As 2025 comes to a close, Darjeeling and the higher reaches of Sikkim are witnessing a major surge in tourist arrivals, driven by a sharp dip in temperatures and forecasts of snowfall. This winter season is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent years.
In Darjeeling, minimum temperatures have steadily fallen over the past week, dropping from 4.5°C to 4.2°C, and further reaching 3.8°C in the last 24 hours. Nearby Kalimpong recorded 9°C, while Raiganj emerged as the coldest location in the North Bengal plains at 11.5°C. The chilly conditions, combined with predictions of snowfall in higher altitudes from December 30 onwards, have significantly boosted the appeal of hill destinations.
Hotels across Darjeeling are reportedly fully booked until the first week of January, with occupancy levels exceeding 90%. Homestays, tea garden properties, and other accommodations are also operating near full capacity. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s toy train rides have been fully booked until January 2, reflecting heightened tourist demand.
A similar trend is being observed at Sandakphu, the highest point in Bengal, where homestays and trekkers’ huts are packed, and dozens of vehicles make daily trips to the destination. Tourist footfall has steadily increased since Christmas, with visitors eager to experience the cold weather and the possibility of snowfall.
The influx extends beyond Darjeeling to Sikkim, especially north Sikkim, where most hotels are reportedly fully booked. Popular destinations such as Nathu-la Pass, Tsomgo Lake, and Zero Point have witnessed heavy tourist movement, with snowfall already reported in some upper regions. High tourist turnout has occasionally caused traffic congestion on key hill roads, including the Mangan–Gangtok stretch.
Weather officials have forecast a further drop of 2°C–3°C in night temperatures across parts of Sikkim and North Bengal in the coming days. A western disturbance is expected to affect the region over the weekend, bringing rain to the hills and increasing the likelihood of light to moderate snowfall in high-altitude areas of Darjeeling, North Bengal, and Sikkim. Dense fog is also expected in the plains, potentially affecting visibility until late afternoon.
Tourism stakeholders believe the strong influx of visitors during the winter season will provide a significant boost to the regional tourism industry, which had faced setbacks in recent years due to landslides, extreme weather events, and other disruptions. Advance bookings extending into mid-January indicate that the tourist rush is likely to continue well into the New Year, positioning the hills for a robust start to 2026.
