ABSTRACT
At some distance to the North of Lhasá, at the foot of the mountains is another very large monastery and university called Serà, where live several Lamás, many Masters and Doctors, and thousands of monks, as I have described in the monastery of Bree-bung. Serà is like a big town. It is entirely surrounded by walls, save where it abuts on a high mountain. Streets and squares are well laid out, and the houses are tall and well built. There are two great temples with Idols, and several palaces, residences of the Lamás and chief priests of the temples. 29 On the summit of another mountain to the East of the monastery of Serà, is a convent of nuns. Between these two mountains a narrow road goes Northwards across the Eastern Desert to Cocconor [Koko-nor] of Lower Tartary and to China. This valley is easily defended by a small garrison against any number of enemies who might attempt to assail Lhasá.
