The Kalu Rinpoche incarnation line began when the First Kalu Rinpoche, Karma Rangjung Kunkhyab, was identified as the reincarnation of Jamgon Kongtrul. His seat was Tsadra Rinchen Drak, Jamgon Kongtrul's hermitage and three-year retreat center. The current Kalu Yangsi was born in 1990.