India-China conflict sites in Sikkim are now tourist attractions

Eight years after witnessing a stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops, Sikkim’s Doklam was ceremonially opened for tourists under the Centre’s Bharat Rannbhoomi Darshan initiative on Monday (December 15, 2025).

Cho-La, a site of conflict between the two countries from September to October 1967, was also opened for tourists under the project to promote battlefield tourism.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang flagged off 25 motorcycles and vehicles in the State’s capital, Gangtok, to mark the opening of these two Himalayan passes for tourism.

“The opening of Cho-La and Dok-La is a part of the Vibrant Village Programme, which aims to strengthen border area tourism and create livelihood opportunities for local communities through regulated tourism activities. This initiative was made possible through coordination among the Centre, the State government, and the Army,” Mr. Tamang said.

The initiative also highlights the historical and military importance of Cho-La and Dok-La, he said. “Envisioned under the broader concept of battlefield tourism, the programme will promote awareness of the valour and sacrifices of the armed forces and foster a sense of patriotism among visitors while maintaining strict security and environmental safeguards,” Mr. Tamang said.

Located 68 km east of Gangtok at an altitude of 13,780 feet, Dok-La or Doklam is a plateau in Chumbi Valley at the tri-junction of Bhutan, China, and India. It became a flashpoint in June 2017 when China attempted to build a road in territory claimed by Bhutan.

India intervened to safeguard its strategic interests and protect Bhutan, an ally. China stopped the construction activities at Doklam, also known as Donglang, after more than two months of controlled stand-off.

Cho-La, perched at 17,780 feet above the mean sea level, is accessible in all-wheel-drive vehicles from Tamzey, where the Army has a medical facility. The road to Tamzey bifurcates about a kilometre above the Changu or Tsomgo Lake, which is more than 16 km short of Nathu-La, situated on the Old Silk Route.

“Sikkim has three sites under the Rannbhoomi Darshan initiative. Nathu-La, at 14,140 ft, is already a tourist spot about 58 km from Gangtok. For the other two sites, we constructed cafeterias, restrooms, wayside amenities, and parking spaces jointly with the Army,” Sikkim’s Additional Chief Secretary in charge of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, C. Subhakar Rao, said.

Sikkim became India’s 22nd State in May 1975 following a referendum, where the majority of the State’s people voted for a merger.