Lama Zhang Dorje Drakpa who lived in the 12th century founded the Zhemgang dzong. Lama Zhang Dorje Drakpa, a renowned scholar-sage of Drukpa kgyu school of Buddhism, originated from Tibet and travel to present Zhemgang in 1163. Lama Zhang set up a hermitage in on the present site of the Dzong and settled there for many years. In 1655 CE, a one-storied Dzong was built on the hermitage to defend the land against invaders led by Choestse Penlop.Khenrig Namsung is the ancient name of Zhemgang Dzongkag. It literally means the three divisions of Kheng: Upper (Chikhor), Middle (Namkor), and Lower (Tamachok) Kheng.

In line with Zhabdrung’s vision, Chila Mijur Tenpa blessed the site in 1646 corresponding to the 11th Rabjung. With the objective of spreading the Dharma in the eastern part of the country Lama Namsey Dorji and Umzey Damchoe Rabgay Kudrung Pekar Choephel constructed a Dzong in 1655 in the Female Sheep year, 11th Rabjung. The Dzong fell into ruins overtime and the Zhemgang Dzongpon Thinley Namgyel renovated it. In 1966, His Holiness Je Yeshi Singye and the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck established a Rabdey to propagate the Dharma to the people of Khengri Namsum. Today, the dzongkhag administrative offices are also housed in the Dzong

Lam Karma Geyley, Neten
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