Gangtok, September 8: Tourism in North Sikkim officially reopened today, bringing relief to local businesses and joy to travelers eager to visit the state’s most iconic destinations, including Yumthang Valley, Zero Point, and Lachung. The reopening follows months of closure after natural calamities in May.
The announcement was made yesterday, September 7, during a press conference at the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department’s Mini Conference Hall. Additional Chief Secretary Mr. C. S. Rao, joined by senior officials Mr. Neeraj Pradhan (PCE-cum-Secretary), Ms. Hondala Gyaltsen (Secretary), and Mr. Tenzing Gelay Bhutia (Additional Director), confirmed that all arrangements are in place to ensure safe and smooth travel for tourists.
Thanks to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the newly inaugurated Sanklang bridge has restored access to Dzongu and cut travel time towards Chungthang by nearly 1.5 hours. Tourists can now head to Yumthang Valley and Zero Point with greater convenience. Tourist permits are being issued online, at Mangan, and temporarily at the Chungthang SDM office. Travelers must follow the set timings—cross Sanklang bridge checkpost by 1:00 pm when proceeding and return via the Toong bridge by 2:00 pm.
Mr. Rao also shared future tourism plans. Under Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s battlefield tourism initiative, two destinations—Chola and Doklam—will open for domestic visitors from September 27, 2025, with a cap of 25 vehicles per day.
Significance of Chola and Doklam
Both Chola and Doklam hold deep historic and strategic importance for India.
- Chola Pass, located near Nathula, is remembered for the 1967 India-China clashes where Indian soldiers bravely defended the nation’s borders. Today, the pass stands as a symbol of courage and patriotism. Opening it for battlefield tourism allows visitors to connect with history while enjoying breathtaking mountain landscapes.
- Doklam, situated near the trijunction of India, Bhutan, and China, came into global focus during the 2017 standoff. Known for its rolling meadows, high-altitude beauty, and panoramic Himalayan views, Doklam is not only geopolitically significant but also an emerging tourist destination with immense potential. Its opening will give visitors a rare opportunity to witness a region that blends natural beauty with national pride.
By adding these destinations, Sikkim is positioning itself as a unique state where tourism is not only about scenic valleys like Yumthang Valley, but also about heritage, resilience, and patriotism. The department assured that safety measures and proper monitoring are in place to support sustainable tourism. Mr. Rao thanked local communities, tourism stakeholders, and the BRO for their cooperation in making the reopening possible.
With today’s reopening, Yumthang Valley and Zero Point are once again ready to welcome visitors, marking a fresh chapter for Sikkim’s tourism sector. The upcoming inclusion of Chola and Doklam is expected to further diversify and enrich the travel experience in the Himalayan state.
Also Read: Sikkim New Route: The Shortest and Most Scenic Way to Explore North, South, and West Sikkim