Home » TRAVEL NEWS » Ranbhoomi Darshan Initiative Unlocks Historic Cho La & Dok La Passes, Integrating Strategic High-Altitude Routes Into Sikkim Tourism Published on
December 15, 2025A pivotal moment in the nation’s strategic tourism landscape has been formally marked by the opening of the historically significant Cho La Pass and Dok La passes, both situated in the high-altitude terrain of Sikkim. This landmark development has been achieved under the overarching framework of the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Initiative, a national programme meticulously designed to connect citizens with India’s rich military history and the stories etched into its border regions. The decision to open these previously restricted frontiers represents a careful and considered balance, ensuring that national security imperatives are maintained while facilitating patriotic and adventure tourism. For decades, these locations were recognized primarily within the context of defence strategy, their rugged topography and challenging elevations serving as silent sentinels along the sensitive Indo-China border. Now, they are being reimagined as destinations where history can be tangibly experienced and the immense sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces can be solemnly commemorated.The Strategic Vision: A New Chapter in National HeritageThe Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Initiative itself was conceptualized as a nationwide effort aimed at institutionalizing battlefield tourism across the country. It is understood that up to 77 strategic locations, spanning from the Galwan Valley to Longewala and Siachen, have been identified for inclusion in this grand programme. The core objective of the initiative is multifaceted: national unity is sought to be strengthened through shared historical knowledge; patriotic sentiments are intended to be deepened by proximity to sites of valour; and local economies are expected to be invigorated by the resulting influx of visitors. The inclusion of Cho La and Dok La in this list is deemed particularly important due to their location near the trijunction of India, China, and Bhutan, a region that remains one of the most geostrategically significant areas in the Himalayas.Advertisement Echoes of Conflict: The Historical Significance of the PassesEach of the newly opened passes carries a profound and distinct historical weight, firmly establishing their place in India’s military narrative. Dok La, often referenced as Doklam or Doka-La, is intrinsically linked to the protracted and highly sensitive standoff that took place in 2017 between the Indian and Chinese forces. The area, located at an estimated altitude of approximately 14,000 feet, became the centre of international attention due to its proximity to the India–China–Bhutan trijunction. It was recognized as a crucial location, defending India’s access to the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the Chicken’s Neck. The events that unfolded there demonstrated the strategic importance of this particular segment of the border. The diplomatic and military resolve exhibited during that pe …
