In the hospitality industry, a memorable guest experience is often shaped by the vision, values and personality of the people behind the brand. For Sadip Lama, popularly known as “The Monk of the Hospitality Industry”, hospitality represents more than providing accommodation; it is about creating meaningful experiences, building lasting relationships and contributing to the communities that form an integral part of a destination. Hailing from Bijanbari, Darjeeling, Lama began his professional journey in 2005 as a government contractor and supplier. In 2010, he established Yashshree Co. and M/S Sadip Lama as proprietorship ventures, focusing on real estate, construction and supply. His entrepreneurial journey expanded further in 2014 through a partnership with SPARK Construction, which continues to operate successfully.
Building on his experience in real estate and construction, Lama entered the hospitality sector in April 2019 with the establishment of Sumi Yashshree Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hospitality chain rooted in the Eastern Himalayas. Tin-Tin, a boutique resort in Bijanbari, Darjeeling, marked the beginning of this venture and laid the foundation for a broader vision of delivering distinctive hospitality experiences across the region. Today, Sumi Yashshree Hotels & Resorts has a portfolio of 23 hotels across destinations including Darjeeling, Siliguri, Gangtok, Pelling, Kalimpong, Lachung, Lachen, Yangang and Araku. With a focus on service excellence and destination-led experiences, the group aims to strengthen its presence in the hospitality sector while showcasing the natural and cultural appeal of the regions in which it operates.
Community development remains an important part of Lama’s vision. In 2020, he established the Yashshree Foundation in Darjeeling, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting underprivileged communities. The foundation is working towards establishing an old-age home and an orphanage hostel in Bijanbari. The group also focuses on creating employment opportunities for specially abled individuals and contributes 10 per cent of its total revenue towards social initiatives, reflecting its commitment to inclusive growth and social responsibility. Lama’s entrepreneurial interests also extend to the culinary sector. In 2021, the group introduced Sumi Nom-Nom, a bakery and Korean café in Darjeeling, bringing Asian culinary influences to the hills. The same year, it launched Sumi Noor – The Biryani House, with the aim of offering authentic biryani and Indian cuisine. Both brands have since expanded to multiple outlets across West Bengal and Sikkim. Dorjeeling Kitchen is the latest addition to its growing food and beverage portfolio.
Looking ahead, Sumi Yashshree Hotels & Resorts is focused on expanding its footprint across India while strengthening its hospitality and dining businesses. Through a combination of entrepreneurship, service-driven hospitality and community engagement, Sadip Lama continues to build a hospitality enterprise that seeks to create value for guests, employees and the communities it serves.