Beyond Nathula: Explore Sikkim’s Newly Opened Battlefield Routes at Doka-La and Cho-La

Beyond Nathula: Explore Sikkim’s Newly Opened Battlefield Routes at Doka-La and Cho-La

In a significant step towards encouraging heritage and border tourism, the Sikkim government has been allowing Indian tourists to use the old battlefield trails of Doka-La and Cho-La since 1st October, 2025. The two trails that are famous in terms of their strategic military importance close to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction will now become accessible to visitors through the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan program.

Being close by proximity to the sensitive border areas, these areas provide insight into the military history of India, as well as the picturesque nature of the Eastern Himalayas. Now, the tourist groups can visit the locations where the Indian Army valiantly defended the country in the Cho-La confrontation in 1967 and the other border skirmishes.

Entry is strictly controlled to preserve safety and ecological balance. Tourists have to get special permits, which are issued by authorised tour operators and with successful identity proof. Permits will only be issued to people who have booked homestays in surrounding villages such as Zuluk, Kupup, Gnathang or Padamchen.

The number of vehicles and bikers that could be allowed in as tourists will be restricted to 25. These are tricky routes with very steep and rugged grounds that can only be undertaken by high-powered vehicles (beyond 1400 cc). Two types of vehicles have been attached with a two-day package rate of 12,000 in Category Z and 11,000 in Category J.

The Sikkim Police, the Indian Army and the Tourism Department will be involved in security escorts to tourists. The vehicles should not be crowded as they will start at intervals. In the case of Cho-La, the tours will start at Tsomgo Lake, whereas the Doka-La tours will start at Kupup village.

One of the priorities is environmental protection. The travellers have to bring garbage bags, discard waste materials at designated areas, and observe the rules of eco-tourism strictly. They have banned the illegal parking charges and littering along the roadside to maintain the delicate Himalayan ecosystem.

Sikkim becomes even more successful with these new routes as it provides another dimension to the tourism attraction: adventure, history, and patriotism. Doka-La and Cho-La can now present travellers with an uncommon opportunity to encounter the tales of bravery that moulded the mountain boundaries in India.