Original name ‘Shang Gang – Shang’s Mountain’ was named
after a temple built in 1163 by Tibetan saint, Drogon Shangkyeme and later
became Zhemgang. Nabji temple in Zhemgang still houses a stone pillar which is
said to commemorate a peace treaty initiated by Guru Rinpoche between King
Syenda Gyab and King Nouche of Bumthang in the 8th century. There
are few places where Pema Lingpa in 15th century, the great saint
visited and built temple, making the region holy and important to the people.
The places extending to south were ruled by multiple kings until 17th
century.
With less historical sites, Zhemgang makes up a paradise for
botanists and ethno botanists (see Flowers
of Bhutan by K Nishioka and S Nakao, Japan, 1984) ranging from 200m to
1900m. One of the thirteen Traditional Arts and Cafts; bamboo, cane and rattan
ware productions take place here. This
region is one of the least developed regions in Bhutan with poor road
condition, which extends to the south to Geleyphug, border to Indian State of
Assam.
