Cho La and Dok La Passes in Sikkim Open for Battlefield Tourism

Gangtok, 15 December 2025: The Cho La and Dok La passes, located at the India-China border in Sikkim, have been officially opened for tourism as part of a new initiative aimed at promoting battlefield tourism. This initiative, named Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan, was inaugurated on Monday by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who flagged off a convoy of 25 motorbikes and tourist vehicles from Ridge Park in Gangtok.

The Dok La pass, situated at an elevation of 15,600 feet, gained international attention during a tense standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in 2017. Meanwhile, Cho La is historically significant due to the skirmishes that occurred there in 1967. By opening these passes, the state government aims to bolster tourism in border areas and provide economic opportunities for local communities.

Chief Minister Tamang noted that the initiative is designed to make citizens aware of the historical importance of these sites. He stated, "This initiative seeks to open strategically significant border areas through regulated tourism while highlighting their historical and military importance."

The Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan programme is a collaborative effort between the Indian Army and the Ministry of Tourism, allowing citizens to explore sites of military significance and honour the sacrifices made by soldiers. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the programme aims to enhance accessibility to these often remote and challenging locations, which are steeped in tales of bravery and sacrifice.

Tourism Department Additional Chief Secretary C.S. Rao mentioned that the state government has been coordinating with the Army and federal authorities for the past two months to ensure the safe movement of tourists. Although infrastructure development is ongoing, basic facilities have already been established to support visitors.

The initiative is also part of the Centre's Vibrant Village Programme, which aims to strengthen tourism in border regions and create sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The state government is optimistic that the opening of Cho La and Dok La will not only promote local tourism but also foster a sense of patriotism and awareness of the armed forces' contributions among visitors.

Tourists can now access these historic sites through a two-day package, which includes affordable homestays and fixed vehicle rates, making it easier for individuals to experience the rich military history of the region and appreciate the sacrifices made by the armed forces. Chief Minister Tamang expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the mission to develop remote villages has been instrumental in enabling this initiative.