The Norbulingka - the Jewel Park - contains the summer palaces of the 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas and is characterised by its spacious walled garden, the main throne hall, an audience hall, the Dalai Lama's private apartment and his mother's apartment.
The monastery is a pleasant place to visit but of course the major attraction is the stunning scenery all around, and the view of the world's highest mountain's north face.
Founded in 1419 by one of Tsongkhapa's eight disciples, Sera became famous for its Tantric teachings. The warrior monks of Sera, the ‘Dob-Dobs’, were admired as athletes but also feared.