“I love mountains. It makes me feel small and insecure and thus helps me to embrace myself really tight. It teaches me to value my life.“
Everyone likes to find a cosy little balcony inside the hotel room from where one can get an unhindered view of the mountains. In fact, for me, that is the primary concern when I search for an accommodation for my vacation in the Himalayas.
No window can replace that charm. NEVER.
Balconies are the best-kept secret of a mountain trip. But what makes things difficult is getting a nice accommodation with mountain-facing balcony in a budget. You really need to google a lot for that.
But if you are planning to visit Pelling in West Sikkim, then things become much easier for you. Because Pelling itself is a natural Himalayan balcony to enjoy the view of mighty Kanchenjunga range.
It’s really hard to find a hotel in Pelling from where you can not get a view of the snow-peaked mountains.
On a clear day, you look west from your hotel room and you will be greeted by the majestic mountain vistas. If you are still obsessive about balconies, you are surely a meticulous trip planner like me.
So, my next photograph is solely dedicated to all the balcony lovers like us. Cheers!!
About Pelling in Sikkim
Pelling is a small town in West Sikkim district. Situated at a distance of 10 km from the district headquarter Geyzing, The town is at an altitude of 2150 metre from sea level.
Pelling is a popular destination among tourists due to the magnificent view of Kangchenjunga from here. It is also a place for some of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim.
Apart from the vistas of snow-capped Himalayas, Pelling has beautiful waterfalls, sacred lakes, the 2nd highest bridge in India and the ruins of the 2nd capital of Kingdom of Sikkim.
Pelling is also the closest town of Yuksom, a small village which is the base for some of the most arduous yet beautiful treks in India. Uttarey is another picturesque village nearby from where many trekking trails towards Singalila Range starts.
Sightseeing at Pelling
- Rabdentse ruins
- Pemayangtse Monastery
- Sanga Choeling Monastery
- Rimbi Waterfalls
- Kanchenjunga Falls
- Khecheopalri Lake
- Changey Falls
- Singshore bridge
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Rabdentse ruins
If you like to visit a heritage monument in Sikkim then this is it. Rabdentse used to be the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814, Yuksom being the first.
This capital city was destroyed by the invading Gurkha army and only the ruins of the palace and the chortens are seen here now.
The ruins is located on a ridge near upper Pelling, 4 km away from the town. The approach to this location is through a beautifully crafted entry gate near the Pelling–Geyzing road, from where it is a walking distance of about 25 minutes through the forested hills.
The ruins of the palace are made up of the northern and southern wings.
The northern wing was the residence of the royal family. There are three chortens next to the ruins where members of the royal family used to offer incense to the deities.
On the southern wing, you can see the stone throne from where the kings used to hear the common people.
Read more: Why You Should Actually Visit Darjeeling in Monsoon
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared Rabdentse ruins as a heritage monument and has undertaken the needed preservation and restoration measures.
Pemayangtse Monastery
Now its time for the oldest monastery in the town.
Pemayangtse Monastery is also one of the oldest and most prominent monasteries in Sikkim. It is located near Rabdentse ruins.
The monastery is a three-storied building. It depicts paintings on its walls and statues of saints and Rinpoches.
In the main prayer hall, the Lakhang or the main temple, which has colourful doors and windows, depict Tibetan designs.
The main statue of Padmasambhava seen here is in his wrathful form with multiple heads and arms.
This monastery holds Cham Dance Festival every year on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to the month of February of the Gregorian calendar.
It is performed by the lamas of this monastery. The lamas dress up as Mahākāla and Guru Drag-dmar in colourful costumes for the dance performance.
Sanga Choeling Monastery
The Sanga Choeling Monastery, your next destination in Pelling, was established in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsun Chempo.
The literal meaning of Sanga Choeling is “Island of the Guhyamantra teachings”. The “Guhyamantra teacings” or “secret Mantra teachings” is a synonym for “Vajrayana Buddhism”.
The monastery is located on a ridge top above Pelling at a distance of 7 kilometres from Pemayangtse Monastery and is accessed only by walking the steep hilly track of 4 kilometres, which traverses through rich forest cover.
Rimbi Waterfall
Rimbi waterfall is situated at a distance of 12 km from Pelling. Being close to Darap Village, it is one of the popular waterfalls in Pelling and among the best places of sightseeing in Pelling.
On the way to Khecheopalri Lake and Yuksam, Rimbi waterfall is formed over Rimbi River.
During summer, the waterfall looks spectacular and attracts many tourists. The waterfall turns into Rimbi River, which is frequented by locals and tourists for various recreational activities like swimming and fishing.
Kanchenjunga Falls
Further ahead of Rimbi Falls, at a distance of 10 km before Yuksom and 24 km away from Pelling, Kanchenjunga Waterfall is a stunning waterfall situated near the beautiful hill town of Pelling, Sikkim.
It is one of the largest waterfalls in Sikkim and among the best Pelling tourist Places.
This pristine waterfall originates high up in the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest peak in the world and gushes down from a height of 100 feet into a pool.
Known for its splendid beauty and glory, this waterfalls serves as a perfect picnic spot for locals.
Situated at a sharp bend on the roadside, tourists need to climb around 50 steps from the road to reach the falls.
For adventure-seekers, there is an option of ziplining. One can also spot a lot of small food stalls on the stairs selling tea, chaat and Maggie.
Being a perennial waterfall, Kanchenjunga Fall can be visited anytime round the year. However, the best time to visit the fall is after the monsoon season.
Entry Time: 8 am – 5 pm
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person & ₹100 for zipline
Khecheopalri Lake
Located 34 kilometres to the northwest of Pelling town, Khecheopalri Lake is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus and is believed to be a wish-fulfilling lake.
The word Khecheopalri originates from “Kha-Chot-Palri” which means heaven of Lord Padmasambhava.
The local name for the lake is Sho Dzo Sho, which means “Oh Lady, Sit Here”. But it is more popular by the name Khecheopalri Lake, due to its location amidst Khechoedpalri hill, which is also considered a sacred hill.
According to folklore legend, the Khecheopalri is said to represent one of the four plexus of the human body namely, the thorax; the other three plexuses are said to be represented by Yuksom (the third eye), Tashiding (head) and Pemayangtse (the heart).
The placid waters of the lake are visited by many pilgrims and tourists.
From the main gate, where there are small shops and the road ends to the lake is about a ten to fifteen minutes walk through a lovely tropical forest.
Entry Time: 6 am – 6 pm
Entry Fee: ₹10
Changey Waterfall
Changey Waterfall is a narrow stream of water, emerging from dense greenery falling from a height of about 300 feet. Situated on the way to Dentam, Changey Falls ia a perfect place for a quick stopover.
With the scenic backdrop of lush green vegetation and towering hills, the falls is an ideal tourist attraction and a lovely picnic spot for the people to enjoy some relaxing moments in deep serenity.
This waterfall is situated at a distance of 9 km from Pelling on Pelling-Uttarey road. It is one of the beautiful places to visit in Pelling and deserves to be included in your Pelling sightseeing tour.
Singshore Bridge
Connecting two gorges in the west of Sikkim, the Singshore Suspension Bridge is believed to be the highest bridge in the state and the second-highest in Asia. This bridge is approximately at 100 metre height from the narrow valley below.
This architectural marvel, with a length of approximately 200 m, can be reached easily from Pelling, which is 25 km away.
The bridge offers a spectacular view of picturesque surroundings. Apart from the months of July and August, the bridge is open for visitors all year round from 6 am to 6 pm.
Skywalk at Pelling
Nestled at an altitude of 7,200 feet above the sea level, Pelling Skywalk is the new attraction of Sikkim. Being inaugurated in 2018, this place already becomes very popular aming tourists as well as locals.
Officially it is India’s first skywalk along with the fourth tallest statue of Chenrezig. It became a Buddhist pilgrimage site as well. Chenrezig is also known as Avalokiteshvara is the early manifestation of Buddha’s compassion.
The visit to Pelling would be incomplete without a walk on the glass floor of the new Skywalk. The Skywalk is also the perfect spot to take some good pictures of Mt. Kanchenjunga if the weather is clear.
Entry Time: 9 am – 6 pm, (All Days Open)
Entry Fee: ₹20 for local and ₹50 for non-local.
How to reach Pelling
From NJP/ Bagdogra
The distance between Pelling and Siliguri is around 140 km. It takes 5 and half hours to reach Pelling from NJP / Bagdogra.
NJP is the nearest major railhead near Pelling. Bagdogra is the closest airport from where flights to all major cities in India is available.
You can reserve a cab from NJP / Bagdogra and reach Pelling via Jorethang and Geyzing.
If you are a budget traveller, you should reach to SNT bus terminus in Siliguri first.
From there, buses to Geyzing is available. Once you reach Geyzing, you will get a shared cab from there to Pelling which is 10 km uphill from Geyzing.
Or else you can also take a shared taxi from SNT terminus in Siliguri and reach Jorethang or Geyzing and then get another shared cab from there to Pelling.
A single shared cab from Siliguri to Pelling is little hard to get but you should look for it if you reach SNT terminus in the early morning.
From Gangtok
Gangtok is at a distance of 120 km from Pelling. Shared taxis from Gangtok Deorali Taxi Stand is available for Pelling.
If you are staying near M G Marg in Gangtok, then can also enquire in nearby Taxi Stand in front of Hotel Hungry Jack where you might get a shared taxi to Pelling/Geyzing particularly during high season.
SNT buses are also available from Gangtok to Pelling.
The new airport in Pakyong in East Sikkim is 26 km from Gangtok and 118 km from Pelling.
When to Visit Pelling
You can visit Pelling throughout the year except Monsoon (June to September).
Summer (March-May) is really pleasant in Pelling, so is Autumn (October-November). You need woollens in the evening and at night. Chances are you will get a good view of snow-capped mountains from Pelling, though clouds do play spoiled sports at times.
Winter (December- February) could be freezing in Pelling. The temperature may reach subzero at night. You will not see many tourists during this time. But you will surely be greeted by the best views of the Kanchenjunga range during this time.
Where to Stay in Pelling
Being a popular tourist destination in Sikkim, Pelling has all kinds of accommodations available. Hotels are located in three tiers – Upper Pelling, Middle Pelling and Lower Pelling. The Helipad Ground is the highest point in upper Pelling.
Upscale Hotels
Budget Hotels
Festivals in Pelling
Cham Dance
The Cham Dance Festival is held on the 28th and 29th day of the 12th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar, corresponding to February of the Gregorian calendar. The lamas of the monastery perform the dance dressing up as Mahākāla and Guru Drag-dmar.
This festival also marks the conclusion of Losar (New Year’s Festival). Pilgrims from all parts of Sikkim come to visit Pemayangtse Monastery during this time.
Kanchenjunga Winter Tourism Festival
It usually takes place during the month of December every year. The festival offers a window into the rich and the varied cultural heritage of the state, combined with plenty of adventure activities such as trekking, rock-climbing, paragliding and mountain-biking etc.
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Book your trip: Resources
- Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to book your flights. You can book a flight to Bagdogra and hire a cab to reach Pelling.
- Accommodation
Booking.com and Agoda are perfect to book your hotel. If you want to stay in a hostel, then Hostelworld would be of great help in finding one at your convenience.
- Travel Insurance
World Nomads is perfect for travel insurance. You can get comprehensive protection with them. Let them take care of unexpected situations while you concentrate on your trip.
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