Draft:Dr Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa
Dr. Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa is an Indian mountaineer, adventurer, tourism professional, and sustainable tourism advocate based in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, West Bengal. He serves as Tourism Field Director with the Tourism Department, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), and is the Founder & Director of Blue Dragon Adventure & Travels, alongside the Blue Dragon Foundation and Blue Dragon Homestay. He is widely recognized for his pioneering work in eco-tourism, community-based tourism, and Himalayan adventure tourism.
Early Life
Dr. Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa was born on 14 May 1985 in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.
Education
- Bachelor of Tourism Studies (Pursuing)
- Gold Medallist, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Method of Instruction)
- Honorary Doctorate in Adventure Tourism (2023)
- Various professional certifications in mountaineering, adventure tourism, wilderness first aid, and outdoor leadership
Career
Dr. Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa has built a career spanning more than two decades in mountaineering, adventure tourism, sustainable tourism, and outdoor leadership.
- Tourism Field Director, Tourism Department, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA)
- Founder & Director, Blue Dragon Adventure & Travels, established in 2003
- Founder, Blue Dragon Foundation
- Founder, Blue Dragon Homestay
Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to promoting responsible tourism while creating employment opportunities for local communities. He has trained hundreds of young people in trekking, mountaineering, wilderness first aid, and adventure tourism, helping build a skilled local tourism workforce across the Darjeeling Himalayan region.
Career Highlights
- Tourism Field Director with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA)
- Founder of Blue Dragon Adventure & Travels, established in 2003
- Guinness World Record holder (2018) for successfully carrying the first-ever paraplegic person to Everest Base Camp
- More than two decades of experience in mountaineering, adventure tourism, sustainable tourism, and outdoor leadership
Achievements
- National Tourism Award (2018 & 2019)
- State Tourism Award (2016)
- President's Award (2022)
- North Bengal Adventure Award (2023)
- Honorary Doctorate in Adventure Tourism (2023)
- Global Tourism Award (2024)
- Rabindra Ratna Puraskar (2025), for contributions to sustainable eco-tourism
- National Youth Award (2025)
Philanthropy
Dr. Sherpa is deeply involved in youth development, environmental conservation, and community outreach through the Blue Dragon Foundation. He has organized and supported numerous initiatives, including peace runs, half marathons, mental health awareness campaigns, adventure festivals, and tourism development programs that promote the Himalayas as a world-class sustainable tourism destination. His work continues to inspire adventure enthusiasts and tourism professionals through conservation, education, and responsible travel initiatives.
Personal Life
Dr. Dawa Gyalpo Sherpa is based in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, West Bengal.