Nestled at an altitude of 2,150 meters, Pelling is a serene hill town in West Sikkim that offers breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range, historic monasteries, adventure trails, and rich cultural heritage. Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and spiritual seekers, Pelling is less commercialized than Gangtok, making it perfect for a peaceful Himalayan escape.
📍 Quick Facts about Pelling
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Location: West Sikkim, India
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Altitude: ~2,150 m (7,200 ft)
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Best Time to Visit: March to May and October to December
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Nearest City: Gangtok (131 km)
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Ideal Duration: 2–4 days
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Known For: Kanchenjunga views, monasteries, waterfalls, Skywalk
🛣️ How to Reach Pelling
🚘 By Road:
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From Gangtok: ~4.5 hrs (131 km)
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From Siliguri/Bagdogra: ~5.5 hrs (140 km)
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Shared jeeps and private taxis are readily available.
✈️ By Air:
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Nearest Airport: Bagdogra (IXB), about 140 km away
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From the airport, take a taxi or book a shared vehicle.
🚆 By Train:
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Nearest Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP), around 135 km
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Prepaid taxis and shared jeeps available at NJP
📷 Top Tourist Attractions in Pelling
1. Pemayangtse Monastery
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One of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim
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Founded in the 17th century, home to stunning murals and sculptures
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Peaceful environment perfect for meditation and photography
2. Pelling Skywalk & Chenrezig Statue
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India’s first glass Skywalk!
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Overlooks the 137-ft statue of Chenrezig (Buddha of Compassion)
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Offers panoramic views of the valley and snow-capped peaks
3. Rabdentse Ruins
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The archaeological site of the former capital of Sikkim (17th–18th century)
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Short forest walk leads to ancient stone ruins and Kanchenjunga views
4. Sanga Choeling Monastery
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Located on a ridge, accessible via a 4 km trek
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One of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries (built in 1697)
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Ideal for sunrise views and peaceful surroundings
5. Rimbi Waterfall & Orange Garden
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Tranquil falls located 12 km from Pelling
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Orange garden nearby offers fresh juice and fruit during winter
6. Kanchenjunga Falls
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Magnificent multi-tier waterfall cascading through dense forest
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A popular stop en route to Yuksom or Kecheopalri
7. Khecheopalri Lake
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Sacred lake believed to fulfill wishes
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Surrounded by forest and known for its still, pristine water
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Birds pick leaves before they touch the lake — a sacred phenomenon
🧭 Offbeat & Nearby Attractions
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Darap Village: Traditional Lepcha and Bhutia culture, homestay experiences
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Yuksom: First capital of Sikkim, base for Dzongri-Goechala treks
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Singshore Bridge: Second-highest suspension bridge in Asia
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Tashiding Monastery: Important Buddhist pilgrimage site
🌄 Best Things to Do in Pelling
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Watch sunrise over Kanchenjunga from your hotel balcony or Skywalk
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Trek to Sanga Choeling Monastery for quiet moments and views
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Stargazing at night — clear skies make it ideal
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Try local dishes: Thukpa, Momos, Phagshapa, and Sael Roti
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Attend Cham dances at Pemayangtse during Losar Festival (Feb/March)
🛍️ Shopping in Pelling
Though not a major shopping hub, Pelling offers:
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Handicrafts and souvenirs
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Buddhist prayer flags and wheels
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Local tea, woolens, and hand-carved masks
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Small markets near Helipad area and Pemayangtse Road
🛌 Where to Stay in Pelling
You’ll find everything from budget lodges to luxury resorts.
Popular Options:
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The Elgin Mount Pandim – Heritage property with stunning views
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Magpie Chestnut Retreat – Eco-resort near forests
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Hotel Norbu Ghang – Mid-range comfort
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Homestays in Darap Village – Cultural experiences
Pro Tip: Choose a room facing east for uninterrupted views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Pelling
Pelling’s cafes and eateries offer both local and multi-cuisine dishes.
Try these:
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Melting Point Restaurant
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Lotus Bakery (on the way to Skywalk)
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Hotel Kabur Restaurant
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Big Bowl Restaurant
Dishes to try:
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Gundruk Soup
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Ningro with Churpi (wild ferns with cheese)
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Momos and Aloo Dum combo
🗓️ Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Local Sightseeing
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Reach Pelling by afternoon
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Visit Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse Ruins
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Sunset view from helipad or hotel
Day 2: Nature & Culture Trail
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Morning visit to Skywalk and Chenrezig Statue
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Drive to Kanchenjunga Falls, Rimbi Falls, Orange Garden
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Optional visit to Darap Village
Day 3: Sacred Lakes & Departure
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Early morning trip to Khecheopalri Lake
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En route stop at Singshore Bridge
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Return to Gangtok/Siliguri
💸 Estimated Travel Cost (Per Person for 3 Days)
| Category | Budget (INR) | Mid-Range (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Travel (to & fro) | 1,500 – 2,000 | 2,500 – 3,000 |
| Stay (2 nights) | 1,500 – 3,000 | 4,000 – 7,000 |
| Food | 600 – 1,000 | 1,200 – 2,000 |
| Entry Fees & Tours | 300 – 500 | 600 – 1,000 |
| Misc./Shopping | 500 | 1,000 |
| Total | 4,400 – 7,000 | 9,300 – 14,000 |
📌 Travel Tips
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🧣 Carry layered clothing — mornings and evenings are chilly year-round
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📶 Network is patchy — BSNL and Jio work best
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💧 Stay hydrated and pace yourself in the altitude
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💸 Carry cash — limited ATMs in town
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📷 Bring your best camera gear — every view is postcard-worthy
❓ FAQs About Pelling
Q. Is Pelling better than Gangtok?
Pelling is more peaceful and nature-focused, while Gangtok is busier and more commercial.
Q. Can I visit Pelling year-round?
Yes, though winters (Dec–Feb) can get very cold. Avoid monsoon due to landslides.
Q. Is Pelling suitable for family travel?
Absolutely — it’s safe, clean, and has kid-friendly attractions.
🏁 Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Pelling
Pelling is Sikkim’s hidden jewel — a place where snow-capped peaks kiss the sky, monasteries hum with ancient chants, and waterfalls crash into emerald valleys. It’s not just a destination, but an experience of nature, heritage, and tranquility.
So pack your bags, book that window seat, and let Pelling’s serenity and the spirit of Kanchenjunga awaken the explorer in you.