Dana Monastery
达那寺
A nationally protected historic site and a sacred place of Gesar culture, with a cluster of memorial stupas on the mountain honoring Gesar's thirty generals.
Dana Monastery is deep in the mountains of Jinisai Township, Nangchen County. It was founded more than 800 years ago and belongs to the Phagmodrupa Kagyu school. The Yuan dynasty buildings inside were listed as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit in 2006. The monastery is regarded as a sacred site of Gesar culture. High on the mountain behind it stand memorial stupas said to honor the thirty generals of King Gesar, and the site holds many cultural relics.
The route passes through the steep Ranchar Grand Canyon. From the county seat, the drive takes about 4 to 5 hours on poor roads, so hiring an off-road vehicle is advised. There are hot springs nearby where you can stay overnight.
Opening hours
Open daytime; please respect monastery routines