The Drukpa Lineage was established by Ling Repa's main disciple, Tsangpa Gyare (1161-1211), who established monasteries at Longbol () and Ralung Monastery ().
Several of Tsangpa Gyare's students started sub-schools, the most important of which were the Lower Drukpa founded by Gyalwa Lorepa Wangchug Tsondru and the Upper Drukpa founded by Gyalwa Gotsangpa Gonpo Dorje.