Gangtok, 25th September: The border areas of Doka La (Doklam) and Cho La in East Sikkim are set to officially open for domestic tourists from 1st October 2025, under the Government of India’s Ranbhoomi Tourism Destination (Battlefield Tourism) initiative. According to a notification from the Home Department, only Indian nationals with valid voter IDs will be permitted to visit these high-altitude destinations.
Preparations for the opening are currently underway, with the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department of Sikkim, in coordination with the Indian Army, conducting site inspections to ensure readiness. Permits will be issued exclusively through registered tour operators and travel agents, and tourists will be required to provide proof of a one-night homestay booking in designated areas along the Silk Route.
The permit fee has been fixed at Rs 1120 per person, which includes entry charges for the wildlife sanctuary and the Tsomgo Pokhari Sangrakshan Samiti (TPSS) fee. The amount will be collected by the Tourism Department and shared with the concerned agencies. However, permits issued by the Home Department for official purposes will be exempt from this fee.
A joint inspection was carried out on Thursday by Tourism Secretary Neeraj Pradhan, officials of the Indian Army, members of the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS), and other stakeholders. The team reviewed existing infrastructure and discussed possible facilities to support tourism in these sensitive border regions. Neeraj Pradhan said the opening of Doka La and Cho La would bring new dimensions to Sikkim’s tourism industry by allowing visitors to access previously restricted landscapes. He highlighted that regulated and disciplined tourism will boost the local economy while offering tourists an opportunity to understand the historical and strategic significance of the area.
According to officials, both destinations will allow a maximum of 25 tourist vehicles and 25 bikers per day. Due to the challenging terrain, only vehicles with engine capacity above 1400 cc, operated by registered tour operators, will be permitted. Private vehicles will not be allowed. The prescribed fares have been set at Rs 12,000 for two days (Z-category vehicles) and Rs 11,000 for two days (J-category vehicles).
For security arrangements, tourists will be escorted by the police and monitored by the Army, Sikkim Police, and the Tourism Department. The 17 Mtn. Div Army, along with Sikkim Police and Tourism officials, will check vehicles at Kupup Check Post for those heading to Doka La, and at Cho La diversion for those traveling to Cho La. Police escorts will accompany tourists from Kupup diversion to Doka La and from Cho La diversion to Cho La.
To prevent congestion and address unpredictable weather, tourists have been advised to begin their journeys early. The recommended timings are 10:00 am to 11:00 am from Tsomgo to Cho La, and 9:00 am to 10:00 am from Kupup to Doka La the following day. These timings will also help with parking management and coordination at the check posts.
The government has also introduced responsible tourism guidelines. Travel operators will be responsible for ensuring that tourists do not litter or cause damage to the environment. All tourist vehicles must carry garbage bags, which should be disposed of at collection sites in Tsomgo and Kupup. Additionally, check posts and the Tourism Department will submit monthly reports on tourist inflow and vehicle movement to the Home Department for monitoring and security purposes.
Local tourism stakeholders have welcomed the decision, saying it will create new economic opportunities. They believe nearby areas such as Kupup will see an increase in visitors, with homestays and local businesses expected to benefit significantly.
Both destinations carry historical and geopolitical importance. The Cho La skirmish on 1st October 1967, was one of the major clashes of the Sino-Indian conflict, resulting in a decisive Indian victory. Meanwhile, Doklam came into global focus during the 2017 India-China standoff at the tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan. With Nathu La already established as a popular tourist destination, the opening of Doka La and Cho La further strengthens Sikkim’s role in promoting Battlefield Tourism in India.
