As a disciple of the fifth Gyalwang Drukpa, Pagsam Wangpom, the 1st Tsaptrul Rinpoche (17th century) was originally the head of the Tsa-Shu Monastery in Nangchen, Tibet.

He was invited to the Khampagar Monastery in the Kham district by Tenpe Nyima, the 6th Kyabje Khamtrul Rinpoche. Tsaptrul Rinpoche then became the head of this monastery. Since then, his successive incarnations have directed to the Khampagar Monastery in Tibet.

When the 8th Kyabje Khamtrul Rinpoche had to flee Tibet in the 1960s, Tsaptrul Rinpoche chose to remain in order to look after Khampagar Monastery where he died a few years later. After Khamtrul Rinpoche and other Rinpoches and lamas arrived in India, they first stayed in Kalimpong in West Bengal but in 1969, they moved to Himachal Pradesh in northern India where they settled in the peaceful Kangra valley which was named Tashi Jong (Auspicious Valley in Tibetan) and founded the Khampagar Monastery. It was in the same year, the 4th Tsaptrul Rinpoche was also born to a family in Tashi Jong, near Tso Pema Lake.

Recognized by Kyabje Khamtrul Rinpoche, the 4th Tsaptrul Rinpoche was enthroned at the age of nine and received the name Mipham Shedrup Tenpa Rabsal.

In 1978, Kyabje Khamtrul Rinpoche brought Tsaptrul Rinpoche with him along with other Rinpoches and Lamas to Bhutan in order to attend a special Initiation. After receiving numerous empowerments and following the parinirvana of Kyabje Khamtrul Rinpoche in Bhutan, Tsaptrul Rinpoche began a study of philosophical texts and practices and embarked on several years of retreat at Tashi Jong. In 1980 the 8th Kyabje Khamtrul Rinpoche passed away in Bhutan.

His Eminence Tsaptrul Rinpoche resides today in Tashi Jong at Khampagar Monastery where he holds various responsibilities. Recently on 17 August 2009, he was elected for a second time as the Vice-president of the monastery for a term of three years.