The Eighth Khamtrul Rinpoche Dongyud Nyima (1931-80) was born in Nangchen, Eastern Tibet. When he was a baby, he was recognised as the incarnation of the Seventh Khamtrul Rinpoche by visiting lamas and was subsequently enthroned. Khamtrul Rinpoche left Tibet in 1958 and initially settled with his followers in Kalimpong, West Bengal.

In 1969 his community moved west to Himachal Pradesh after being granted 37 acres of land, which they named Tashi Jong (auspicious valley). The Khampagar Monastery was re-established on this site. Later in the life, Khamtrul Rinpoche was invited to Bhutan, where he visited many holy places and gave many initiations and teachings. He passed away in Bhutan on January 5, 1980, at the age of 49.