Sikkim attracts 17–18 lakh visitors annually, big bets on tourism infra & new projects
CS RAO (IFS), ADDTL. CHIEF SECY, TOURISM & AVIATION- GOVT OF SIKKIM
Although there was a slight dip to 13,21,169 in 2023, the state recovered again with 15,40,421 domestic tourists in 2024 and has already recorded 12,18,372 visitors till October 2025. For 2025, the govt has logged 46,591 foreign travellers till September and further growth is expected ahead.
Spread across just 7,096 sq. km, Sikkim remains one of India’s smallest states, yet one with extraordinary natural and cultural assets. The state packs an astonishing diversity of climate zones, landscapes, flora and fauna with more than 48% of Sikkim under forest and tree cover.
Terming it as a small state with big strengths, C.S. Rao, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism & Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, says that despite limited connectivity and challenging terrain, Sikkim continues to attract 17–18 lakh visitors annually.
Pointing to the figures, Rao revealed that Sikkim’s tourist arrivals have shown a good rebound from the pandemic slump, with domestic numbers rising steadily from 3,16,408 in 2020 to 5,11,489 in 2021, before surging to 16,25,573 in 2022. Although there was a slight dip to 13,21,169 in 2023, the state recovered again with 15,40,421 domestic tourists in 2024 and has already recorded 12,18,372 visitors till October 2025.
Foreign tourist arrivals increased from 19,935 in 2020 to 68,645 in 2022 and peaking at 93,908 in 2023. While 2024 saw 84,820 foreign visitors and 2025 has logged 46,591 travellers till September, the overall trend remains robust. “Foreign travellers must obtain Restricted Area Permits while several protected zones require additional clearances, but the government has moved processes online and positioned permit centres strategically to avoid inconvenience,” he informed.
Rao acknowledged the longstanding challenge of physical connectivity, Sikkim’s only lifeline by road is NH10, while the nearest fully operational airport is Bagdogra, 130 km away. The state’s Pakyong Airport remains non-operational, and railway access is still limited, with the nearest station 110 km from Gangtok. Climate and disaster vulnerability, including flash floods, landslides, and glacial lake outburst events (GLOFs) also cause hurdles. To counter seasonality, Sikkim is pushing for winter tourism, introducing winter carnivals and discounted seasonal packages, shared Rao, however being confident on the growing tourism numbers.
He also emphasised that Sikkim’s biggest strength is its people and its reputation as a “peaceful, clean and green state”. Meanwhile, rural and cultural tourism draws from the rich ethnic diversity of the state, comprising 21 communities, including the Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepali groups. while promoting homestays, local crafts, handloom traditions and village-based experiences. “Our stakeholders are proactive and hardworking… our people are naturally hospitable. The state prides itself on cleanliness, low crime, and minimal pollution levels, parameters where it outperforms national norms,” he said.
This supportive ecosystem extends to the state’s tourism infrastructure as Sikkim’s accommodation ecosystem continues to expand steadily too. The state today boasts: 1,181 hotels, 1,981 homestays, over 600 restaurants. Additional guesthouses and PG facilities that can house another 1,500 tourists. Together, these units cumulatively offer 22,652 rooms and 43,807 beds, enabling Gangtok alone to host up to 45,000 tourists per day, according to Rao.
“Homestays remain a major focus, with the flagship Mega Homestay Scheme (2023) that envisions 1,000 new homestays, each with three rooms and supported by a government grant of INR 50 lakh, requiring only land contribution from beneficiaries. Training for hospitality and upkeep is being delivered through IHM and other state institutions,” he added.
Big-Ticket projects in the pipeline:
The State government over the past 6 years has taken most proactive decision in creation of numerous innovative tourism infrastructures at the places of tourist interest which includes state of the art ropeway at Yuksom and Pelling, Rao shared.
He also announced the new high-altitude border destinations during his presentation. “Destinations such as Doka la and Chola will be opened for tourism by 15 December,” Rao confirmed. This move is expected to diversify Sikkim’s adventure offerings and ease pressure on saturated zones and promote Battlefield tourism.
Several other big-ticket projects are nearing completion too which includes BhaleyDhunga Skywalk – targeted for completion by March, Vrindavan Dunga Project (Soreng) – to be inaugurated by January, Four Patron Saints at Yuksom under PRASHAD Scheme – civil works complete, Nathula Border Experience Project – in advanced stages, Gangtok Cultural Village and Hippo Wellness Park – progressing well under Swadesh Darshan 2.0.
Earlier, on the sidelines of 13TH ITM held in Gangtok, Sikkim’s Tourism Minister, Tshering Thendup Bhutia had also made strong plea for central support in improving the Northeast’s connectivity challenges. He reiterated that reliable connectivity is critical to unlocking Sikkim’s full tourism potential and the government is in touch with the related authorities to expedite ease of operations for Pakyong Airport. Bhutia also briefed on the upcoming connectivity boosters including the Sivok–Rangpo railway line and a 26-seater helicopter service from Bagdogra to Gangtok.
Notably, the 13the edition of ITM 2025, a flagship event of Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, recorded 39 international travel stakeholders from 19 countries including Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Belgium, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, and others. In addition, approximately 90 domestic tour operators from 22 states and Union Territories across India converged in Gangtok to interact with tour operators and service providers from all Northeastern States.
