Sikkim expands battlefield tourism: Doklam and Cho La to open in September

Sikkim to open Doklam and Cho La for tourism this September, expanding its popular Nathu La battlefield tours in India’s strategic border regions. (File Image: PTI)

In a landmark development for both tourism and public history, the Sikkim government is set to open two more sensitive locations—Doklam and Cho La—to civilians starting September 2025, following approval from the central government. These additions mark a significant step in India's battlefield tourism initiative, aimed at offering insight into key military standoffs along India’s frontiers.

The announcement follows the Defence Ministry's January 2025 launch of the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan App, which enables visitors to explore historic war zones across India.

"We are planning to open the places in the first week of September"

"One is Nathu La. We have been using that place for many years... In addition to it, two more places have been identified. One is Doklam, second place is Cho La. We are planning to open the places in the first week of September," C Subhakar Rao, Additional Chief Secretary, Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation, said, as reported by ANI.

Limited Access, Sustainable Approach

On a pilot basis, access to these sensitive zones will be restricted to 25 vehicles and 10–15 motorbikes per site per day, helping preserve the terrain and maintain security, as per ANI. Rao confirmed that infrastructure development at both locations will be completed by early September to support controlled civilian access.

Strategic Significance of Doklam

Doklam, also known as Donglang, is perched at the tri-junction of India, Bhutan, and China. It rose to prominence during the 2017 standoff between Indian and Chinese forces, when India intervened to halt Chinese road construction that encroached upon Bhutanese territory—posing a direct threat to the Siliguri Corridor, India’s narrow and vital connection to its northeast. The face-off, lasting over two months, ended in July 2017.

Doklam today stands not just as a geopolitical flashpoint, but also a symbol of Indian resilience and regional solidarity. Its planned inclusion in battlefield tourism offers the public a rare opportunity to visit a site that has significantly shaped India's defence posture in the eastern Himalayas.

Cho La: A Pass Etched in Valor

Nestled amid the Eastern Himalayas, Cho La is not just a breathtaking high-altitude pass, but also the site of the 1967 Indo-China skirmishes. On October 1, 1967, a fierce day-long confrontation broke out between Indian and Chinese troops over territorial claims. According to Indian accounts, Chinese troops crossed into Sikkimese territory, prompting a forceful Indian response that pushed them back by nearly three kilometres.

This tactical victory greatly boosted morale within India’s armed forces and reaffirmed the nation’s control over this critical segment of the Sikkim-Tibet border. Today, Cho La captivates travelers with its rugged natural beauty, snow-capped peaks, and enduring historical significance.

The site’s dual appeal—its strategic history and pristine landscape—makes it an essential stop for military history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and nature lovers alike.

Nathu La: The Pioneer of Battlefield Tourism in Sikkim

Already open to visitors for several years, Nathu La Pass has long served as a gateway for border tourism. Situated on the Old Silk Route, the pass connects Sikkim to China's Tibet Autonomous Region and holds deep historical and trade relevance. Its continued inclusion alongside Doklam and Cho La underscores the region’s central role in India’s border defence narrative.

A Push for Borderland Development

The Defence Ministry’s battlefield tourism initiative aims not only to educate civilians about key military engagements but also to stimulate regional development. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasised that promoting tourism in border areas acts as a catalyst for economic growth and builds national pride.

With the upcoming opening of Doklam and Cho La, Sikkim is poised to offer a rare convergence of history, strategy, and scenic exploration. Travelers willing to tread the path of history will now find themselves at the heart of geopolitical turning points, surrounded by the stark beauty of the Himalayas.

(With inputs from ANI)