His Holiness the Fifth Karma Kuchen Rinpoche was recognized by His Holiness Dujom Rinpoche and Penor Rinpoche as the unmistaken incarnation of the previous Karma Kuchen Rinpoche, Karma Thegchog Nyingpo. At a very young age, he was invited to Namdroling Monastery where Penor Rinpoche looked after him like a son. Karma Kuchen Rinpoche excelled in all the monastic training and mastered all the traditional knowledge of The Palyul Lineage. He also received numerous Nyingma Teachings from great masters such as His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and Penor Rinpoche.

In light of his wonderful qualities befitting a master, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche appointed him to be the Abbot of the Palyul Mother Monastery in Tibet in 1994. In August 2000, he was formally enthroned as the lineage holder of the Palyul Tradition and is now the 12th throne holder of The Palyul Lineage.

Since his arrival in Tibet, Karma Kuchen Rinpoche has built many temples, stupas, prayer wheels, images of deities and other objects of veneration and faith. Under the direction of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, he has built a grand and magnificent temple within the monastery premises.

Of the many remarkable qualities that he possesses, he is known throughout the tradition for his strict and pure observance of all the vows of a monk, and is thus the embodiment of pure conduct.