8 months ago
Sikkim Sees 17 Lakh Tourists in 2025
In 2025, Sikkim had over 17 lakh tourists, which is more than the previous year.
Most of these tourists were from India, but there were fewer tourists from other countries.
The drop in foreign tourists happened because the roads were damaged, especially the National Highway-10, after heavy destruction in October.
The government is trying to attract more foreign tourists and make tourism more sustainable.
Recently, there was a lot of snow in places like Nathula and Tsomgo Lake, which is good for tourism.
However, some areas are still recovering from a big flood in 2023 that damaged roads and bridges.
Hotels in Lachung are busy with tourists enjoying the snow.
The weather is expected to bring more snow and rain in the coming days.
Sikkim recorded over 17 lakh tourist arrivals in 2025, an increase of 82,000 from 2024.
Domestic tourist footfalls rose to 16,35,650 in 2025 from 15,40,421 in 2024.
Foreign tourist numbers declined to 71,710 in 2025 from 84,710 in 2024 due to road damage.
Significant snowfall was reported in key tourist areas like Nathula, Tsomgo Lake, and Lachung.
The tourism industry is still recovering from the 2023 GLOF, which caused widespread damage to infrastructure.
- Who
- Tourists (domestic and foreign), Sikkim Tourism Department, Sashastra Seema Bal, India Meteorological Department
- What
- Increase in total tourist arrivals in Sikkim despite a decline in foreign tourists, significant snowfall in key areas, ongoing recovery from 2023 GLOF
- Where
- Sikkim, including East Sikkim, West Sikkim, North Sikkim, and Lachung
- When
- 2025, with specific events in January 2025 and October 2023
- Why
- Growing preference for domestic travel, road damage affecting foreign tourists, efforts to attract more foreign tourists and strengthen sustainable tourism
Key facts
- Total Tourist Arrivals (2025)
- 17,07,360
- Domestic Tourists (2025)
- 16,35,650
- Foreign Tourists (2025)
- 71,710
- Domestic Tourists (2024)
- 15,40,421
- Foreign Tourists (2024)
- 84,710
- Key Snowfall Locations
- Nathula, Tsomgo Lake, Yuksam, Zero Point, Yumthang Valley
- Major Winter Destination
- Lachung
- Impact of 2023 GLOF
- Damaged infrastructure, reduced tourist footfalls
Quotes
Wali Mohammad
President of the Shikara Owners’ Association
“Tourists have started trickling into Kashmir and many of them are enjoying boat rides in Dal Lake.”
thehindubusinessline.com
“The lake is beginning to look alive again”
thehindubusinessline.com
Burhan Ahmad
Local tour operator
“Most tourists prefer to stay in Srinagar, and a shikara ride is usually part of their itinerary. Dal Lake remains a big attraction.”
thehindubusinessline.com
Abhinav Sharma
Tourist from northern India
“A Kashmir trip feels incomplete without a boat ride on Dal Lake.”
thehindubusinessline.com
