Tourists to Get Special Permits to Visit Strategic Doklam Trijunction.
India is all set to open Cho La in Sikkim for tourists under its Ranbhoomi (Battlefield) Tourism Initiative, marking a unique step in showcasing the country’s historic and strategic military zones.
Sikkim’s Additional Chief Secretary CS Rao announced on Friday that infrastructure near key border points, including the Doklam trijunction, will be upgraded to support the tourism project.
What is Battlefield Tourism?
- Battlefield Tourism (Ranbhoomi Tourism) aims to let visitors explore sites of historic military importance.
- Around 30 locations across India have been identified for this initiative.
- The project involves coordination with the Indian Army and Ministry of External Affairs to ensure security and accessibility.
Cho La and Doklam to be Key Highlights
- Cho La, a mountain pass in Sikkim, is part of the historic India-China conflict zone.
- Doklam, near the India-China-Bhutan trijunction, became globally known after the 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in 2017.
- The Doklam plateau overlooks the Siliguri Corridor (‘Chicken’s Neck’)—a narrow stretch connecting Northeast India to the rest of the country.
Under the initiative:
✅ Tourists will get special permits to visit the Indian side of the Doklam trijunction.
✅ Nathu La, already a popular tourist destination, will be part of the extended circuit.
Infrastructure & Tourism Plan
- The Sikkim government is working closely with the Indian Army to build roads, tourist facilities, and safety measures in these sensitive areas.
- Initially, only 30 vehicles per day will be allowed to visit the destination. This cap may be increased to 50 vehicles daily based on road conditions and security clearance.
- Several rounds of discussions have been held with the Bhutan government to keep them informed of the plan.
When Will Battlefield Tourism Start?
According to sources, the Ranbhoomi Tourism Initiative in Sikkim is expected to launch by late September 2025, after final security reviews.
Why Is This Significant?
- Offers tourists a glimpse of India’s strategic border zones.
- Highlights the historic Doklam standoff and India’s role in maintaining regional stability.
- Boosts border tourism and local economy in Sikkim.
Key Takeaways
✅ Cho La & Doklam to open for Battlefield Tourism in Sikkim
✅ Special permits required for strategic sites
✅ Limited vehicles per day for security reasons
✅ Launch planned for late September 2025
