In a significant move blending strategic awareness with tourism-led development, the strategic Cho La and Dok La passes along the India–China border were formally opened to tourists on Monday under the Centre’s battlefield tourism initiative. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang flagged off a convoy of 25 motorbikes and tourist vehicles from Ridge Park in Gangtok, marking the beginning of regulated civilian access to the high-altitude frontier zones.
The opening of the two passes is part of the ‘Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan’ initiative, a national programme aimed at promoting tourism to historically and strategically important battlefields across India. The initiative seeks not only to highlight the military significance of such locations but also to generate economic opportunities for local communities living in remote border areas.
Dok La, situated at an altitude of about 15,600 feet, occupies a critical position near the India–China–Bhutan trijunction. The plateau drew international attention in 2017 when Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a tense military standoff that lasted over two months, underscoring the area’s enduring strategic sensitivity. Cho La, another high-altitude mountain pass in eastern Sikkim, is etched into military history for the fierce clashes between Indian and Chinese forces during the 1967 Indo-China skirmishes, in which Indian troops successfully repelled Chinese advances.
Addressing the gathering in Gangtok, Chief Minister Tamang said the decision to open Cho La and Dok La was aimed at strengthening border area tourism while ensuring that local residents benefit directly from the initiative. He stressed that regulated access to these frontier areas would help generate livelihoods through homestays, transport services, and related tourism activities, particularly in regions that have traditionally remained economically isolated due to their geography and security considerations.
“The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative is not merely about tourism,” Tamang said. “It is about making people aware of the historical and strategic importance of these areas, and about honouring the courage, valour, and sacrifices of our armed forces who have defended the nation in some of the most challenging terrain in the world.”
He added that opening such sites to civilians, in a controlled and secure manner, would foster a deeper sense of patriotism and national consciousness, especially among younger generations who may be unfamiliar with the military history associated with these remote locations.
Tourism Department Additional Chief Secretary C.S. Rao said the state government had been working intensively for the past two months to operationalise the opening of the passes. The process involved close coordination with the Indian Army and the Central government to ensure that tourist movement does not compromise security or safety in the sensitive border zones.
“While some infrastructure development work is still ongoing, basic facilities have already been put in place to allow limited and regulated tourist access,” Rao said. He noted that safety protocols, route planning, and coordination mechanisms with security forces had been carefully worked out before the launch.
Under the new arrangement, tourists will be able to visit Cho La and Dok La on a two-day package. The state government has facilitated homestay accommodation in nearby villages at minimal charges to ensure affordability while maximising benefits for local families. Vehicle rates for travel to the high-altitude passes have also been fixed to prevent overcharging and ensure transparency.
Officials said that tourist numbers would initially be capped, with permits issued under strict guidelines, considering the fragile ecology, extreme weather conditions, and strategic sensitivity of the region. Authorities will review the programme periodically before considering any expansion.
The opening of Cho La and Dok La marks a notable step in Sikkim’s efforts to balance national security, historical awareness, and sustainable tourism, while bringing the stories of India’s frontier battles closer to the public.
