Tulku Sonam Choedup Rinpoche was born in east Tibet.

When he was nine years old, lama Chatal Tsepel recognized him as Tulku Drachun Rinpoche. When he was thirteen years old, he learned reading and writing. After that he went to Larong Garl, which is the monastery of khenpo Jigme Puntsog Rinpoche. He studied Buddhist philosphy for seven years and received Sutra, Tantra and Dzogchen teachings from khenpo Jigme Puntsog Rinpoche. He also received many empowerments from him.

He also received Sutra, Tantra, Dzogchen and empowerments from many other great master in Tibet. Afterwards, he did a three year retreat. 

In 1998 Tulku Sonam Choedup Rinpoche escaped from Tibet to India through the mountains. Then he went to Dharamsala where he met His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He received teachings and empowerments from His Holiness for three days. Afterwards he went to Bodh Gaya. There he met His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. His Holiness Penor Rinpoche invited him to his monastery, the Namdroling monastery. Currently he lives in the Namdroling monastery in south India. Tulku Sonam Choedup Rinpoche has studied there for four years and completed his studies. He received Ngondro Tsa lung and Dzogchen teachings from His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. He also received many empowerments from him. 

Since 2006 Tulku Sonam Choedup Rinpoche is traveling to countries in the west and giving teachings there. Among others he visits Germany, Holland and France.