Ngacho Monastery

Ngacho Monastery, also known as “Nedong Gonpa,” “Acho Dratsang,” “Ngacho Dratsang,” or “Tsetang Gonpa,”

It is located in Tsetang Town, Nedong District, Shannan City, Tibet Autonomous Region, on the southern bank of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, atop Tsetang Mountain.

It was founded in 1351 AD by the Pakmodrupa Kagyu master, Situ Yangchu Gyaltshan. The monastery belongs to the (Pakdru) Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and includes a monastic college (shedra) where monks study exoteric Buddhist scriptures. It served as the late-period main monastery of the Pakdru Kagyu tradition.

Introduction

The early main monastery of the Pakdru Kagyu school was Dansatil Monastery.

In 1351 AD, Yangchu Gyaltshan established Ngacho Monastery, primarily focusing on teaching Exoteric Buddhist scriptures. The monastery’s abbot was appointed by the head of the Pakdru ruling group. Together with Densatil Monastery, it was one of the two major monasteries of the Pakdru Kagyu school, both transmitting the teachings of the tradition. However, Densatil Monastery specialized in the practice of tantric Buddhism (esoteric teachings).

Later, the Pakmodrupa school shifted its focus toward exoteric Buddhism, leading to Ngacho Monastery gradually surpassing Dansatil Monastery in prominence. As its reputation grew, it attracted a large number of monks seeking Buddhist teachings, reaching a period of great prosperity. Before the rise of the Gelug school, Ngacho Monastery was one of the most renowned monasteries in Tibet.

Great Situ (Taisitu)

The title “Great Situ” was originally an official position in ancient China, first appearing during the Western Zhou Dynasty (circa 1046 BCE–771 BCE), responsible for managing taxation affairs. The title was later adopted by the Yuan Dynasty and conferred upon the spiritual lineage holders of the Drukpa Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Over time, “Great Situ” became a recognized line of reincarnated masters (tulkus) within the Kagyu tradition. According to legend, the Situ Rinpoche is an emanation of Maitreya Bodhisattva, with his main monastery being Palpung Monastery.