Tsechen Monastery, Tsechen Dzong or Shambu Tsegu, was about five kilometresnorthwest of Gyantse above the traditional village of the same name. Tsechen was the largest of a number of hilltop monastery-forts ringing the valley, none of which would be easy to assault. The fortress, or dzong, was considered to be almost as strong as the Gyantse Dzong. It was "built on another precipitous hill about 600 feet high, about one mile long, and rising abruptly out of the plain occupied by at least 1,000 of the enemy who cheered vociferously when they saw us retire."
Early history
It was founded by Nyawon Kunga Pel in 1366, under the sponsorship of Prince Phakpa Pelzangpo, Gyantse's first prince. Nyawon Kunga Pel gave teachings to about 600 disciples in epistemology and the Kalachakra Tantra. He invited Drigung Lotsāwa Maṇikaśrījñāna to Tsechen for teachings. Tsechen was the seat of the kings of Gyantse until the town expanded in the 15th century. Tsongkapa's principal teacher, Remdawa Zhonu Lodro Zhonu, resided here. Jamyang Konchok Zangpo, the 14th Throne Holder of Jokhang Monastery, held the monastic seat at Tsechen for a time; Namkha Chokyong the 14th Throne Holder of Jokhang Monastery, held the monastic seat at Tsechen for an extended period. It was the seat of the incarnation of Buton Rinchendrub, known as Kungra Lodro.
On 28 June, Brigadier-General Macdonald, who had just arrived that day, concluded that Tsechen, which guarded the rear of the Gyantse Dzong, would have to be cleared before the assault of Gyantse Dzong could begin. Shortly before sunset, that same day, the nearby "seemingly impregnable" Tsechen Monastery and Dzong was stormed, after a heavy bombardment by the British ten-pound cannon. As the monastery had resisted the British it was considered "fair game" and heavily looted. Then, on 5 July, coinciding with the beginning of the assault on Gyantse Dzong, the monastery was set on fire causing a 'tremendous blaze' which burned throughout the night, to prevent it being reoccupied by the Tibetans. There are extensive views of the valley from the remains of the old walls. All that is left today are some of the ruined walls on the hilltop.
