Gangtok: Sikkim is witnessing a sharp rise in tourist arrivals this summer, with thousands of visitors flocking to the state to escape the intense heatwave affecting several parts of the country.
Official records from the 3rd Mile check post show that 16,749 tourists travelling in 5,375 vehicles passed through the checkpoint between May 24 and May 28. The check post issues permits for the Nathula region, a restricted area and one of Sikkim’s most popular tourist destinations.
The figures reflect heavy tourist movement towards Nathula, Tsomgo Lake and other high-altitude attractions in East Sikkim.
According to official data, May 24 recorded the highest tourist movement during the period, with 1,990 vehicles carrying 6,591 tourists. The visitors included 2,911 domestic male tourists, 2,592 female tourists, 1,031 children and 57 foreign tourists.
On May 25, authorities recorded 917 tourist vehicles carrying 2,772 tourists, while May 26 saw 945 vehicles with 2,987 tourists. Tourist arrivals surged again on May 28, when 1,523 vehicles carrying 4,399 tourists crossed the checkpoint.
Overall, the five-day figures included 7,836 domestic male tourists, 6,368 female tourists and 2,401 children. Foreign tourist arrivals stood at 57 males, 80 females and seven children.
Separate permit records from Nathula, Lingtam Police Post and the Rongli permit cell also indicated sustained tourist movement towards destinations in East Sikkim. Nathula permits crossed 618 over two reporting days, while online permit issuance remained above 2,500 per day.
Tourists said soaring temperatures in the plains have prompted many families to head for the hills during the summer vacation season.
Vipin Kumar, a tourist from Bodh Gaya in Bihar, said he had returned to Sikkim with his family to escape the extreme heat.
“We are experiencing temperatures of around 45 to 48 degrees Celsius back home. Schools are closed for vacations, so we decided to come here to enjoy the weather. The climate here is very pleasant and the people are very welcoming,” he said.
Kumar noted that tourist footfall appeared significantly higher than during his previous visits.
“There is a huge increase in tourists now compared to previous years. Hotel availability has become difficult because of the rush,” he said.
Neha Chauhan, a tourist from Maharashtra, said social media content had inspired her family to visit the state.
“The temperature in our area is around 45 degrees Celsius, whereas the climate here is so pleasant and cool. We had seen videos of these places online and wanted to experience them ourselves,” she said.
Neha added that her family completed hotel bookings and travel arrangements in advance because of the expected rush.
Another visitor, Vimal Singh Charan, said changing weather conditions and landslides had forced his group to alter its itinerary.
“We initially planned to visit North Sikkim, but some destinations were closed due to landslides and weather-related disruptions. When Nathula reopened, we changed our plans and came here instead,” he said.
Charan also highlighted challenges faced during the peak tourist season, including accommodation shortages, higher hotel rates and transport difficulties.
“Because of the rush, we had to make additional payments after changing plans. There were some issues with vehicle arrangements as well, but overall the family is happy that we finally got to visit Nathula,” he said.
Despite the heavy rush, tourists expressed admiration for Sikkim’s natural beauty and pleasant weather.
Charan also appealed to visitors to travel responsibly.
“People should enjoy nature responsibly, avoid littering and respect the environment wherever they travel,” he said.
Officials said the ongoing tourist season has resulted in increased vehicular movement across major tourism corridors in East Sikkim, particularly along routes leading to Nathula and Tsomgo Lake.
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