The eighth Gangteng Truelku, Ugyen Thinley Dorje was born to Thimphu Dzongpoen Kunzang Thinley in 1906, amidst miraculous signs. His father was a descendant of Khedrub Kunga Wangpo who descended from Pema Lingpa and belonged to the Nyo lineage. His mother was Sangay Drolma, younger sister of the seventh Gangteng Truelku.
When the child came of age, he was enthroned as the eighth Gangteng Truelku at his original seat at Gangteng Goenpa. The Truelku received the complete teachings of the Padling tradition from the ninth Padling Tenzin Choki Gyaltsen.
He introduced amongst his followers the tradition of wearing the gho, as was the custom of court attendants. It is also said that he succeeded his father as the Thimphu Dzongpoen, during which time he constructed the Guru Lhakhang in Thimphu, which exists to this day for all to pay respects and make offerings.
While coming to Gangteng Goenpa, on reaching a nearby chorten, the Truelku would dismount from his horse and change into his religious robes as a mark of respect. Thereafter, the people started calling this chorten Tabab Chorten, meaning the stupa where Rinpoche dismounted from his horse.
The Truelku passed away into parinirvana in Wangdiphodrang Dzong in 1949. The sacred body was cremated at Gangteng Goenpa.
