Gangtok, SIKKIM: The roar of 161 motorcycle engines echoed through the Himalayan mist as Sikkim’s first-ever Ride to Doka La kicked off from Zero Point in Gangtok. Led by Tourism Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia, the two-day expedition marks a bold step in India’s growing battlefield tourism sector. This niche blends history, adventure, and patriotism.
The event, part of Sikkim’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, saw riders from nine motorcycle clubs, including the Sikkim Riders’ Club and Khanchenndzonga MC, traverse the rugged Eastern Himalayas to Doka La. This strategic border post gained global attention during the 2017 India-China standoff.
Why Doka La? A Flashpoint Turned Tourist Destination
Doka La, perched at 3,300 meters near the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction, is no ordinary scenic spot. In 2017, it became the center of a tense 73-day military standoff between Indian and Chinese troops. Today, the Indian Army has transformed the area into a controlled but accessible tourism zone with freshly paved roads and guided tours.
Brigadier Kunal Mukherjee of the 17th Mountain Division oversees the region and explains: “Doka La is more than a military post—a symbol of resilience. By opening it to civilians, we’re educating Indians about border security challenges while boosting local economies.”
Battlefield Tourism: A Global Trend Finds Roots in Sikkim
Battlefield tourism isn’t new—Normandy in France and Gettysburg in the U.S. attract millions yearly. But Sikkim’s approach is unique:
- Adventure + History: Unlike static war memorials, Doka La offers an active experience—riders navigate steep Himalayan passes while learning about the 2017 conflict.
- Army-Guided Access: Tourists can only visit in pre-approved groups, with soldiers sharing firsthand accounts of border life.
- Economic Push: The ₹50 entry fee funds the Tourism Sustainability and Development (TSD) Fund, which improves roads and promotes eco-tourism.
The Ride Experience: From Gangtok to the Edge of India
The 160-kilometer route isn’t for the faint-hearted. Riders faced:
- Altitude Shifts: From Gangtok (1,600m) to Doka La (3,300m), with oxygen levels dropping 30%.
- Weather Whiplash: Sunny skies gave way to near-freezing fog at the summit.
- Key Stops: The group paused at Kupup, home to the world’s highest golf course, and interacted with local Bhutia families running homestays.
“It’s surreal—one moment you’re on a bike, the next you’re staring at a valley where soldiers stood toe-to-toe with the PLA,” said Rinchen Dorjee, a rider from the Northern Riders MC.
Balancing Tourism and Security
The Army has strict protocols:
- No Photography Zones: Near sensitive military installations.
- Permit System: Only 200 tourists are allowed daily.
- Eco-Rules: Riders carried back all waste, aligning with Sikkim’s plastic-free policies.
Local Impact: Jobs and Challenges
The ride is part of a larger push—Sikkim’s Rural Tourism Meet 2025 aims to create 5,000 jobs in homestays and guiding services. Early data shows promise:
- 4.5 lakh tourists visited Sikkim in Q1 2025, up 18% YoY.
- Homestay earnings rose 40% in Lachen and Lachung villages.
But challenges remain. “We need better medical facilities for altitude sickness and stricter crowd control,” admits Pem Dorjee, a local guide.
What’s Next?
The state plans to expand battlefield tourism to Nathu La and other border areas with Army-backed itineraries. As Minister Bhutia puts it: “This isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about remembering the sacrifices behind our scenic landscapes.”
