Zhemgang Dzong sits atop a ridge overlooking the scanty village settlements that surrounds it. The spot where the structure was founded shares the legend of Lama Zhang Dorji Drakpa who came to Bhutan in the 12th century from Tibet. The story unfolds that Zhemgang province was initially divided into three sub-regions known as upper, middle and lower Kheng (people of Zhemgang are addressed to as Khengpa). The lama meditated on the ridge and later erected a small hermitage which is symbolic of the unification of these three regions. Later in 1955, the current structure was established to house the Dzongkhag administrative office as per the command of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.