Tipuric was also hugely impressive in Wales Six Nations triumph, notably in the title-clinching 30-3 thrashing of England, with the Ospreys man conjuring a moment of brilliance to create a second try for Alex Cuthbert.
"It feels a bit unreal more than anything and it has not quite sunk in," he said. "It is the pinnacle of any rugby player's career.
"I tried to stay away and not read the press but I did not expect this. You dream of playing for the Lions one day but at the start of the season you don't really think it would be possible given where I was.
"I was concentrating on trying to get in the Wales squad and team and doing well for the Ospreys."
The back-row selections were among the most debated following Gatland's announcement with England captain Chris Robshaw, Tom Wood, Kelly Brown and fellow Osprey Ryan Jones among those to miss out.
And Tipuric admitted his joy was tapered by Gatland's decision to leave the likes of Ospreys duo Ryan Jones and Dan Biggar at home.
"While you are happy, you also think of your team-mates who have not made it like Ryan and Biggs and it's not a nice thing," he added. "You send them a text to see if they're okay but it's hard."
There's not much you can say, just ask them if they're okay, because you know how disappointed they will be."
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