Zhemgang was once called Kheng along with fragments of neighbouring town Mongar. The territory was absorbed into Bhutan in the 17th century. Panbang, south of Zhemgang is known for its bamboo works. At Nabji, two days’ walk from Zhemgang, a stone pillar stands as a symbol of the dispute settled between Sindhu Raja and Naochhe by Guru Rinpoche.
