A day ago, the Sikkim government announced that Doklam and Cho La, places of historic and geostrategic significance, will be opened to tourists by December 15. It was originally scheduled on September 27 but had to be postponed due to administrative and logistical issues.
While announcing the new launch date, Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism C.S. Rao said that all pending work, which includes improving signage, roads, safety measures and visitor amenities, are being fast-tracked.
The announcement came at a time when Sikkim hosted the 13th International Tourism Mart from November 13 to 16, which highlighted northeast India’s emergence as a prominent hub for sustainable tourism, investment and green energy.
Cho La is remembered for India’s clash with China in 1967, whereas Doklam gained attention due to the skirmish between the two armies in 2017. The sites offer a unique look into India’s history along with the picturesque Himalayan landscapes. The two sites connect to Nathula, another battle location in the state that attracts tourists.
Doklam stands at an altitude of around 14,000 feet and is situated about 70km from the state’s capital, Gangtok. Nestled between India, China and Bhutan, the region has been a bone of contention in the Himalayas.
According to Susan Walcott, an emerita professor of Geography at the University of North Carolina, China’s Chumbi Valley and India’s Siliguri Corridor, located on the north and south of Doklam respectively, are among strategic mountain chokepoints critical in global power games.
Cho La, standing at an even higher altitude of around 17,000 feet, is known for its rough terrain. It is a mountain pass lying in the Chola range of the Himalayas, connecting Sikkim with Tibet. The pass was regularly used by the Sikkim royal family.
Zuluk, which lies on the renowned Old Silk Route, is considered to be a prominent gateway for those who want to visit Doklam and Cho La. It is a scenic mountain village that stands at an altitude of around 10,000 feet, combining the breathtaking sight of the eastern Himalayas with adventurous and curvy roads.
Sikkim is already a favourite haunt for adventure and nature lovers because of its majestic mountains and rich wildlife. The addition of Doklam and Cho La to the tourism map brings in a richer experience of battlefield tourism that can attract even history lovers. The two new sites are also expected to increase the footfall in areas such as Gangtok, Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake and Yumthang Valley while also potentially increasing visitors across its lesser-known yet culturally rich regions.
The state government aims to add measures to protect nature while aiming to accommodate the increasing number of tourists. The opening of the sites is also expected to create more jobs by encouraging hotels, restaurants and transport services.
The opening of Doklam and Cho La comes as part of the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan, which is an initiative of the Union government for promoting patriotism, tourism and local infrastructure. The initiative constitutes 77 battleground war memorials in bordering areas including Kargil, Galwan, Longewala War Memorial and Siachen base camp.
Since the areas are militarised, special permits will be needed to visit. The tourists will be escorted by security personnel.
Within the protocols, tourists visiting the two sites will be able to explore high passes and visit areas that have not been accessible to the public, thereby offering unique insights into India’s military history.
