Gangtok: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday flagged off 25 tourism vehicles from Ridge Park, formally announcing the opening of Cho-La Pass and Dok-La Pass for regulated tourism under the Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative.
The opening of the two passes marks a major step in the implementation of battlefield tourism in Sikkim.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister said the initiative forms part of the Vibrant Village Programme, aimed at strengthening border-area tourism while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities through regulated and responsible tourism practices.
The Chief Minister stated that the opening of Chola and Doklam was made possible through close coordination between the Central Government, State Government and the Indian Army. Referring to the Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative, he said it seeks to open historically and strategically important border areas to tourists in a controlled manner, while highlighting their military significance.
He further informed that infrastructure development in the region is underway and that necessary facilities will be provided to support tourism activities.
The Chief Minister also referred to the Supercar Rally organised by Army personnel as part of the Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative, stating that it contributed to tourism promotion and visibility. He appreciated Major General M.S. Rathore and his team, along with the organising committee, for the successful completion of the rally.
Addressing concerns over road conditions, the Chief Minister clarified that misleading information circulating on social media had caused unnecessary apprehension among tourists. He said that while Sikkim’s terrain is challenging and natural disruptions may occur, road connectivity remains functional and precautionary as well as corrective measures are taken regularly.
Providing details of the tourism package, Additional Secretary of the Tourism Department C.S. Rao said permits for the inaugural batch of vehicles were issued free of cost for the day, while a structured fee system would come into effect from Tuesday.
“This opening was pending for the last one month. From tomorrow onwards, prescribed fees will be collected as per the approved tourism package,” Rao said.
He informed that the two-day battlefield tourism itinerary includes Chola and Nathula on the first day, followed by Doklam on the second day. Chola is located at an altitude of 14,600 feet, Nathula at 14,400 feet, and Doklam at 13,700 feet.
Rao said battlefield tourism was announced by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 15, and since then the Tourism Department has been working closely with the Indian Army and local stakeholders to operationalise the routes.
As per the fee structure, Rs 20 per person will be collected by the Tsongmo Pokhari Sangrakchan Samiti, while an entry fee of Rs 100 per person will be charged for Doklam, which falls under the Pangolakha Wildlife Sanctuary, in line with Forest Department norms. Additionally, Rs 1,000 per tourist will be collected towards government revenue.
Vehicle charges have been fixed at Rs 12,000 for luxury Z-category vehicles and Rs 11,000 for J-category vehicles for the two-day package. Tourists must produce valid accommodation slips for a two-night stay at Dzuluk or Gnathang, arranged through registered travel agents.
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Meanwhile, tourists flagged off on the inaugural journey expressed excitement at being among the first visitors. A tourist from Uttar Pradesh said the experience felt special and historic, noting that Chola and Doklam are sites of past military conflict and standoffs between India and China.
“Being able to see such a place with our own eyes is incredibly exciting, and I am really looking forward to this experience,” the tourist said.
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