Sikkim to Reopen Doka-La and Cho-La Passes for Domestic Tourists from October 1

In a significant step to boost adventure tourism in Sikkim, the state government has announced that the high-altitude mountain passes of Doka-La and Cho-La will officially open to domestic tourists from October 1, 2025. These passes, known for their scenic beauty and challenging terrain, are part of Sikkim’s efforts to promote tourism while simultaneously supporting sustainable livelihoods in border areas. The initiative comes with a comprehensive framework designed to balance tourism promotion with environmental conservation, reflecting the state’s commitment to responsible and sustainable travel.

Access to Doka-La and Cho-La will be strictly regulated. Only Indian citizens holding valid voter identification cards will be permitted to visit these destinations. Tourists must obtain official permits through registered tour operators under the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department. The permit fee is set at Rs. 1,120 per person, which covers entry to nearby wildlife sanctuaries and contributions to the Tsomgo Pokhari Sangrakshan Samiti, an organization dedicated to the preservation of the area’s ecology. Visitors who hold official permits from the Home Department are exempt from paying the fee.

To ensure that tourists experience authentic local culture, permits will only be issued upon confirmation of a mandatory one-night homestay at designated Silk Route points such as Kupup, Gnathang, Zuluk, and Padamchen. This requirement helps integrate local communities into the tourism process, providing them with livelihood opportunities while also offering visitors a genuine cultural experience.

Due to the rugged terrain and challenging driving conditions, only vehicles with an engine capacity of 1,400 cc or above are allowed, while private vehicles remain prohibited. The daily limit for each pass has been capped at 25 tourist vehicles and 25 bikers to minimize congestion and environmental impact. Tour operators have fixed packages, charging Rs. 12,000 for two days with category Z vehicles and Rs. 11,000 with category J vehicles.

Security and monitoring will be robust and jointly managed by the Sikkim Police, the Army’s 17 Mountain Division, and the Tourism Department. Police escorts will accompany tourist groups from Kupup to Doka-La and from Cho-La diversion points to Cho-La to ensure safety throughout the journey. To avoid congestion at critical points, departure timings are staggered: tourists traveling from Tsomgo to Cho-La will leave at 10 am and 11 am, while those going from Kupup to Doka-La will depart at 9 am and 10 am on the following day.

Strict cleanliness protocols will be enforced to protect the fragile environment. All vehicles must carry garbage bags, and littering is strictly prohibited. Additionally, the Tourism Department will submit monthly reports on tourist numbers and vehicle movements to the Home Department for oversight, ensuring adherence to regulations and sustainable practices.

The opening of Doka-La and Cho-La represents a landmark moment in Sikkim’s sustainable tourism strategy. By combining strict regulatory measures, local community involvement, and environmental safeguards, the initiative aims to offer a safe, culturally rich, and ecologically responsible adventure tourism experience. The structured approach demonstrates Sikkim’s commitment to promoting tourism in a way that conserves natural resources, supports local livelihoods, and maintains the unique charm of its high-altitude landscapes. This carefully planned model is expected to serve as an example of sustainable tourism development in India, balancing economic growth with ecological preservation and community engagement.