Not Mussoorie Or Shimla, THIS State Tops New Year 2026 Travel; Hotels Fully Booked

The New Year 2026 is almost here, and what better way to celebrate it than spending time with family at a beautiful destination? Mussoorie, Shimla, and Goa may be common picks every year, but this time, Indians are choosing the mountainous and scenic Sikkim to officially say goodbye to 2025. The massive tourist rush has pushed several hotels close to full occupancy across the state! 

Sikkim Emerging As A Popular Winter Destination This Year

Sikkim is an exceptionally beautiful destination. Known for its breathtaking Himalayan views, snow-capped peaks, and lush valleys, the state attracts tourists every year. However, this winter season is breaking records. According to a report by The Telegraph Online, Sikkim is witnessing a massive surge in tourist arrivals this winter. This means one thing: many travellers are choosing Sikkim to ring in 2026 instead of heading to Mussoorie, Manali, or Shimla this year.

Reportedly, several hotels and homestays in Lachung, a popular tourist hub in North Sikkim, are completely booked. Not just that, East Sikkim’s Nathula and Zuluk have also recorded heavy tourist footfall since December 22. The stunning landscapes are not the only attraction. Bike adventure tourism has also seen a rise compared to last year.

Also Read: Anand Mahindra Is Fascinated By Rare Sikkim Sundari: A Waist-High Plant, Growing At 4,800M

North Sikkim Near Full Capacity

According to News on AIR, Gangtok and Pelling are witnessing a sharp rise in hotel bookings. Meanwhile, North Sikkim is almost fully booked due to the compulsory two-night, one-day booking system. Officials from the tourism department are repeatedly urging visitors to confirm their hotel bookings before arriving in North Sikkim. This is to avoid inconvenience and the risk of being stranded without accommodation.

According to The Telegraph Online, around 1,516 tourist vehicles visited Tsomgo Lake, Baba Mandir, and Nathula Pass on December 28. This rush clearly reflects the scale of the seasonal tourist surge. On the same day, nearly 6,080 tourists, including domestic and foreign travellers, visited Nathula. Last year, the number stood at around 5,000. Continuous snowfall, which has turned this state into a winter wonderland, has also played a key role in the surge of tourists this year. 

Sikkim is now officially one of the most popular winter destinations this year. The state has pristine landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and plenty of adventure activities. What more could a traveller even want? 

Also Read: Sikkim Set To Roll Out Online Permit System For High-Altitude Areas Like Nathu La & Lachen

Have you ever visited Sikkim? How was your experience?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ RNMitra