Gangtok: Sikkim’s tourism sector has crossed the one-million visitor mark within the first five months of 2026, with domestic travellers accounting for more than 97 per cent of the total arrivals and placing the state on course to surpass last year’s all-time tourism record.
According to the latest statistical ledger released by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, Sikkim received a total of 1,060,665 tourists between January and May 2026. Of these, 1,030,363 were domestic visitors, while only 30,302 were foreign tourists, underlining the state’s continued dependence on the domestic tourism market even as international arrivals remain well below pre-pandemic levels.
The figures show that domestic tourism continues to be the backbone of Sikkim’s tourism industry, contributing 97.14 per cent of the total visitor inflow during the five-month period. Foreign tourists accounted for just 2.86 per cent, reflecting the slow recovery of the international travel segment.
A month-wise analysis indicates that tourist arrivals remained heavily concentrated during the spring season. Domestic arrivals stood at 220,717 in January, before dropping sharply to 108,418 in February, traditionally considered a lean travel month. Visitor numbers rebounded strongly in March with 218,964 arrivals, climbed further to 232,748 in April, and reached their highest level of the year in May with 249,516 domestic tourists.
The steady rise during March, April and May coincided with the summer holiday season and intense heatwave conditions across several parts of India, making the Himalayan state a preferred destination for domestic travellers seeking cooler weather.
The strong start to 2026 has placed Sikkim on track to potentially register another record year for domestic tourism. In 2025, the state recorded its highest-ever annual domestic tourist arrival of 1,654,838 visitors. With more than 62 per cent of that figure already achieved in just five months, tourism officials expect the state to remain on course for a new annual high, provided the post-monsoon travel season witnesses similar demand.
While domestic tourism continues to expand, the data paints a contrasting picture for the international tourism market. Foreign tourist arrivals stood at 30,302 between January and May, with the highest monthly figure recorded in April at 8,913 visitors. Although international arrivals have gradually recovered from the pandemic years, they remain significantly below the state’s pre-COVID performance.
Historical data in the department’s statistical records shows that 2019 remains Sikkim’s best year for foreign tourism, with 133,388 international visitors. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide lockdowns led to a dramatic collapse in overseas arrivals, which fell to 11,508 in 2021.
The sector witnessed a substantial recovery in 2023, when foreign tourist arrivals rose to 93,908, but the momentum slowed thereafter. The number declined to 68,992 in 2025, and the current pace of arrivals in 2026 suggests international tourism is still operating at less than half of its pre-pandemic peak.
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The figures indicate that while Sikkim has successfully rebuilt its tourism economy through strong domestic demand, attracting overseas visitors remains a significant challenge.
The data also highlights the seasonal nature of tourism in the Himalayan state. Visitor arrivals rise sharply during the spring and summer months before slowing during the monsoon season from June to September, when heavy rainfall and landslides often affect road connectivity and travel plans.
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