Pelling is a small town in West Sikkim and is often overlooked by tourists. It is about 140 kilometres from Bagdogra airport and 110 kilometres from Gangtok.
Pelling has many interesting attractions that include waterfalls, monasteries, ruins, and India’s first skywalk. One can also view the Kanchenjunga peaks from there provided the weather is clear.
Here are the top places to visit in Pelling…
Kanchenjunga Falls
Kanchenjunga Waterfalls is one of the best places to visit in Pelling. It is about 25 kilometres away from Pelling. It is said that the fall originates at Mt. Kanchenjunga – thus the name “Kanchenjunga Falls”.
One has to climb about 40-odd stairs to reach the falls. It is a small-sized waterfall falling at a good speed. The greenery all around the waterfall will make you feel as if you are seeing the fall in a deep forest. The forest setting makes it one of the most photogenic places in Pelling.
Reach Kanchenjunga Falls as earliest as possible to beat the crowd. The viewing area is small and will feel crowded even with 10 people.
There are many vendors selling souvenirs and snacks near the falls. The snacks are limited to Maggi noodles and momos.
Opening Hours – 8 AM to 5 PM
Suggested Duration – 30 minutes
Ticket Cost – 20 INR
Pelling Skywalk and Chenrezig statue
Pelling Skywalk is India’s first-ever skywalk. The Skywalk is a transparent glass-bottomed structure and feels incredible walking on it. One can get spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, and the Teesta and Rangit rivers flowing nearby.
It is located adjacent to the Chenrezig statue which is also the biggest Chenrezig statue in the world. One will have to climb a few flights of stairs to reach there. There are beautiful pictures inside the statue depicting the life of Chenrezig. Don’t miss going to the top of the statue to get awestruck by witnessing breathtaking scenic views.
Opening Hours – 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Suggested Duration – 1 to 2 hours
Ticket Cost – 100 INR
Also Read: OUR 11 DAY SIKKIM ITINERARY
Rimbi Orange Garden
Rimbi Orange Garden is located about 12 kilometres from Pelling. It is a private garden on the banks of the Rimbi river.
You will have to climb down a few steps to reach the garden and river. One can easily spend an hour sitting on the rocks soaking feet in cold water; and looking at the river.
Few eatery shops are selling hot snacks and flavoured wines. If interested in wine, Rhododendron wine is a must-try. It is made of Rhododendron flowers and only costs INR 100 per bottle.
Opening Hours – 8 AM to 9 PM
Suggested Duration – 1 to 2 hours
Ticket Cost – 20 INR
Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest and premier monasteries of Sikkim.
The first floor of the monastery is a prayer room and has beautiful golden-coloured idols of Buddhist deities. The second floor has old paintings, utensils, king and queen’s clothes, manuscripts etc. The third floor is the best of all the floors and houses the glass-covered wooden sculpture of Rinpoche’s Paradise. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the monastery.
There is a big prayer wheel outside the monastery. It is believed that spinning the wheel accumulates merit and purifies one’s karma.
Women must wear below-knee-length dresses to enter the monastery premises. Alternatively, one can rent a Kira dress for INR 20 to cover the legs.
Opening Hours – 8 AM to 4 PM
Suggested Duration – 30 minutes
Ticket Cost – 20 INR
Rabdentse Ruins
Once the capital of Sikkim, Rabdentse, was destroyed by invading Gorkha army leaving behind the ruins of the palace.
One has to take an easy 15-minute hike from the entrance gate to reach the ruins. The ruins consist of stub walls only. But Rabdentse ruins are popular for the amazing views of the Kanchenjunga mountains, valley and surrounding areas.
Opening Hours – 10 AM to 5 PM
Suggested Duration – 1 hour
Ticket Cost – Free
Singshore Bridge
Singshore Bridge is located about 23 kilometres from Pelling. With a height of over 100 metres and a length of 240 metres, it is the second-highest bridge in Asia and the highest bridge in India.
As with most of the places in Pelling and Sikkim, it offers a great view of mountains and valleys. The bridge is not that impressive and can be skipped considering that the cab driver will charge INR 1500 – 2500 to visit Singshore bridge from Pelling.
Suggested Duration – 15 minutes
Ticket Cost – Free
Khecheopalri Lake
Located about 32 kilometres from Pelling, Khecheopalri Lake is the holy lake in West Sikkim. The lake is in the shape of a foot that according to different legends is the footprint of different gods (Buddha, Buddhist goddess Tara, and Hindu god Shiva).
Another interesting thing about Khecheopalri Lake is that as soon as leaves drop into the lake, the birds pick them up thereby never allowing leaves to float in the lake.
The temples and idols around this lake make this place serene. One is not allowed to go near the lake and can only see it from a distance. Earlier it was allowed but is now prohibited due to the danger of it getting polluted.
Opening Hours – 9 AM to 5 PM
Suggested Duration – 30 minutes
Ticket Cost – 30 INR
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