When I went to Drepung Monastery in June, there were lots of constructions and renovations there, and when we got there in late afternoon, there was hardly anybody there at all.

Sera has a few visitors - mostly local families bringing their infants to be blessed by the horse-head diety - with a few foreigners going to see the debate. But it was far from being crowded.

No advance tickets necessary at either place. Or the Jokhang. Only place required is the Potala.