Pelling, Sikkim

Gangtok

The Heaven of Serenity

Pelling

Overview

Snuggled at the foothills of mount Kanchenjunga in the state of Sikkim, Pelling is like a dreamy paradise peeping from the clouds! From the sparkling lakes, gushing waterfalls, lush green forests to the mighty snow-capped Himalayas, Pelling, with all its natural beauty will take your breath away! Come here to celebrate the nature’s beauty and admire the Sikkimese culture and heritage.

Suggested Duration - 3-4 days

What To Expect?

Waltz into luscious greenery and experience the best of what Pelling has to offer! Soak in the magical and milky white waters of the Khangchendzonga fall, or sneak away to the tranquil Khecheopalri Lake which is a great spot for bird watching and photography. Take a bite of Sikkimese hospitality at the charming Darap Cherny Village and experience the village lifestyle. Quench your thirst for adventure with a thrilling hike at the Khangchendzonga National Park that is home to beautiful wildlife. Admire Sikkim’s engineering marvel as you walk through the stunning Singshore Bridge and visit the serene Pemayangtse Monastery that showcases a unique collection of Buddhist art and sculpture. A great way to cap the day is by witnessing a crimson sunset and reconnecting with yourself!

Tips

  • The nearest airbase to Pelling, is Bagdogra International Airport in Siliguri, approx. 137 km away.
  • The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest railhead, situated at a distance of approx. 152 km.
  • Pelling can be visited any time of the year, however, the ideal time to visit this hill town is from mid-February to May and from September to December.
  • Travellers may need a permit to trek/hike at the Khangchendzonga National Park from the Wildlife Education and Interpretation Centre at Yuksom.
  • Hotels, homestays and hill retreats are the preferred category of stays. However, prior booking is recommended to avail the best options.

About Pelling Sikkim Overview: A Lower Himalayan Haven for Tourists


Located in the natural wilderness of Gangtok, Pelling Sikkim is a small town that attracts tourists for its mesmerising landscape, picturesque views and sightings of snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga. Located on the foothills of the Himalayas, it is a land made of soft hills with beautifully tucked houses and endless greenery. You can also explore its vibrant culture and rich history, along with a serene environment that the town has to offer, away from the bustle of cities.


Pelling Sikkim is Famous ForMt. Kanchenjunga view
Pelling Sikkim TimingsThroughout the day
Pelling Sikkim Best Time to VisitMarch to June; September to November
Pelling Sikkim Entry FeeNot Applicable
Pelling Sikkim Ticket PriceNot Applicable
Required Time2 to 3 days
Popular Nearby PlacesRumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Enchey Monastery, Nathu La Pass, Seven Sisters Waterfall, Ganesh Tok Temple, Sikkim

Top Places to Visit in Pelling


When in Pelling Sikkim, Gangtok, some top places you cannot miss out on visiting include -

  • Chenrezig Statue Skywalk:A unique attraction of the town that offers a mix of adventure and spirituality
  • Rabdentse Ruins:Ruins from Sikkim’s former kingdoms for cultural exploration; a fascinating viewpoint for Mt. Kanchenjunga
  • Pemayangtse Monastery:A 17th-century Tibetan monastery reflecting Buddhist heritage, deeply associated with Pelling Sikkim history
  • Kanchenjunga Falls:Mesmerising cascades coming down from the Kanchenjunga glaciers; great for photographers and nature lovers
  • Khecheopalri Lake:A sacred lake among Hindus and Buddhists known for its enchanting beauty and tranquility

How to Reach Pelling


To reach Pelling, you can choose from roadways, airways and railways options. If travelling by railway, you can take a train up to New Jalpaiguri, which is about 152 km from Pelling. From here, you can hire a cab or a shared cab to reach Pelling. For airways options, Bagdogra Airport is the nearest at 160 km. Pelling is also well-connected via roadways from various regions and can be accessed through cabs and public transport. Both bus and taxi services are available from Pelling to various nearby locations like Gangtok, Darjeeling, Siliguri, etc.


Trekking Opportunities from Pelling


The Pelling Sikkim height opens up opportunities for various lower Himalayan treks. When here, you can explore various trekking opportunities as well, like -

  • Goechala Trek
  • Dzongri Trek
  • Khangchendzonga National Park Trek

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Pelling, Sikkim

How to explore a place by yourself?

"Adventure is out there!" - You just need to know the 'whats' and the 'hows' of it. You need to realize the things that will make exploring a place completely worthwhile and satisfy all of your travel cravings. This can be achieved by -
  • Taking Yourself Out To Eat At A Restaurant
  • Learn The Public Transportation Routes
  • Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory
  • Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park
  • Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour
  • Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden
  • Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market
  • How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?

    To plan the perfect trip, the following will help cover any caveats for your to arrive at the best plan for your vacations :
  • Where do you want to go? - Your first step in how to plan a vacation is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and travel budget.
  • Once you have chosen your destination, the next step in planning a trip is to book flights. And learning how to find and book cheap flights will help you reduce one of your biggest expenses when it comes to travelling
  • Where you stay is your other major travel expense, so choosing the best stay for your needs at a price that suits you will free up more money for activities
  • Another major thing to consider while planning a trip is to find out the transportation options in your chosen destination, be it public or private and the costs involved
  • When you plan a trip you should also research about the must-visit attractions and the best free things to do in your destination of choice
  • Know the visa requirements for visiting the destination
  • Depending on where you are planning your trip in a particular country, it's important to get the correct advice for any necessary vaccinations that needs to be taken care of before your travel dates
  • Make copies of your important documents and keep them handy
  • How to choose a destination to travel to?

    Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :
  • Figure out how to travel to a destination, where to stay and what are the things to do amongst other things. Trip Ideas by MakeMyTrip brings you a plethora of knowledge about a destination ranging from images and videos to lists of all the activities
  • Read posts by travel bloggers who have been there and if needed email them
  • Watch documentaries and reach out to people who have been there