Cho La & Do Ka La: Sikkim’s New Battlefield Tourism Destinations | SetMyTrip
🛡️ Doklam: A Historic Flashpoint Turned Frontier Attraction
Doklam, once the center of global headlines during the 2017 India-China military standoff, is now being reimagined as one of India’s most compelling battlefield tourism experiences. Located in the far reaches of East Sikkim, this high-altitude plateau offers sweeping Himalayan panoramas, crisp mountain air, and a heavy sense of historical significance. Tourists will not be allowed up to the Line of Actual Control, but select points will provide aerial views of the international border, making it one of the most exclusive and eye-opening viewpoints in the Indian Himalayas. For those fascinated by geopolitics, defence history, or remote landscapes, Doklam is a must-visit alternative to Nathula—quieter, deeper, and equally profound.
🏔️ Chola: Sikkim’s Untapped Himalayan Pass
The Chola Pass, often overshadowed by the fame of Nathula, is a hidden high-altitude gem now opening up for visitors seeking the raw essence of Sikkim’s eastern frontier. Situated near Kupup, Chola once served as a trade route between Tibet and Sikkim and holds deep historical relevance from earlier Indo-Chinese conflicts. Today, the route promises mesmerizing views of jagged peaks, glacier-fed valleys, and prayer-flag-lined roads that seem untouched by modern tourism. Unlike the well-trodden Nathula circuit, Chola offers a more peaceful and meditative experience, making it ideal for travelers who value serenity and offbeat exploration. With curated routes and Army-backed safety, Chola is set to become a rising star on Sikkim’s border tourism map.
🌄 Kupup: The Silent Star of East Sikkim
Just 2 km off the main tourist route lies Kupup, a surreal highland valley that many overlook—but shouldn’t. Dominated by the shimmering Elephant Lake and surrounded by rolling meadows and mist-draped ridges, Kupup offers a near-cinematic Himalayan landscape without the crowds. While it’s long been a pitstop en route to Nathula or Baba Mandir, its strategic and natural importance is now being recognized as part of the new battlefield tourism circuit. Visitors can experience raw, unfiltered beauty, occasional glimpses of military convoys, and stories of border resilience embedded in the terrain. If Chola is the gateway, Kupup is the heart—silent, strong, and stunning.
