Shanti Thatal was born in Darjeeling, India to Manu Singh Thatal and Chandra Maya Thatal. She initially learned music under the guidance of Shiva Prasad Singh and Bhanu Ghosh. Later she went to Calcutta to learn music at Rabindra Bharati University. After she returned to Darjeeling, she joined the Himalaya Kala Mandir, a music, arts and drama institute in Darjeeling, and also learnt music from Amber Gurung. Another legendary Nepali singer Aruna Lama was her best friend. Gopal Yonzon and Karma Yonzon were her favourite musicians. She also started teaching music at Kendriya Vidhyalaya.

She did her schooling at St. Teresa School, Darjeeling and went on to complete her Bachelors degree in music. After her education, she moved to Gangtok, Sikkim to join a government job. She became a Director at the Culture Department of the Sikkim government. Music remained her passion. Shanti Thatal never married. She now lives her retired life in Darjeeling.