Sikkim expands battlefield tourism, to open Doka-La, Cho-La for tourists on October 1

The decision to open battlefield destinations of Doka-La and Cho-La for domestic tourists from October 1 was taken under the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative.

The Sikkim government has announced to open the battlefield destinations of Doka-La and Cho-La for domestic tourists from October 1, Business Standard reported citing officials.

In a notification issued earlier this week, Chief Secretary R Telang said Indian tourists carrying voter identity cards would be allowed to visit the two sites under strict guidelines for security and environmental protection. The decision was taken under the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative, the notification said.

Permits mandatory for tourists visiting Doka-La, Cho-La

As per the report, Doka-La and Cho-La are located near the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction. Tourists will be required to obtain permits from the tourism and civil aviation departments through registered tour operators or travel agencies.

"Permits shall be issued only upon submission of one-night homestay booking confirmation from designated areas along the Silk Route Kupup, Gnathang, Zuluk or Padamchen," the order was quoted by BS as saying.

Tourists will be required to pay a permit fee of Rs 1,120 per person, which includes wildlife sanctuary entry and Tsomgo Pokhari Sangrakshan Samiti (TPSS) fee. The fee will be collected by the tourism and civil aviation department and shared with agencies concerned, the order added.

Permits issued by the home department for official purposes will be exempt from the fee. The government has capped the daily entry at 25 tourist vehicles and 25 bikers for both the places.

"Only vehicles with engine capacity of 1,400 cc and above will be permitted due to the challenging terrain," the notification said. As per the report, no parking fee collection will be allowed along the route without prior approval from the state government.

The fare has been set at ₹12,000 for a two-day package in category Z vehicles and ₹11,000 for category J vehicles. Officials said adequate security will be ensured, with personnel from the Army’s 17 Mountain Division, Sikkim Police, and the tourism department deployed at Kupup and Cho-La checkposts.

"A police escort shall accompany tourists from Kupup," the notification added.

Two daily batches set for tourist departures

To manage traffic and weather-related risks, tourists will move in staggered groups. Two batches will depart daily from Tsomgo (Cho-La diversion) at 10 am and 11 am for Cho-La, while from Kupup to Doka-La, departures will be at 9 am and 10 am.

"No littering or damage shall be allowed in these pristine areas. All tourist vehicles must carry garbage bags and dispose of the waste only at designated collection points at Tsomgo and Kupup," the order said.

As per the report, the tourism department clarified that express permits issued for the 25 vehicles would require checking only at 3rd Mile, Cho-La, Nathula and Doka-La diversions.