Gangtok, Dec 16: Sikkim Tourism has won two national awards for its initiatives in sustainable and responsible tourism, according to an official release.
The Goechala–Dzongri Circuit received the Gold Award for Best Trekking Circuit at the Outlook Traveller’s Awards 2025. The award ceremony was held at Hyatt Regency in New Delhi on November 22, where Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister T.T. Bhutia accepted the honour on behalf of the state.
Sikkim was also recognised as the Best State for Sustainable Wildlife Tourism at the Sanctuary Asia Awards 2025. The award, presented by TOFT Wildlife and Nature Tourism in collaboration with the Sanctuary Nature Foundation, acknowledged the state’s conservation-focused and community-based tourism practices. The award was received by Norgay Lachungpa, Chairperson of the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, on December 12.
Officials said the awards highlight the combined efforts of the state government, local communities and tourism stakeholders in promoting trekking, wildlife and sustainable tourism.
The honours were formally presented to the Chief Minister of Sikkim during a ceremonial programme held on the occasion of the Holy Denzong Guenkyi Lhopoi Gaton celebration. The programme was attended by Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister T.T. Bhutia, Additional Chief Secretary C.S. Rao, Chairperson Norgay Lachungpa, Secretary Hondala Gyaltsen, and PCE-cum-Secretary Neeraj Pradhan.
The state government reiterated its commitment to responsible tourism and the conservation of Sikkim’s natural and cultural heritage.
