Overview
Govt of Sikkim Opens Doka-La & Cho-La for Tourists from Oct 1
Gangtok, Sept 23: The Government of Sikkim has announced that Doka-La and Cho-La will be opened for domestic tourists (Indian Voter ID holders) from October 1, 2025, with strict guidelines for security and environmental protection.
Key Guidelines:
Permits:
• Issued by Tourism & CA Dept through registered tour operators/travel agencies.
• One-night stay booking confirmation required.
• Fee: ₹1120 per person (includes Wildlife Sanctuary & TPSS fee).
• Govt officials on duty exempted.
Vehicles:
• Daily cap: 25 tourist vehicles & 25 bikers.
• Only 1400 cc+ vehicles allowed due to terrain.
• Must be owned/operated by registered travel operators (no private vehicles).
• Prescribed fare: ₹12,000 (Category Z, 2 days), ₹11,000 (Category J, 2 days).
Security:
• Army, Police & Tourism Dept to man checkpoints.
• Escorts mandatory for tourists.
• Vehicle load limits to be strictly checked.
Timing:
• Tourists to start early and return same day.
• Tsomgo–Cho-La departures at 10:00 am & 11:00 am.
• Kupup–Doka-La departures at 9:00 am & 10:00 am.
Environment:
• Strict ban on littering.
• All vehicles must carry garbage bags; disposal at Tsomgo & Kupup sites.
Monitoring:
• Express permits valid without additional checks except at 3rd Mile & diversions.
• Tourism & CA Dept to submit monthly reports on tourist and vehicle numbers.
