Crossing Larung Gar Buddhist Academy | 3 Days 2 Nights Spiritual Journey in Seda, Oxygen-Deficient but Faith-Filled

SEDA Travel Guide: Exploring the Spiritual Journey of the Red Buddhist Kingdom

📍 Best Time to Visit: May to October, when the grasslands are green and the red houses glow under the golden autumn sun, especially stunning in September and October. Winter offers breathtaking snow scenes but temperatures can drop to -26°C, and roads may ice over. Beware of landslides during the rainy season in July and August.

🚌 Transportation Guide:
- Bus: Daily departure at 6:40 AM from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station, 263 RMB direct to Seda, about 14 hours.
- Self-Drive: Recommended off-road vehicle. Route: Chengdu → Wenchuan → Maerkang → Guanyinqiao → Seda, 580 km. Snow chains needed in winter.
- Scenic Area Shuttle: Taxi from the county town to the Buddhist Academy entrance costs 10 RMB, then transfer to a 3 RMB bus up the mountain.

📸 Must-Visit Attractions:
1. Larung Gar Buddhist Academy: Reservation required via WeChat by searching "Larung Valley Entry Reservation." View the mandala overlooking thousands of red houses, with dusk lights like a galaxy.
2. Sky Burial Platform: Ceremony held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, maintain silence, photography prohibited.
3. Dongga Monastery: Thousand-year-old ancient temple with white walls and golden roofs, exquisite murals, free admission.

🛏️ Accommodation Recommendations:
- County Town: Seda Jinma Hotel (260 RMB/night), 24-hour oxygen supply + floor heating.
- Buddhist Academy: Larung Guesthouse (200 RMB/night), window views of red houses, but basic conditions.

🍜 Food Experience:
- Tibetan Cuisine Trio: Butter tea 5 RMB/bowl, yak beef noodles 20 RMB/serving, Tibetan steamed buns 15 RMB/basket.
- Vegetarian Options: Vegetarian restaurant inside the Buddhist Academy, average 15-20 RMB per person.

⚠️ Highland Tips:
- Altitude Sickness Prevention: Take Rhodiola 7 days in advance, prepare oxygen canisters at 20 RMB each, avoid washing hair on the first day.
- Clothing: Fleece + windbreaker in summer, down jacket in winter, sunscreen and sunglasses are essential.

Standing on the mandala, watching the crimson monk houses stretch to the horizon, the sound of prayer wheels echoing in the wind—here, oxygen is scarce, but faith is abundant. ✨ Before you set off, remember: you are only an observer, do not disturb others. Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, Seda