Ven. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel was born in Rekhe, Kham and began his primary school education there. He later joined Nari Tashi Choeling Monastery, where he studied preliminary Buddhist teachings, meditation, and ritual practices. In 1993, he received an audience with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. He subsequently enrolled at the Ngagyur Nyingma Institute (Shedra) of Namdroling Monastery in South India. There, he earned a Higher Secondary Degree, a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree in Buddhist Philosophy, specializing in Buddhist sutras and tantras. Following the completion of his studies, he served as a teacher after receiving the titles of Kyorpon and Lopon.

After completing his intensive Buddhist studies in 2003, he was appointed disciplinarian at Namdroling Monastery, a position he held for three years. In 2011, he was awarded the title of Khenpo after completing his Doctorate in Buddhist Philosophy (equivalent to a Ph.D.). He has received teachings and transmissions from numerous eminent lamas, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Kyabje Dubwang Rinpoche, Kyabje Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, Kyabje Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, Tulku Dorjee Tsering Rinpoche, and many others.

Khenpo Sonam Tenphel was elected to the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile from the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism. He served as Deputy Speaker of the 15th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile and as Speaker of the 16th and 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile. During his tenure as Speaker, he officially visited the United States, Europe, Japan, and several other countries in fulfillment of the responsibilities of Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile while promoting Tibetan language, culture, and political awareness He has also rendered his services during the Nyingma Monlam Chenmo. Khenpo Sonam Tenphel is currently serving as the Deputy Speaker of the 18thTibetan Parliament-in-Exile.