In pre-imperial times, there were said to be twelve kingdoms, one of which was Nubyul, controlled by the Nub family, in present-day Rinpung. Namkhai Nyingpo, one of the first seven Tibetans to be ordained by Śāntarakṣita, as well as Nubchen Sanggye Yeshe, are among the illustrious members of the clan.