Tamang said the opening of Cho La and Dok La passes was part of the Centre’s Vibrant Village Programme, which aims to strengthen border area tourism and create livelihood opportunities for local communities through regulated tourism activities.

“The initiative seeks to open strategically significant border areas through regulated tourism while highlighting their historical and military importance,” the chief minister said.

He said he was confident that the programme, envisioned under the broader concept of battlefield tourism, would spread awareness among people about the valour and sacrifices of the armed forces and foster a sense of patriotism among visitors.

The chief minister said the initiative had been made possible through coordination among the central government, the state government and Army authorities.

“I want to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji because his mission has been to first develop the last villages. We are formally reopening Cho La Pass and Dok La Pass from today to promote local tourism,” Tamang said.

He added that infrastructure development in the area was under way and that the required facilities would be provided to support tourism activities.

The state’s Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), C.S. Rao, said the department had been working towards opening the passes for tourism over the past two months in coordination with Army authorities to ensure the safe and smooth movement of tourists.

He added that while infrastructure development was still in progress, basic facilities had already been put in place.