Geshe Gedun Samdup was born in Sikkim, India in 1965 to parents who had escaped Tibet in 1959. Early in life, he excelled in academics while attending the Central School for Tibetans in Orissa.

Drawn to a life of contemplation when very young, at the age of 10 he met and became a disciple of revered Kyabje Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche. Kyabje Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche (the first) was a renowned master and a debate partner to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Under the direct personal care and guidance of Kyabje Serkong Tsenshap Rinpoche, he took monastic ordination and subsequently he entered Ganden Jangtse Monastery in Mungod, South India.

At Ganden Jangtse, he studied the extensive curriculum of Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist Epistemology, Buddhist Metaphysics and Buddhist Psychology. In 1994, he was awarded the highest academic degree of Geshe Lharampa (equivalent to a doctorate). For the next few years, Geshe Samdup served the monastery, including designing and supervising the construction of a new Prayer Hall.

In 1999, Geshe Samdup moved to the United States. From 2001 to 2005 he taught introductory Buddhist courses to diverse Western students at the Land of Compassion Buddha Center in Los Angeles. Recently, he has been teaching in the Bay Area and at Sravasti Abbey where he also serves as an advisory board member.

Geshe Samdup actively serves Serkong Rinpoche (the second) and is the Administrator of Serkong Labrang in Dharamsala, India. He is well known for his inspiring, thorough teachings on classical Buddhist topics and their relevance to modern life. He is equally known for meeting students where they are, and for offering practical guidance that speaks directly to the audience in front of him.