Lacking oxygen but never faith! I found the purest Tibetan soul in Sertar!

### **The Hidden Buddhist Kingdom of Sertar: A 3-Day & 2-Night In-Depth Travel Guide** **📍 Highlights:** - **World's Largest Buddhist Institute** — Larung Gar Five Sciences Buddhist Academy, where the sea of crimson monastic dwellings will leave you in awe. - **Mysterious Sky Burial Ritual** — Witness Tibetan perspectives on life and death up close (respect local customs; photography is prohibited). - **Highland Prairie Scenery** — Gallop across the Golden Horse Prairie and encounter snow-capped mountains and herds of yaks. **📅 Itinerary:** **Day 1: Chengdu → Sertar (~12-hour drive)** - Depart early from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station by coach (~¥220) or shared car (¥300-400/person). - Arrive in the evening and stay at **Larung Gar Guesthouse** (¥50/bed) inside the academy for easy access to photograph the misty crimson houses at dawn. **Day 2: Buddhist Academy + Sky Burial Site + Mandala City** - **Morning**: Stroll through the academy, photograph the endless red houses, and pray while circling the **Mandala City** atop the hill. - **Afternoon**: Visit the **Sky Burial Site** (starts at 13:00) to observe vultures circling (not recommended for the faint-hearted). - **Night**: Wait for the academy’s night view—thousands of lights resembling a fallen galaxy. **Day 3: Donggar Monastery → Return Trip** - Explore **Donggar Monastery** (one of Sertar’s three great monasteries), admiring century-old murals and golden rooftops. - Depart in the afternoon, with a brief stop at **Golden Horse Prairie** for photos. **⚠️ Tips:** - **Altitude Sickness Prevention**: Bring glucose and oxygen canisters; avoid strenuous activity. - **Respect Local Beliefs**: No photography inside temples; circle prayer wheels clockwise. - **Best Season**: May–October (summer wildflowers, winter snowscapes—though travel is harder). **💰 Budget Estimate:** - Transport ¥500 + Lodging ¥200 + Meals ¥300 ≈ ¥1000/person (3 days). Sertar is a symphony of faith and nature—visit while the crimson houses still stand, and embark on a spiritual journey!