Gangtok, July 2025 — A new frontier in Sikkim tourism is about to open, quite literally. The majestic and strategically significant regions of Cho La and Do Ka La (Doklam)—till now out of reach for travelers—will officially welcome domestic tourists starting 27th September 2025 under the Ministry of Defence’s Battlefield Tourism initiative.
For years, Nathula Pass has been the crown jewel of Sikkim’s border tourism circuit, drawing thousands of visitors eager to glimpse the Indo-China border. But for those who’ve already marveled at Nathula or are seeking a less crowded, equally thrilling alternative—Chola and Doklam are poised to become the next big attractions in Sikkim.
🏔️ Why Cho La & Doklam Are the New Must-Visit Destinations
Tucked away in East Sikkim, both Chola and Doklam offer visitors a rare chance to witness the grandeur of the Himalayan frontier—with towering peaks, alpine lakes, and vistas that stretch across international boundaries.
✅ Highlights:
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Cho La: Accessed from 2nd Mile at Changu, this scenic mountain pass holds historic importance and opens into a lesser-known but visually arresting region.
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Doklam: Famously known for the 2017 India-China standoff, Doklam is now being reimagined as a peaceful, informative tourism experience that blends strategic legacy with stunning landscapes. Doklam can be accessed via Kupup.
Responsible Tourism & Regulations
During the launch of border tourism at Cho La and Doklam, Chairperson Mr. Sonam Norgay Lachungpa emphasized the importance of responsible travel practices in these sensitive and fragile Himalayan regions.
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Eco-Friendly Travel: Every tourist vehicle will be required to carry a garbage bag to ensure that no waste is left behind, keeping Sikkim’s pristine landscapes clean.
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Mandatory Stay: All visitors to Cho La and Doklam must spend at least 2 days and 1 night in local homestays. This ensures:
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Safety, since weather conditions change rapidly and dense fog often sets in during afternoons.
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Livelihood opportunities for local communities, allowing tourists to directly support Sikkimese families.
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Heritage & Patriotism: Visiting these regions is not only about enjoying the natural grandeur of the Himalayas, but also about understanding India’s national heritage:
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Cho La is remembered for the 1967 skirmish where the Indian Army bravely defended the border.
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Doklam came into global focus during the 2017 standoff, symbolizing India’s strategic resilience.
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Touring these sites allows travelers to reflect on the sacrifices of Indian soldiers who safeguard the nation’s frontiers.
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Access & Security:
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Entry will remain strictly regulated with a cap of only 25–30 vehicles per day.
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Mandatory permits will be issued to maintain both security and sustainability.
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Given the ecological sensitivity and strategic location, tourist flow will be regulated. Facilities like parking zones, restrooms, waiting areas, and signposts are already under development. Road improvement work is being overseen by the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
This unique model of border tourism combines natural beauty, local livelihood, cultural exchange, and patriotic pride, making a trip to Cho La and Doklam unlike any other Himalayan journey.
📍 Alternative to Nathula: What Makes It Special?
While Nathula Pass remains iconic, it also faces capacity constraints, permit limits, and overcrowding during peak seasons. Chola and Doklam are being developed to distribute visitor load, enhance border tourism, and offer fresh circuits for repeat visitors.
What’s different about Cho La & Doklam?
| Feature | Nathula Pass | Chola & Doklam |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Via Tsomgo Lake | Via Changu Lake & Kupup |
| Tourist Cap | Highly saturated | Limited to 25–30 vehicles/day (initially) |
| Border View | Popular point | Clear aerial visibility of international border |
| Vibe | Historic + touristic | Raw, scenic, strategic |
| Nearby Attractions | Baba Mandir, Tsomgo | Kupup Lake, Elephant Lake, Gnathang Valley |
Plan A Sikkim Trip Now!
🚗 How to Get There
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Start from Gangtok with a valid Inner Line Permit (ILP).
- Cho La is accessed via a short detour from 17th Mile.
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Travel past Changu Lake (Tsomgo) and head 23 km further to reach Doklam via Kupup..
🚦 Permits Required: Yes, through the Sikkim Tourism Department. Entry will be strictly monitored with support from the Indian Army.
🧭 What’s in the Curated Packages?
To enrich the tourist experience, the Tourism Department is offering 2-day battlefield tourism packages that include:
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Day 1: Gangtok → 2nd Mile → Tamze / Hanspokhari → Cho La → 17th Mile / Kupup Overnight Stay
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Day 2: Dok La Exploration → Return Gangtok via Changu Lake
🏕️ Accommodation options will include camps and homestays in nearby areas such as Gnathang Valley.
💂♂️ Safety & Support
The Indian Army has committed to assisting with health and emergency facilities along the route. Basic first aid, high-altitude medical support, and rapid-response teams will be stationed at key points like 17th Mile and Kupup.
💡 Insider Tip
“If you visit Chola and skip Kupup, you miss 40% of the experience,” says a Sikkim Tourism official. Kupup, often overlooked, is a jewel in its own right—home to mist-covered valleys, the iconic Elephant Lake, and raw Himalayan beauty untouched by mass tourism.
✨ Why You Should Go Now
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Be among the first travelers to explore this newly opened route.
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Witness the convergence of patriotism, history, and natural beauty.
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Support local communities in East Sikkim by choosing offbeat paths.
As Sikkim redefines its position on the national tourism map, Chola and Doklam stand as proud new entrants that blend heritage, security, and scenic splendor. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventurer, or a peace-loving soul seeking solace in the mountains—this is your next Himalayan calling.
🛡️ Doklam: A Historic Flashpoint Turned Frontier Attraction
Doklam, once the center of global headlines during the 2017 India-China military standoff, is now being reimagined as one of India’s most compelling battlefield tourism experiences. Located in the far reaches of East Sikkim, this high-altitude plateau offers sweeping Himalayan panoramas, crisp mountain air, and a heavy sense of historical significance. Tourists will not be allowed up to the Line of Actual Control, but select points will provide aerial views of the international border, making it one of the most exclusive and eye-opening viewpoints in the Indian Himalayas. For those fascinated by geopolitics, defence history, or remote landscapes, Doklam is a must-visit alternative to Nathula—quieter, deeper, and equally profound.
🏔️ Chola: Sikkim’s Untapped Himalayan Pass
The Chola Pass, often overshadowed by the fame of Nathula, is a hidden high-altitude gem now opening up for visitors seeking the raw essence of Sikkim’s eastern frontier. Situated near Kupup, Chola once served as a trade route between Tibet and Sikkim and holds deep historical relevance from earlier Indo-Chinese conflicts. Today, the route promises mesmerizing views of jagged peaks, glacier-fed valleys, and prayer-flag-lined roads that seem untouched by modern tourism. Unlike the well-trodden Nathula circuit, Chola offers a more peaceful and meditative experience, making it ideal for travelers who value serenity and offbeat exploration. With curated routes and Army-backed safety, Chola is set to become a rising star on Sikkim’s border tourism map.
🌄 Kupup: The Silent Star of East Sikkim
Just 2 km off the main tourist route lies Kupup, a surreal highland valley that many overlook—but shouldn’t. Dominated by the shimmering Elephant Lake and surrounded by rolling meadows and mist-draped ridges, Kupup offers a near-cinematic Himalayan landscape without the crowds. While it’s long been a pitstop en route to Nathula or Baba Mandir, its strategic and natural importance is now being recognized as part of the new battlefield tourism circuit. Visitors can experience raw, unfiltered beauty, occasional glimpses of military convoys, and stories of border resilience embedded in the terrain. If Chola is the gateway, Kupup is the heart—silent, strong, and stunning.
