In a recent move, the Sikkim government has decided to allow domestic tourists for the first time to visit the two historic battlegrounds: Doka-La and Cho-La from October 1 onwards. This decision was taken under the initiative Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan and it aims at promoting heritage tourism. This initiative also offers visitors a chance to experience the strategic and historic sites of the Indo-China border.

Sikkim’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Department has also issued an advisory, that tourists must obtain special permits from registered travel agencies or tour operators to get access to these sensitive areas. Additionally visitors are also required to book at least 1 night’s stay at approved homestays in silk route locations such as Kupup, Gnathang, Zuluk, or Padamchen. This will ensure the local benefits and will help to regulate the flow of tourists.

Tourists will also be required to pay a permit fee of ₹1120 per person. This fee covers the entry into the nearby wildlife sanctuary along with the environmental charges. Authorities have also imposed a limit on the number of vehicles on a daily basis that is only 25 vehicles and 25 bikes (with an engine capacity of at least 1400cc) will be allowed to enter every day. Vehicles with engine capacity equivalent to or over 1400cc will be able to maneuver easily the rough roads and high altitude leading to these battlefields.

Authorities have planned to allow tourists in staggered batches to avoid rush and congestion which in turn would make security checks smoother. These are departure timings:

For Cho-La battlefield: Departure from Tsomgo at 10 AM and 11 AM

For Doka-La battlefield: Departure from Kupup at 9 AM and 10 AM

These timings will help authorities to manage travellers while keeping the challenging terrain and their safety in mind. Environmental safeguards and security measures have already been taken into the plan. The 17th Mountain Division of the Indian Army, Sikkim Police and tourism officials will take care of the checkpoints and main surveillance areas to maintain the safety and security of travellers. Visitors are also expected to co-operate to follow the strict environmental guidelines to protect the high-altitude ecosystem.

With all these arrangements, the government of Sikkim expects to see a rise in the number of tourists while showcasing its historical significance and natural beauty. The opening of Doka-La and Cho-La marks a significant move by the government. This move has created a rare opportunity for Indian travellers to explore the unexplored off-limits battleground that played a significant role in the history of the Indian military.