Tehor Khanze Zeekgyab Tulku, Tenzin Thupten Rabgyal, was born on October 8, 1983 to Mr. Pasang Tsewang and Mrs. Youdon in Kolapur, South India. In 1986, His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognized Tenzin Thupten Rabgyal as the 5th reincarnation of Kachen Lobsang Thupten Nyendak Namgyal (4th Zeekgyab Tulku).

Rinpoche was received at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, South India, on September 14, 1986 with a formal ceremony led by many Tehor Lamas and monks. After his Enthronement Ceremony at Tashi Lhunpo, Rinpoche started learning Tibetan reading and writing and the memorization of prayers.

In 1989, Zeekgyab Rinpoche received his Novice vows from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and then His Holiness instructed Zeekgyab Rinpoche to go to Gaden Jangtse Monastery to start his formal education. Upon his arrival at Gaden Jangtse Monastery, Khensur Jetsun Lobsang Choney was appointed as his Teacher. From that day onwards, Rinpoche started the study of the five major Buddhist Texts under his Teacher’s guidance. Also, during this time, Rinpoche completed all his examinations at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Rinpoche received his Fully Ordained vows from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

In 2000, after six years of studying the Prajnaparamita, Rinpoche gave his examination in front of the Monks Assembly of Gaden Jangtse Monastery.

From 2007 to 2009, Rinpoche was teaching the Buddhist texts at Gaden Jangtse Monastery. Then in 2008 due to poor health, Rinpoche was instructed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to complete his Geshe Examination. To qualify for the Geshe Degree, the student must undergo the vast and extensive traditional monastic studies on the five major treatises of Buddhist philosophical texts [The Perfection of Wisdom (as elaborated upon by Maitreya in the Abhisamayalamkara); Chandrakirti's commentary on Nagarjuna's root text on Madhyamaka; Dharmakirti's Pramanavarttika — Compendium on Valid Cognition; Vasubandhu's Abhidharmakosha; and Vinaya (studies in monastic discipline).

In 2010, Rinpoche went to Gyudmed Tantric Monastery to study Tantra for one year. Also, in that year, Rinpoche completed his Kachen Examination at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.

From 2011 to present, Rinpoche has been teaching at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. At the end of 2018, Rinpoche received confirmation of appointment of Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. On February 11, 2019, Rinpoche had the official Enthronement Ceremony as Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.