Khenpo Rigzin Wangchuk was born in eastern Bhutan. He graduated from the Buddhist high school in Simtokha Rigshung Lopdra, Bhutan, established by His Holiness Dilgo Khyentshe Rinpoche in 1964. He became a fully ordained monk and studied Buddhist Philosophy at Shechen Monastery University in Nepal for more than 14 years. Since 1996, he taught in the monastery's university as a Chorpen (assistant teacher). He graduated first in his class with an Acharya (Master's Degree) in 2000.

After Khenpo Wangchuk obtained his degree, His Holiness Drupwang Penor Rinpoche and His Holiness Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche (two of the highest Nyingma lineage masters) appointed him as a Lopen (assistant Abbot) to teach in the Shechen monastery. By the monastery's request, he went to India to help start a new Shedra (College of Buddhist philosophy) monastery, where he taught in the position of Doctor of Philosophy until 2003, when he returned to Shechen Monastery.

He was appointed as a Khenpo (equivalent to a PhD) in Ogyan Kunzang Chhokhorling Monastery by Pema Wangyel Rinpoche and Rangdol Rinpoche, during his teachings in India. Khenpo Wangchuk worked in the Shechen monastery as an editor of religious texts, and as library director until 2004.

His Holiness Durpwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche granted him the title of Khenpo. His Holiness and Khenchen Pema Sherab Rinpoche requested him to spread the dharma teachings in order to benefit others.

Since 2005, Khenpo Wangchuk has been a fulltime student, learning English as a Second Language at Santa Rosa Junior College. His main goals are to continue his western studies, and utilize those studies to open a school for poor people in India and/or Bhutan; to teach Buddhist studies; and to be a bilingual writer one day.