Uttarakhand set a new tourism record in 2025. According to the Tourism Department, Uttarakhand tourist footfall reached 6,03,21,194 during the year. Notably, this is the first time the state crossed the six crore mark. It is also the highest figure since the state’s formation in 2000. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Uttarakhand is setting new tourism records every year.” Hence, the data confirms tourism’s place at the heart of the hill economy.
District-Wise Tourist Numbers
Haridwar remained the most visited district with 3,42,49,380 visitors. So, Haridwar alone accounted for more than half of all arrivals. Dehradun came next with 67,35,071 visitors. Meanwhile, Tehri district recorded 53,29,759 tourists. In addition, the state received 1,92,533 foreign tourists in 2025.
Five-Year Growth Trend
The numbers show strong growth since 2021. In 2021, the state received 2,00,18,115 visitors. Then, footfall jumped to 5,39,81,338 in 2022. Later, it rose to 5,96,36,601 in 2023. However, the figure dipped slightly to 5,95,50,277 in 2024. Finally, 2025 added about 7.7 lakh visitors over 2024.
Char Dham and Pilgrim Flows
Pilgrimage drives a large share of these numbers. According to AIR News, about 51 lakh devotees visited the Char Dham shrines in 2025. In comparison, about 48 lakh visited in 2024. Notably, Badrinath alone received over 16.5 lakh visitors. The Badrinath portals closed on 25 November 2025, ending the yatra season.
About Tourism in Uttarakhand
Dhami calls tourism “a major pillar of Uttarakhand’s economy.” The state now pushes a year-round tourism strategy beyond the summer yatra months. Moreover, it promotes destinations such as Tehri and Adi Kailash beyond the yatra circuit. Thus, the state aims to spread visitors across seasons and districts.
Uttarakhand Tourist Footfall: Key Facts for Revision
- Total visitors in 2025: 6,03,21,194 (first time above six crore)
- Foreign tourists: 1,92,533
- Top district: Haridwar, with 3,42,49,380 visitors
- Second and third: Dehradun (67,35,071) and Tehri (53,29,759)
- Previous figure: 5,95,50,277 in 2024
- Char Dham 2025: About 51 lakh devotees
- Data source: Uttarakhand Tourism Department
Why Uttarakhand Tourist Footfall Matters for UKPSC
Notably, UKPSC frequently tests tourism data and the state economy. So, remember the total, the top three districts and the foreign tourist count. Also, link these figures with the Char Dham season and the national tourism statistics. For official updates, also visit Uttarakhand Tourism. Next, for a related story, read about India’s tourism sector statistics 2026. Then, see how the Uttarakhand homestay scheme supports reverse migration. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.