She was the main consort of Thang Tong Gyalpo, who recognized her as an emanation of Machig Labdrön through the lineage of Vajravārāhī and appointed her as the first Samding Dorje Phagmo.

Chökyi Drönma was born in 1422 as the daughter of Thri Lhawang Gyaltsen, the king of Mangyül Gungthang.

When her daughter was old enough to begin schooling, Drönma negotiated with her husband to have her educated according to Buddhist principals.

After her death, Drönma formally announced her desire to take religious vows, to which her family refused.

[8] Drönma was a leading figure in the Tibetan Bodongpa tradition which gradually waned under Gelugpa rule, but was restored in the modern era.