Sikkim Sets New Tourism Record with 24.2% Jump in Domestic Tourist
Sikkim has witnessed its highest-ever domestic tourist arrivals for the January to May 2025 period, reaching 8,43,231 visitors—a notable 24.2% increase compared to the same timeframe last year. This figure also surpasses the previous peak of 8,31,644 recorded in 2019. Interestingly, January saw an unexpectedly high footfall with 1,92,973 tourists, while May led the chart with 2,13,570 arrivals, despite experiencing heavy rainfall. The surge highlights a consistent post-pandemic recovery as domestic travel continues to strengthen year after year.
The state’s efforts in promoting alternative circuits—especially North Sikkim’s Silk Route—have paid off. In April alone, the Silk Route attracted 1,31,400 tourists, including 15,774 international visitors. The 3rd Mile stretch alone welcomed 1,23,404 travellers, with April 6 emerging as the busiest day. North Sikkim saw 55,528 visitors in April, although weather-related disruptions from mid-April temporarily closed key access routes.
While domestic tourism remains strong, foreign tourist arrivals saw a sharp drop. Between January and April 2025, only 34,847 international tourists visited Sikkim—a 25.4% decline compared to the same period in 2024. Disrupted travel routes and shifting global tourism trends appear to be contributing factors.
June posed new hurdles, with around 1,500 tourists stranded in Lachen and Lachung due to a cloudburst and severe landslides. While evacuations by road began in Lachung, visitors in Lachen had to be airlifted in phases due to unsafe conditions. By June 6, most tourists had been safely rescued, although inclement weather continued to challenge operations.
