Khenchen Pema Sherab was born in Tibet. He entered the Monastery of Palyul in Eastern Tibet at an early age, took his vows and accomplished the first part of his studies there. When Tibet was invaded, he accompanied Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche on his journey to India and lived for several years at the Monastery Ogyen Kunzang Chökhorling at Darjeeling.

In 1968, he joined the new Monastery of Palyul which His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, previous head of the Nyingma school, had rebuilt in Southern India, where he completed his training and acquired the title of khenpo (master of studies) while at the same time giving teachings. From 1978, date of the creation of the monastic college, Khenchen Pema Sherab taught tirelessly there, while managing the college.

Khenchen Pema Sherab is considered to be one of the most erudite teachers of the Nyingma school. During a recent stay of two years in Tibet, he reorganized the study program at the Monastery of Palyul where he had lived when he was young. He came to Europe for the first time in 1997 and is teaching at the annual advanced studies seminary at the Study Center of Chanteloube in Dordogne, France.