Sikkim is experiencing a strong surge in tourist arrivals during the winter season, with several popular destinations reporting near-capacity occupancy, officials said on Sunday. Hotels and homestays in major tourist hubs such as Lachung in North Sikkim are fully booked, reflecting heightened seasonal demand. However, destinations including Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake have remained closed to visitors since June this year.
In East Sikkim, tourist hotspots such as Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass and Zuluk have recorded heavy footfall since December 22. Official data shows that on December 28 alone, 1,516 tourist vehicles visited Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir and Nathula Pass. On the same day, a total of 6,080 tourists, including domestic and foreign visitors, travelled to Nathula Pass, marking an increase compared to approximately 5,000 visitors during the same period last winter.
Officials noted a significant rise in bike adventure tourism compared to last year, leading to a shortage of rental bikes across the state. Gangtok and Pelling have also seen a sharp increase in hotel bookings, while North Sikkim remains fully booked due to the compulsory two-night, one-day booking requirement. Authorities have advised tourists to confirm accommodation in advance before travelling to North Sikkim. Continuous snowfall across several popular locations has further contributed to the rise in tourist inflow this winter season.
