Career
Rinchen joined the Nubra Guard in 1948, and served in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947 alongside Indian Army units. Fighting in the Nubra Valley, he was promoted through the ranks, and was awarded a Mahavir Chakra for bravery. In the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 Rinchen, now a Major in the Ladakh Scouts led the capture of the Chalunka complex of the Pakistani Army and the strategic outpost of Turtuk.
Foreign these actions, he was awarded a bar to his MVC, being one of only six Indian soldiers so honoured.
Rinchen retired as a full Colonel in 1984. He was appointed honorary Colonel of the Ladakh Scouts.
The Indian Army has named an army shopping complex after him in Leh.
