Gangtok: Sikkim recorded a total tourist footfall of 17,12,360 in 2025, reflecting a rise compared to 16,25,241 in 2024, even as the state witnessed a decline of around 10,000 to 12,000 foreign tourists, mainly due to reduced arrivals from Bangladesh.
Tourism Department officials clarified that there is no restriction on Bangladeshi tourists and that the fall has occurred naturally, while arrivals from other foreign countries remain steady.
According to official data from the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, domestic tourist arrivals increased from 15,40,421 in 2024 to 16,35,650 in 2025, registering a rise of 95,229 tourists, which largely drove the overall growth. In contrast, foreign tourist arrivals declined from 84,820 in 2024 to 61,710 in 2025, showing a significant year-on-year drop. Despite this decline, the combined domestic and foreign total still shows an upward trend due to the strong recovery in domestic travel.
A month-wise analysis of domestic tourist data shows that December 2025 recorded 2,39,701 visitors, the highest monthly figure of the year, compared to 2,25,332 in December 2024, indicating a sharp year-end surge. Similarly, November 2025 saw 1,77,577 domestic tourists, up from 2,03,062 in November 2024, while October 2025 recorded 77,522 tourists, compared to 18,134 in October 2024, highlighting a strong post-monsoon rebound following improved road conditions.
Foreign tourist data reveals that while arrivals remained subdued for most of the year, October, November and December 2025 together accounted for over 22,000 foreign tourists, indicating gradual recovery towards the end of the year. However, the annual foreign tourist total of 61,710 in 2025 remains well below pre-pandemic levels and also lower than 2023 (93,908) and 2024 (84,820) figures, underscoring the impact of reduced Bangladeshi arrivals.
Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) C. Subhakar Rao said that earlier Sikkim used to receive a substantial number of Bangladeshi tourists, but their numbers have come down this year. He clarified that there is no restriction or ban from Sikkim’s side and described the decline as natural and limited. Tourist arrivals from other foreign countries, he said, remain satisfactory.
Rao explained that foreign tourist numbers were particularly low during September and October, mainly due to poor road conditions. “Because of the road situation during those months, many tourists may have cancelled or shifted their bookings to other states,” he said.
Rao noted that tourism picked up significantly after October, once road conditions improved. “Improved connectivity led to a surge in tourist bookings,” he said, adding that the reopening of the Naga–Lachung route has been a major boost for tourism in North Sikkim.
He further informed that Lachen is expected to open for tourism very soon. At present, work is underway on the Taram Chu bridge on the Lachen route. “The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working to complete the bridge by January 31, and tourist access is expected to be handed over by the first week of February,” Rao said. Once Lachen opens, direct access to Gurudongmar Lake will also resume, which is expected to significantly increase tourist arrivals.
Expressing confidence about the coming months, Rao said that full access to North Sikkim would have a direct impact on overall tourist numbers. “North Sikkim is among the most beautiful regions in the country, and its opening greatly influences tourism in the state,” he added.
Tourism in West and South Sikkim is also performing well, with a high volume of bookings. Rao said that exact tourist footfall figures for these regions will be available by January 15.
He stated that Sikkim has the capacity to accommodate 42,000 to 45,000 tourists per day, including hotels, resorts, and homestays. He also pointed out that even with limited marketing, the state continues to attract a large number of visitors due to its natural beauty, supported by government policies and the efforts of tourism stakeholders.
Rao appreciated the efforts of the BRO, NHIDCL, and district administrations, saying their work has helped revive tourism. He added that highway conditions have improved considerably, reducing travel time between Sikkim and Siliguri, and making journeys easier and more comfortable for tourists.
Regarding crowd management in North Sikkim, Rao said that once Lachen opens, tourist numbers will be closely monitored. “If the numbers become excessive, we will definitely restrict tourist movement by regulating permit numbers,” he said.
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