Eight years after a tense stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops, Doklam in Sikkim is set to welcome tourists. Located 68 km east of Gangtok at an altitude of 13,780 feet, Doklam lies in the Chumbi Valley at the tri-junction of Bhutan, China, and India.

The region became a hotspot in June 2017 when China attempted to construct a road in Bhutanese-claimed territory. India intervened to safeguard its strategic interests and support Bhutan, leading to a two-month-long standoff before China halted construction.

According to C. Subhakar Rao, Sikkim’s Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism and Civil Aviation), Doklam is among three battlefield tourism sites being developed by the Defence Ministry — the others being Nathu La and Cho La. Facilities such as cafeterias, restrooms, and parking areas are being developed jointly with the Army.

While Nathu La (14,140 ft) is already a popular tourist destination, Cho La (17,780 ft) and Doklam will soon feature improved visitor amenities. The route to Cho La branches off near Tsomgo Lake, with an Army medical post at Tamzey for altitude-related emergencies.

A fourth site, Gurudongmar Lake (17,800 ft) in Mangan district, has also been included in the battlefield tourism circuit as a Shaurya Gantavya (destination of valour). Sacred to both Buddhists and Sikhs, the lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava and ranks among the world’s highest lakes.