Born in Nepal, Karpoche is the first person of Tibetan descent ever elected to public office in North America.

[4] In an interview, Karpoche said that she was born stateless despite her birth in Nepal and had no pathways to legalize her status there, as the Nepalese government systematically excludes Tibetans as refugees due to political reasons.

She attended University of British Columbia for her undergraduate studies, earning a bachelor of science degree.

[7] She also served on the board of directors of the Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario, and on the steering committee of the International Tibet Network.

[9] On September 14, 2017, the Parkdale—High Park NDP riding association nominated Karpoche as the party's candidate in the 2018 general election.

Following her election, NDP leader Andrea Horwath appointed Karpoche as deputy opposition whip and mental health and addictions critic.