[5] Other sources,[6] claim it was founded in 1184 by Chödzin Gemphel[7][8](chos ‘dzin dge ‘phel), the late 1st Karmapa Düsum Khyenpa (dus gsum mkhyen pa).

History records that Deshin Shekpa, 5th Karmapa Lama gave the title of Situ to his disciple, Chokyi Gyaltsen (1377–1448), and appointed him as the Master of Studies at Karma Gon.

The sixth Tai Situpa was Mipal Chogyal Rabten (1658–82) known for his miracle performing achievements, who was followed by Mawe Nyima (son of King Lin) who had a premature death.

[9][10] The hundred-pillar Assembly Hall was once one of the largest in Tibet, containing 12 chapels and magnificent murals illustrating the deeds of the Buddha and historical scenes relating to the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

The surviving buildings show a remarkable synthesis of Tibetan, Naxi (Jang) and Chinese styles which attest to the influence of the monastery as far south as Lithang.