Lama Ngawang Kunga Bista was born and brought up in the Kingdom of Mustang in Lo-Manthang.
At the age of 5 years old he was sent to Chhoede Monastry in Lo-Manthang to learn sacred scripture of Tibetan Buddhism. When he was 8 years old he was sent to a monastery to India to continue his studies. After he completed his studies, at the age of 18, he returned to Lo-Manthang. At 21 years of age he opened a monastic school in Chhoede Gompa, Lo-Manthang. He was appointed manager for seven years in the monastery and monastic school.

He then resolved to improve the welfare of the community of Upper Mustang and opened Great Liberation School, a literacy program for the local children.

In 2000 he founded Great Compassion Boarding School. His aim was to educate all children regardless of family situation and gender.