch. After the sky burial platform was built, it became magnificent in scale and you can almost always see the sky burial ceremony here.
Recommended number of days for visiting: 1 day
Seda is a significant spiritual center in Tibetan Buddhism. The Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, founded in the 1980s, has become one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastic institutions. It attracts thousands of practitioners and is an important site for religious studies, meditation, and Tibetan cultural preservation.
Seda is located in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, China. The nearest large city is Chengdu, which is around a 12-14 hour drive from Seda. You can take a bus from Chengdu to Seda, but be prepared for a long and scenic journey. Taxis and private cars are available for more direct travel.
The Larung Gar Academy is open throughout the year, with the best time to visit being from May to October, when the weather is milder and the roads are accessible. Winter can be harsh, so it’s best to avoid visiting during the colder months if you’re not prepared for extreme weather conditions.
There is no formal entrance fee for visiting Seda itself. However, some parts of the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy may have small donation fees for specific areas or activities. It is generally recommended to donate to the academy if you can. Tickets for other attractions in the area can be bought on-site.
For general visits to Seda, advance booking is not required. However, it’s a good idea to arrange accommodation in advance during peak seasons. If you plan to join special events or guided tours, booking in advance is recommended.
A visit to Seda typically requires 2-3 days to explore the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, surrounding areas, and the Tibetan culture. If you are hiking or planning on attending local events, you may want to allocate extra time.
Guided tours are available at Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, and some local guides speak basic English. However, the majority of guides speak Chinese or Tibetan. Audio guides are not commonly available, so it is helpful to have a translator or local guide if you want a deeper understanding of the site.
Start by visiting the main temple at Larung Gar, followed by exploring the surrounding areas, including the meditation halls and the rows of monk and nun residences. Take a hike to the top of the hill for stunning views, and visit the nearby Tibetan villages to experience local culture.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no light shows at the Larung Gar Buddhist Academy. However, some events such as Buddhist rituals or ceremonies may be held in the evenings, depending on the season and lunar calendar.
Seda can get crowded during the Tibetan New Year (Lunar New Year) and summer months (July-August). The least crowded times are during the off-season months, particularly in the winter (December-February), though weather conditions may be challenging during this time.
Seda has basic facilities, including toilets and food stalls selling local Tibetan cuisine. However, do not expect luxury accommodations or amenities. It is advisable to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you are venturing into the surrounding areas.
Seda is located at a high altitude (over 4000 meters), so visitors may experience altitude sickness. The terrain around the Larung Gar Academy can be challenging, especially for elderly or disabled visitors. It’s important to be mindful of the physical demands and prepare accordingly.
Cash is primarily used in Seda, and you will need Chinese yuan (CNY). Credit cards or mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay may not be widely accepted in this remote area. It’s recommended to bring enough cash for your stay.
There are a few simple Tibetan restaurants and tea houses around Seda. These offer traditional Tibetan dishes like momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and yak meat. For more variety, it’s better to bring your own food or head to larger towns.
Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants, as the Tibetan diet commonly includes vegetables and grains. Vegan options are also available, but halal food may be harder to find, especially in remote areas.
Accommodation options in Seda are basic, including local guesthouses and inns. For more comfortable stays, you may need to travel to nearby towns like Chengdu and return for day trips. It is best to book accommodations in advance during peak travel seasons.
There are small souvenir shops in Seda selling Tibetan religious artifacts, prayer beads, prayer wheels, and traditional Tibetan clothing like woolen scarves. The most common souvenirs are religious items and handicrafts.
The best way to continue your trip is by taking a bus or hiring a car back to Chengdu, which is the nearest major city. From there, you can explore other regions of Sichuan or travel further to destinations like Tibet.
