Located in a remote valley at an altitude of 4,000 meters, hidden deep in the remote areas of China near Tibet, Larung Gar used to be home to over 40,000 Buddhist monks, nuns, and students. However, in 2016, the Chinese government began demolishing buildings in an effort to reduce the number of residents by half, down to 5,000.

Larung Gar offers education in Buddhist philosophy and practices, attracting students from various Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Despite facing demolition and eviction campaigns, the place remains an important center for Tibetan Buddhism.