Sikkim is witnessing a massive influx of tourists this summer as travellers from across the country flock to the Himalayan state to escape the severe heatwave affecting several regions of India. Official records from the 3rd Mile check post show that 16,749 tourists travelling in 5,375 vehicles crossed the checkpoint between May 24 and May 28 for visits to high-altitude destinations such as Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake. The check post issues permit for Nathula, which is a restricted border area 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 inflow surged again on May 28 with 1,523 vehicles carrying 4,399 tourists. Overall, the four-day tourist count 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 Rongli permit cell also indicated sustained tourist movement toward East Sikkim destinations. Officials said online permit issuance remained above 2,500 per day during the peak travel period.
Many tourists said the ongoing heatwave in the plains had prompted families to travel to the hills during the summer vacation season. Vipin Kumar, who travelled from Bodh Gaya, said temperatures in his hometown had reached between 45 and 48 degrees Celsius. “We are experiencing extreme heat back home, so we came here to enjoy the pleasant weather. The climate is wonderful and the people are very welcoming,” he said while travelling toward Nathula. He added that tourist footfall appeared much higher compared to his earlier visits and noted that hotel availability had become difficult because of the rush.
Neha Chauhan said social media videos and online travel reels inspired her family to visit Sikkim. “The temperature in our area is around 45 degrees Celsius, whereas the climate here is cool and pleasant. Even though there is a rush, the experience has been wonderful,” she said. Another visitor, Vimal Singh Charan, said landslides and weather-related disruptions affected several travel plans, forcing tourists to adjust itineraries.
“We initially planned to visit North Sikkim, but some destinations were closed due to landslides. Later, when Nathula reopened, we changed our plans and came here instead,” he said. He also highlighted challenges during the peak season, including higher hotel charges, vehicle shortages, and booking difficulties.
Despite the heavy tourist movement, visitors praised Sikkim’s natural beauty and cool climate while urging travellers to preserve the fragile mountain environment. Officials said the ongoing tourist season has led to a sharp increase in vehicular movement along major tourism corridors in East Sikkim, particularly routes leading to Nathula and Tsomgo Lake.
