Sikkim’s Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, C.S. Rao, announced that the strategically significant locations of Doklam and Cho La will be opened for tourists before 15 December, marking a major push in the state’s frontier-tourism plans. The sites, originally scheduled for inauguration on 27 September, were delayed due to administrative and logistical hurdles.
Speaking at a press interaction, Rao said that all pending work is now being fast-tracked. “We are planning to open both the places before 15th of December… and most probably by the first week of January the remaining areas will also be opened for the public,” he confirmed. He added that infrastructure work at the sites is expected to be completed by the end of December, paving the way for a full public opening in early January.
The state government has coordinated with multiple agencies—particularly defence authorities and the Ministry of External Affairs—to ensure safe access and regulated movement in these sensitive border areas. Once fully operational, the new circuits are expected to boost adventure, heritage and frontier tourism, giving travellers access to some of the most historically and strategically important terrains in the Eastern Himalayas.
Rao reiterated that Sikkim is moving “100% sure” toward the January timeline, with final clearances and preparedness now in the last stages. The move is seen as a major tourism milestone for the state, unlocking destinations that have long remained inaccessible to the public.
