Bhutan is the only nation in the world where the Vajrayana form of Buddhism is practiced as the state religion. Since Guru Padmasambhava’s visit to Bhutan in the 8th century AD, Buddhism has wielded profound influence both on the people's way of life as well as on the growth of the country's religious and cultural heritage and traditional customs.

Numerous scholars - saints and sages of different traditions of Buddhism - appeared in Bhutan from the 9th to the 16th century and established several monasteries and temples throughout the country. However, no one has had greater impact on the history of Buddhism in Bhutan than Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It was Zhabdrung who introduced the first Sangha (Clergy) with Khuenkhen Pekar Jungne as abbot, and 30 monks at Chari Dorji Dhen in 1620 AD. On completion of Punakha Dzong in 1637, the Sangha Community was shifted to Punakha and the number of monks increased from 30 to 600. Since then, the number of Dratshangs, Rabdeys, Shedras, Drubdeys and Gomdeys in the country has increased tremendously. The Sangha currently has a strength of little over 5000 monks.

In 1984, a nine member Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs or Dratshang Lhentshog was established under the personal initiative of His Majesty the King, to be chaired by His Holiness the Je Khenpo. The nine members of the Dratshang Lhentshog are His Holiness, the Je Khenpo (Chairman), four Ven Lopons of the Zhung Dratshang, two Royal Advisory Councellors ( Monastic Representatives), Chairman of the Solzin Lhentshog, Secretary of Dratshang Lhentshog ( as member secretary).

Since its inception, the Lhentshog has involved itself in social and religious activities. Besides being responsible for meeting the needs of the Sangha, in particular the Central Monk body, and consolidation of the various religious institutions, the Lhentshog also administers the Rabdeys (District Sangha Communities), Shedras (Buddhist Colleges), Dubdras (Meditational Centers) and other religious establishments in the country.To deal with the administration, and to implement the policies of the Dratshang Lhentshog, a full fledged Council Secretariat has also been set up.

Pemagatshel Dratshang was established in 1983 with 25 monks. His Holiness the Je Khenpo, Tuelku Jigmi Chhoeda, appointed Sonam Tashi(Principal of Yongla) as the first Lam Neten of Pemagatshel Dratshang.