Sikkim Opens Doklam, Cho La for Tourists Under Strict Guidelines

December 15, 2025

Gangtok: In a significant step to promote border and battlefield tourism, Sikkim on Monday opened the sensitive border areas of Doklam and Cho La to tourists under regulated conditions.

Boost to Border Tourism and Local Livelihoods
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said the move aligns with the national vision of developing border regions. Thanking the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the initiative would help connect people with India’s border history while creating new livelihood opportunities for communities living in remote villages.

Tourist Access with Army Support
For the first time, tourists and bikers will be allowed to visit Doklam and Cho La following strict guidelines. The Chief Minister also lauded the Indian Army for its role in securing borders and supporting development initiatives that have made tourist access possible.

Focus on Infrastructure and Connectivity
Tamang said work is ongoing to improve infrastructure in high-altitude regions. He cited new parking facilities at Changu and assured that minor road issues near Cho La would be addressed soon. Emphasising improved connectivity, he said better roads have made travel to Sikkim easier, even for high-end vehicles.