Sikkim Tourism Shows Resilience in 2025 with Over Seventeen Lakh Visitors, Domestic Travel Growth Outpaces Foreign Arrivals

Published on January 7, 2026

Sikkim’s tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025, with over 17 lakh visitors flocking to the state. This growth, primarily driven by a surge in domestic travel, has more than offset a decline in foreign arrivals. While foreign tourism saw a drop, largely due to reduced visitors from Bangladesh, the sharp increase in domestic travelers has ensured a positive overall growth trajectory for the state. Improved infrastructure, particularly in North Sikkim, has played a key role in boosting accessibility, further contributing to the rise in domestic bookings. With these developments, Sikkim’s tourism is set for continued growth in the coming years.

Sikkim experienced an encouraging rise in tourism in 2025, recording a total of 17,12,360 visitors, a notable increase from the 16,25,241 arrivals in 2024. However, this overall growth was tempered by a decrease in foreign tourist arrivals, which fell by approximately 10,000 to 12,000, mainly due to a decline in visitors from Bangladesh. Tourism officials assured that there were no restrictions on Bangladeshi travelers and attributed the decline to natural fluctuations, with other international markets maintaining stable numbers.

Domestic tourism proved to be a key contributor to this growth. The state saw an increase of 95,229 domestic visitors, with arrivals rising from 15,40,421 in 2024 to 16,35,650 in 2025. This surge helped offset the dip in foreign tourism, maintaining a positive trend for the state’s tourism sector.

Domestic tourist numbers were particularly strong in the latter part of the year. December 2025 saw the highest monthly footfall of the year, with 2,39,701 visitors, up from 2,25,332 in December 2024. October and November also witnessed impressive growth, with 77,522 visitors in October, a major improvement compared to just 18,134 in the same month the previous year. November recorded 1,77,577 tourists, a slight decrease from 2,03,062 in November 2024, but still reflecting a positive year-end trend.

Foreign tourist numbers, however, remained subdued throughout much of the year. The total foreign tourist count dropped significantly, from 84,820 in 2024 to 61,710 in 2025, due to the decline in visitors from Bangladesh. Despite this, the final months of the year saw a slight recovery, with more than 22,000 foreign tourists arriving in Sikkim during October, November, and December. While the 2025 foreign tourism total was well below the pre-pandemic levels, the uptick at the end of the year indicates that tourism recovery may be on the horizon.

The decline in foreign arrivals during certain months was partly due to the poor condition of roads in Sikkim, particularly in September and October. This led to some tourists canceling or redirecting their bookings to other destinations. However, following improvements in road infrastructure, there was a marked rebound in tourism from October onwards. Better road conditions allowed for more travelers to visit, leading to a surge in bookings.

The reopening of the Naga–Lachung route has also been a significant factor in boosting tourism in North Sikkim. Access to this scenic route, which had been temporarily restricted, is now fully restored, offering visitors the chance to experience some of the region’s most stunning landscapes. Furthermore, the completion of the Taram Chu bridge on the Lachen route is expected by January 31, allowing tourists to access the famous Gurudongmar Lake once again. This development is anticipated to significantly increase tourist traffic to the region, which has long been a sought-after destination for those looking to explore Sikkim’s natural beauty.

With the North Sikkim region becoming more accessible, tourism officials expect a substantial increase in overall tourist arrivals. North Sikkim, known for its breathtaking natural vistas, is expected to play a crucial role in the future growth of the state’s tourism sector. “North Sikkim is one of the most picturesque regions in India, and its accessibility will undoubtedly boost tourism,” officials stated.

West and South Sikkim have also been performing well, with a strong volume of bookings, particularly in the latter half of 2025. Full data on tourism numbers in these regions will be available by mid-January. Sikkim’s tourism infrastructure is well-equipped to handle a daily influx of 42,000 to 45,000 tourists, across a range of hotels, resorts, and homestays, ensuring that the state is well-prepared to manage growing demand.

Despite limited marketing efforts, Sikkim continues to attract a steady stream of visitors, owing to its scenic beauty, favorable government policies, and the dedicated efforts of tourism stakeholders.

Significant improvements in road infrastructure, spearheaded by organizations like the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL), have reduced travel times between Sikkim and Siliguri, making the journey more convenient for tourists. These advancements have contributed significantly to the growing number of visitors.

Looking ahead, tourism authorities plan to closely monitor visitor numbers in North Sikkim, especially once the Lachen route opens fully. If necessary, the state will implement measures to manage tourist flow, including regulating the number of permits issued to maintain a sustainable balance between tourist access and preservation of the region’s natural environment.

Sikkim’s tourism thrived in 2025, with over 17 lakh visitors, driven mainly by a surge in domestic travel. Despite a decline in foreign arrivals, improved infrastructure and growing accessibility have supported steady growth in the state’s tourism sector.

With improving connectivity and infrastructure, alongside ongoing efforts to boost tourism, Sikkim is set to continue its upward trajectory as a leading destination for both domestic and international travelers in the coming years.