When you grow up in Ladakh, the “Land of High Passes,” ambition feels as vast as the mountains that surround you. For Tsering Dorjay, a 34-year-old from Leh, the dream of creating something meaningful beyond the snowy ridges of northern India started early. But he never imagined that this dream would one day take him to Bulgaria, a country more than 4,500 kilometers away, where he is now preparing to open his first company and begin a new chapter of life.
A Childhood Shaped by Resilience
Tsering’s childhood in Ladakh was not an easy one. Winters could last for months, cutting off villages from the rest of India. Yet, he says those years taught him two things that would define his life: patience and perseverance. “When you wait out a six-month winter, you learn how to plan, how to survive, and how to appreciate progress,” he says with a smile.
After earning a degree in business administration from Jammu University, Tsering worked briefly in Delhi’s hospitality industry. But the city’s noise and chaos made him long for balance — for a quieter life that still offered opportunities to grow.
Discovering Bulgaria
In 2021, during a backpacking trip through Eastern Europe, he landed in Sofia, the Bulgarian capital. “I didn’t know much about Bulgaria,” he admits. “I just wanted to see the Black Sea and eat banitsa.” What he found instead was a country that blended the charm of old Europe with the open possibilities of a growing economy.
Tsering was struck by the friendliness of the locals, the affordability of life compared to Western Europe, and — most importantly — the potential for entrepreneurship. “There were small tech firms, eco-tourism projects, organic farms — and they were all looking for partners, ideas, and investment,” he recalls.
That spark became the seed of a plan.
Founding His First Company
Back in India, Tsering began researching how foreign nationals could start businesses in Bulgaria. He soon discovered that the country offers several entrepreneurship and investment pathways, allowing non-EU citizens to establish companies, hire staff, and apply for long-term residence permits.
With help from Bulgarian consultants from GO EU, he created a small eco-tourism startup focused on sustainable travel between the Balkans and the Himalayas — a symbolic bridge between his homeland and his new base. The company will organize tours connecting travelers with local communities, highlighting cultural heritage and responsible tourism practices.
In late 2024, after months of documentation, Tsering’s company was officially registered in Sofia under the name “Himalaya Balkans Eco Ventures” “When I saw the registration certificate, it felt like standing on a mountain peak,” he says.
A New Home in the Making
His next milestone came when Bulgarian immigration authorities approved his application for a long-term entrepreneur visa — a key step toward residency. The visa, which he expects to receive within weeks, will allow him to live and work legally in Bulgaria while managing his company.
“I’m beyond excited,” Tsering says. “It’s not just about business. It’s about building a life in a country that welcomed me with open arms.” He’s already scouting office space in Sofia and learning Bulgarian through online courses.
Building Bridges Between Cultures
Tsering hopes his story will inspire other young Indians to look beyond traditional destinations like the UK, Canada or the US. “Eastern Europe has so many opportunities,” he says. “You just need curiosity and courage to explore them.”
He also plans to give back to Ladakh by partnering with local artisans and guides, offering them fair-trade collaborations and exposure to European markets. “If my business succeeds,” he says, “it won’t just be my victory — it will be Ladakh’s too.”
A Journey of Courage and Connection
As winter approaches in Ladakh and Sofia lights up with its Christmas markets, Tsering prepares for a new beginning — a Himalayan heart now beating in the Balkans. “Starting over in a new country is never easy,” he reflects, “but if you’ve climbed mountains before, you know how to keep going.”
From the cold deserts of Ladakh to the green valleys of Bulgaria, Tsering Dorjay’s journey is more than a story of entrepreneurship — it’s a testament to resilience, cross-cultural connection, and the courage to dream beyond borders.
