Born in the lap of the Himalayas, Dawa Sherpa has always been close to the mountains, literally and figuratively. So, when it was time to make a career move, the choice was clear. There has never been a time in Dawa’s life when he was not working with the mountains. For 16 years, Dawa worked for a trekking company in Nepal organizing treks and mountain expeditions in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India.
His other significant expeditions include British Royal Air Force Everest expedition, Hampshire expedition to Mt. Amadablam, Cho-Oyu and Everest, Ken Noguchi expeditions, expeditions via the Kangshung face on Everest, Russian Everest expedition on the central wall, Indian Navy Everest expedition and many other world record expeditions (for individuals) in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. He has also led and organized overall logistics for filming groups such as Kanakna’s Peking express (a reality TV show in Europe), Independent Television News (UK), Atlantic Productions (UK), National Geographic channel, Uppercut Films (UK), Everest Media Productions, 2007 Kailash-Mansarovar trek with Sadhguru and 200 other devotees during the making of documentary on adventures and mountains.
In 2014
It was not very long before he realized he had enough experience and expertise to start his own company. Hence, in 2014 Climbalaya was born. Today, as the Managing Director of Climbalaya Treks and Expeditions, Dawa is the company’s brain. He is the meticulous planner and organizer making every trekking or climbing dream come true for their clients. Under his leadership and a sharp eye for detail, the aim for every project under Climbalaya is to run without any hiccups.
In 2016
So far, with Dawa as the lead organizer, Climbalaya has successfully supported many expeditions. Some of the most notable ones include the Heroes Project Team where USMC Staff Sergeant Charlie Linville became the first combat wounded veteran to summit Mount Everest, the Hungarian Everest expedition from the South side where David Klein and Szilard attempted without supplemental oxygen, the 2016 expedition where Irina Galay became the first Ukrainian to summit the world’s tallest mountain, and the Richard Deming led 2017 project “Above and Beyond Cancer: A Spiritual Journey to Mt. Kailash”, which included 20 Cancer survivors and caregivers.
In 2019
Climbalaya provided crucial logistical and administrative support to Nims’ Shishapangma expedition under “Project Possible”. Without Climbalays expert liaising, it would have been a challenge to secure a climbing permit in Tibet for the expedition. In 2019, Climbalaya, also lent logistical support to Project base8000, an ambitious project by the duo Trevor Builder (Australia) and Emma Huffam (New Zealand/Australia) where they aimed to trek to the base camps of all fourteen 8,000m peaks. Climbalaya assisted in their treks to the base camps of Everest North Side, Mount Cho-Oyu, Mount Shishapangma and Mount Manaslu. The duo successfully completed the project in May 2023.
In 2023
Similarly in the spring of 2023, Climbalaya also assisted with necessary permits and logistical support to Kristin Harila’s successful expedition to Mt. Shishapangma and Mt. Cho-Oyu in Tibet. On 27 th July Kristin and Tenjen (Lama ) Sherpa became the fastest to summit the 14 x 8000m peaks in just 92 days. A natural leader and an expert planner, Dawa’s goal with every trip is to ensure top-notch service, value for money, and safety for his clients and staff. His love for the mountains and invaluable insight only complements his skills and is an added perk for travelers who book through Climbalaya.