Constructed "on another precipitous hill about 600 feet high, about one mile long, and rising abruptly out of the plain",[1] the monastery was similar to the Gyantse Dzong in terms of the strength of its fortifications.

Younghusband's forces captured the monastery and sacked and burnt it; some of the hilltop walls are all that remain of the structure.

Nyawon Kunga Pel gave teachings to about 600 disciples in epistemology and the Kalachakra Tantra.

Jamyang Konchok Zangpo (1398 - 1475), the 14th Throne Holder of Jokhang Monastery, held the monastic seat at Tsechen for a time;[6] Namkha Chokyong (1436 - 1507) the 14th Throne Holder of Jokhang Monastery, held the monastic seat at Tsechen for an extended period.

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 Tibetan forces.