Gangtok, 30th August: The Government of India has announced 100 new tourist destinations under the Ranbhoomi Tourism Destination initiative. Among them, three important sites from Sikkim—Nathula, Chola, and Doklam—have been included. While Nathula has already been open to tourists with permits, the government has now extended tourism access to Chola and Doklam. The decision is especially significant for Doklam, which lies at the strategic tri-junction of India, China, and Bhutan. The area will officially open to tourists from the first week of October.
Doklam holds historical importance as it was the site of the 2017 military standoff between India and China. Its selection as a tourist destination is seen as a shift towards peaceful engagement and is expected to attract wide attention.
Recently, members of the Sikkim Tourism Stakeholders visited Doklam to study its tourism potential. Among them was Madan Gurung, a well-known figure in the tourism sector, who stressed the need for infrastructure improvements to handle the expected rise in tourists. He said that although parts of the road from Kupup to Doklam are in good condition, a 12–13 km narrow stretch requires urgent repair to ensure safe travel.
Gurung also highlighted that Doklam’s unique location and strategic importance would provide tourists with a rare and memorable experience. The opening of this area is expected to give a major boost to Sikkim’s tourism industry, attracting both history lovers and those interested in geopolitically important regions.
In addition, a team of tourism experts led by Sailesh Pradhan (Advisor, TAAS), along with Madan Gurung, Ritez Chettri, Gopal Chettri, Raj Pradhan, and others, visited Doklam. During their visit, they also met with army officials to understand the safety rules and protocols needed to ensure safe and sustainable tourism in the area.
With Doklam opening its doors to tourists, Sikkim’s tourism sector is expected to grow further, supported by better infrastructure, increased visitor interest, and new opportunities for the local economy.
