Built in the 15th century, the Ganden Monastery is the first and foremost monastery of the Gelug Sect among the Tibetan Buddhists. Situated at a height of 3,800 meters from the sea level, the monastery has the advantage of a picturesque view and pleasant climate throughout the year. Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty named the monastery "Yong Tia" because it looks like a reclining elephant on the top of the Wangbori Mountain as it faces the equally beautiful Dagze County. Since 1961, the monastery is protected as an important state cultural site. It is a place of pilgrimage and sanctuary for monks who are traveling in the region.
