Sikkim’s tourism sector has experienced a strong post-pandemic rebound, with tourist arrivals exceeding 17 lakh in 2025, building on the recovery that began in 2024, according to data from the state’s Tourism and Civil Aviation Department.
The data reveals that tourist numbers in 2024 reached approximately 16.25 lakh, rising to about 17.45 lakh in 2025, reflecting growing confidence among travelers and sustained growth in both domestic and international tourism. December 2025 was the peak month, with nearly 2 lakh tourists visiting, driven by the year-end holidays, winter tourism, and the festive season, signaling a full return of peak-season travel patterns after the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Domestic tourism has been a key driver of Sikkim’s tourism recovery. After a sharp decline in 2020 and 2021 due to lockdowns and travel restrictions, domestic arrivals began to steadily improve from 2022. By 2023, the number of domestic visitors had nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with growth continuing through 2024 and 2025.
In 2025, domestic arrivals exceeded 11.5 lakh, fueled by demand from travelers across eastern, northern, and metropolitan regions of India. Peak travel periods, particularly from April–May and October–December, saw strong inflows, bolstered by school vacations, festive holidays, and favorable weather conditions.
Foreign tourism, though still a smaller segment, also showed signs of recovery. After being severely impacted by border closures and global travel restrictions during 2020 and 2021, international arrivals began to recover from 2022 onward as global travel resumed.
By 2025, foreign tourist arrivals surpassed 0.6 lakh, signaling a gradual recovery, though still below pre-COVID levels. Officials attributed the rise to the reopening of trekking routes, protected areas, monasteries, and eco-tourism spots, along with enhanced connectivity and promotional initiatives.
The steady increase in tourist arrivals highlights Sikkim’s growing reputation as a year-round destination and underscores the resilience of the state’s tourism industry, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
