Over the years she served as Tourist Guide, Information Assistant, Helicopter Hostess, Tourist Officer in New Delhi and, eventually, Deputy Director in Sikkim Tourism.

In these roles she represented Sikkim at national and international tourism marts, issued Inner Line Permits to foreign guests, and liaised with central ministries in New Delhi to develop tourism projects for the state. Her work earned her a Meritorious Award from the Government of Sikkim in 2014 for her long and dedicated service.

Even after retirement, Shova Lama never truly hung up her “tourism boots”. She has now joined Golden Crescent Tours & Travels, a family-run travel agency based at Golden Crescent Resort & Spa, Sichey Busty, Gangtok. Here, she continues to guide travellers with the same warmth, local knowledge and professionalism that have defined her career—helping guests experience the real Sikkim.