Uttarakhand recorded its highest-ever tourist footfall in 2025, with more than 6 crore visitors arriving in the state, according to data released by the Tourism Department. The hill state, formed in 2000, has crossed the 60‑million mark for the first time, reflecting a steady rise in tourist activity over the past several years.
Haridwar remained the top destination, drawing 3.42 crore tourists and pilgrims. Dehradun received over 67 lakh visitors, while Tehri attracted more than 53 lakh people. Of the total 6.03 crore arrivals, 1.92 lakh were foreign tourists.
Tourist numbers have shown a consistent upward trend. The state received 2 crore visitors in 2021, 5.39 crore in 2022, 5.96 crore in 2023, and 5.95 crore in 2024, with 2025 marking a new record.
State authorities attribute the rise to expanded tourism infrastructure and increased focus on visitor safety. Several development schemes have been rolled out in recent years to improve amenities at major tourist and pilgrimage sites. Officials say these measures have helped boost confidence among travellers and encouraged higher footfall across districts.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said tourism remains a key pillar of the state’s economy, and efforts are being made to promote year-round travel so that local communities dependent on tourism can benefit throughout all seasons. He said winter tourism, in particular, had received a significant push following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Mukba—his winter retreat—where he offered prayers to the Ganga. The visit, he said, helped attract more travellers to the state during the colder months.
Dhami added that the government is prioritising improvements to tourist facilities and ensuring safety across destinations, and the rising tourist numbers reflect the impact of these initiatives.
