Sikkim CM Opens Cho La & Dok La for Tourists

The opening of two strategic mountain passes, Cho La and Dok La, to tourists has made Sikkim take a major step towards enhancing tourism and development of the region, especially border tourism. The move was announced by the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, as a part of the ambitious program of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan of the Centre. The shift does not only give the people a chance to discover the frontiers that were once closed but also shows the interest of India in building up the villages that are remote. Through tourism, increase in infrastructure and the sense of national pride, the move is likely to improve the livelihoods of the villages in the last mile in Sikkim and the awareness of the strategic and cultural significance of the region.

Cho La and Dok La Opened Under Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang officially announced Cho La and Dok La to be open to tourists from December 15, 2025. These are the high altitude passes, at the proximity of the international borders of India and they are of great strategic importance as well as natural beauty. Their integration in Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan is a milestone of introducing responsible tourism in the Indian border landscapes.

The flagship program is spearheaded by both the ministry of defence and tourism ministry. The main aim of it is to encourage border tourism and at the same time provide better infrastructures, improved connectivity and sustainable economic opportunities for people living in the remote border villages. Through this pronouncement, Sikkim becomes part of an increasing number of states to present frontier destinations to civilians in a highly organized and safe way.

‘Last Village First’ Vision and Vibrant Villages Programme

Speaking of the philosophy of development of the state government, CM Tamang repeated the motto of the state government which is last village first which is more or less aligned with the Vibrant Villages Programme of the Government of India. In this model, the border areas which were perceived as inaccessible or poorly developed, are now experiencing a fast development in roads, communication facilities, tourism infrastructure, and simple facilities.

Tamang gave credits to the Government of India, the Indian Army and the Tourism Department who assisted him in making Cho La and Dok La accessible. He promised that infrastructure development would not stop and make sure that development of tourism is sustainable and productive to the local communities.

Boost to Border Tourism and Regional Development

The opening of these destinations will be expected to create a powerful push to Sikkim border tourism, where the economies of the local youths will be provided with new opportunities to make a living through the provision of guiding services, homestays, transport, and handicrafts. Better connectivity should also be used to bring frontier villages into closer economic mainstream of the state.

The Chief Minister also recognised the involvement of Indian Army in the organisation of such events as Supercar Rally and was appreciative of the efforts put by GOC Mr Rathore and his team. Not only do such events cater to the promotion of tourism, they also facilitate civil-military and national integration.

On the whole, the fact that Cho La and Dok La have become the part of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan is a moderate solution- honoring the borders of India and preserving its security, sustainability, and all-inclusive development of the frontier areas of Sikkim.