Guide to Border Tourism and the Need for Insurance

Posted on: Jun 30, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Guide to Border Tourism and the Need for Insurance

You're in for a memorable journey if you're considering visiting breathtaking border towns like Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh or Nathula Pass in Sikkim. With their snow-capped peaks, meandering mountain roads, and clean air, these locations are not only aesthetically stunning but also rich in culture and legacy that cannot be found elsewhere. It's simple to understand why India's border tourist industry has flourished. However, due to their remote location, high altitude, and classification as sensitive zones, these places frequently require permits and have stringent entrance requirements. This raises the question of whether travel insurance plans are actually necessary for such excursions. Let’s go over the safety considerations, difficulties, and whether insurance is a wise or necessary decision for your trip in this post.

What are some of the border tourism places to look out for?

You should look into border tourism in India if you like the excitement of finding locations that aren't often visited. It's a singular fusion of breathtaking natural beauty, history, adventure, and cultural diversity. You get a new perspective on how life flourishes in isolated areas when you visit these cities and villages close to India's foreign borders.

1. Sikkim's Nathu La Pass:

One of the most intriguing border crossings between China and India is Nathu La, which is more than 14,000 feet high. It's remarkable to see military outposts on both sides. Permits are required because the route is sensitive but beautiful. Carry appropriate winter gear and always check the weather before leaving because it's cold, high altitude, and unpredictable.

2. Punjab's Attari-Wagah Border:

The Wagah Border ceremony is a must-see if you enjoy drama and excitement. India and Pakistan hold their renowned nighttime flag-lowering ritual here, just outside Amritsar. The cheering, the marching, the crowds, all of it is extremely patriotic and charged. To secure a decent seat, try arriving early!

3. Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang:

Tawang is a true treasure. It provides a blend of spiritual serenity and national pride near the India-China border. You can visit well-known border crossings like Y-Junction and Bum La Pass, but once more, permissions are needed. The views and the Tawang Monastery are both must-sees. Simply enchanted. Imagine clear alpine air, snow-covered roads, and fluttering prayer flags.

4. Jammu & Kashmir, Keran:

Keran is full of unadulterated natural beauty and is located directly along the Line of Control (LoC). The area offers some of the most unexplored trekking paths and is situated on the banks of the Kishanganga River. The rich cultural experience is further enhanced by the presence of local populations such as the Bakarwals and Gujjars.

5. Moreh, Manipur:

You get the opportunity to experience cross-border trade and culture in Moreh, which is located on the Indo-Myanmar border. With busy markets selling anything from gadgets to handcrafted crafts, it's lively and full of energy. You can even enter Myanmar and travel to Tamu if you have the appropriate permits. If you're interested in cultural diversity, this place is fantastic.

Why is border tourism riskier than regular tourism?

Border tourism can be exciting if you're the type of traveller who enjoys exploring new places. But let’s be honest, it has its share of difficulties. You're entering sensitive areas where your goals could be derailed by infrastructure, politics, and even the weather. So, let’s get into why travelling by border can be dangerous and what you should consider before you travel.

1. Severe weather:

Near the borders, the weather is frequently severe and erratic. You can be amid a landslide or snowstorm one minute, and then it's bright the next. At more than 14,000 feet, Nathula Pass has seen people become gravely ill as a result of abrupt decreases in oxygen levels and frigid temperatures. These are not merely small annoyances; they have the potential to become serious crises.

2. Remote areas:

The majority of border communities are situated far from major urban centres. The closest proper hospital, airport, or even gas station will be hours away. Help won't come right away if something goes wrong, such as a medical emergency, auto repair issues, or unexpected weather changes. For example, Tawang's severe snowfall and road closures have left visitors stranded for days.

3. Poor communication:

You shouldn't anticipate your internet or mobile network to function in these places, the same way it does at home. There are long periods when there is absolutely no signal. Therefore, it may take some time to get in touch with your family if you're stuck. In the event of trouble, this also implies that you will be alone for a longer period of time.

4. Requirements and limitations for permits:

Simply packing and leaving is not an option. The majority of these locations require specific licenses, such as the Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Inner Line Permit (ILP). Regulations are subject to change, and weather alerts or military concerns may result in last-minute denials of entrance. You might almost get to your destination and then get turned around if you don't plan beforehand.

5. Inadequate emergency and medical facilities:

There are no large hospitals in areas like Gurez or Pangong Lake. It is expensive and time-consuming to evacuate someone or provide emergency care. It is not simple or inexpensive to airlift a patient from such a place. This is one of the main reasons that travel insurance plans might literally save your life.

6. Movement restrictions and military presence:

Military troops frequently keep an eye on border areas since they are extremely sensitive. There are restrictions on photography, checkpoints, and restricted areas. For security reasons, visitors are occasionally asked to leave or denied access. You must be adaptable and considerate of the circumstances.

7. Security risks and political sensitivity:

Remember that political tensions might arise along boundaries. Here, curfews, local instability, and occasional military exercises are all common. Rarely, security alerts cause travel to be abruptly halted. From the perspective of tourists, these areas are more vulnerable because of their unpredictability.

8. Environmental risks:

In addition to the weather, certain border regions are vulnerable to landslides, avalanches, and floods. For instance, the Gurez Valley is renowned for its challenging topography and erratic circumstances. These risks raise the possibility of property damage, travel disruption, or personal injury.

Read our article on 10 Reasons why you should buy travel insurance to secure your trip to learn more about the advantages and significance of travel insurance plans for your trip.

Travel insurance for border tourism: is it a need or optional?

Although travel insurance is not legally required for domestic travel in India, including bordering locations like Tawang or Nathula, you should nevertheless see it as a necessity rather than a luxury. From abrupt weather changes to health problems, things can go wrong very quickly when you're travelling to high-altitude, isolated, or bordering countries. Travel insurance plans, which often cost between ₹200 and ₹800, can prevent you from incurring significant charges in the event of an emergency. Don't pass it up if you're travelling alone, have any health issues, or are going there during the winter or monsoon. Pick a travel insurance plan that offers simple claim processing, hospitalisation coverage, and high-altitude evacuation. Some local tour companies even require it or include it in the package.

How travel insurance can help

Travel insurance plans are more than simply a formality; they are your safety net as border tourism involves so many unpredictabilities. If you become extremely ill, decent coverage will cover medical emergencies, including hospitalisation or expensive air evacuations. Additionally, it helps you recoup expenses for lodging or transportation if your trip is cancelled due to circumstances such as blocked roads or last-minute permission denials. Insurance can reduce your stress if you experience delays or misplace your luggage or documents. Emergency evacuations are costly and not always possible, particularly in high-altitude areas, so having coverage that gives you the needed help, provides peace of mind for retirees, families, and lone travellers. Just make sure your policy includes coverage for border areas and adventure sports like biking or trekking if necessary.

Conclusion

There's no denying that border tourism is exciting since it allows you to see regions that few people encounter. However, it also carries several risks, particularly if you're far from big towns or have to deal with erratic weather and inadequate amenities. For this reason, careful planning and being ready for everything are beneficial. Having the appropriate travel insurance plans can have a significant impact. For your peace of mind, it's a good investment, and that peace of mind is invaluable when you're out there.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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