Geshe was born in Dolpo, Nepal. He holds a Geshe (doctor of philosophy) degree from Triten Norbutse Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. After completion of his Geshe degree he served as teacher to the younger monks at Triten Norbutse for three years. He also served as Umze (chant leader) at Triten Norbutse for one year. Geshe Tenzin Tarke has performed the traditional Bon mask dance in several cities throughout Europe.