The Lamai Gompa dzong was built in 1887 by the first King of Bhutan, His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck when he was 25 years old.
Prior to the construction of the Lamai Goempa dzong, there used to be a small dzong by the name of Pelri (abbreviated from ‘Zangdo Pelri’ – the Copper Coloured abode of the great Guru Rinpoche) above the current dzong. Pelri was constructed during the reign of Desi Sonam Drukgyel (the 30th) and Desi Sacha Yoezer (the 31st). Lamai Goempa dzong was built as a replacement for Pelri which was damaged by earthquake.

Prior to Pelri, Truelku Chokdhen Gyenpo had a small hermitage (Goempa) and Bumthaps commonly referred to it as Pelri Goempa. Given that the surrounding areas of Pelri Goempa had an abundance of rhododendrons; Pelri Gompa was known as Lamphe Goempa, taking after Lamphe, the Bumthap name for rhododendron leaf. Over time, Lamphe transformed to Lamai.

Lamai Goempa dzong was inherited by Ashi Dechen Peldon and Ashi Dechen Yangzom, daughters of the first King and his first wife Ashi Rinchen (daughter of Trongsa Penlop Pema Tenzin). Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi, the only son of Ashi Dechen Yangzom inherited the dzong and consequently inherited by his daughters Ashi Kencho and Ashi Kezang.
(Courtesy: Sonam Wangdi, Head Librarian, UWICE)