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Writer's pictureHayde Fernandes

11 Perfect Tourist-friendly Places to Visit in Pelling

Updated: Oct 15, 2022

Pelling, in India's West Sikkim region, is an intricately structured town that provides beautiful sights of the Himalayas and Kanchenjunga. It’s the second most popular tourist destination after Gangtok and is an ideal place to spend a relaxing vacation.


It is not much more than a few streets surrounded by hotels and guesthouses with glimpses of Kanchenjunga. However, if you leave the town center, you'll find monasteries, streams, temples, and lakes within a couple of miles.


It has a range of options for nature lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and city folk, and it's the perfect break for a refreshing getaway. Pelling is encompassed by nature in all of its pristine splendor.


These are the 11 most touristy places to visit in Pelling if you are you’re a culture and history geek:



Best Places to Visit in Pelling


Pelling is the kind of place that exudes pleasant energy. It has gained popularity as a major tourist destination because of its abundance of pristine natural beauty and scenic surroundings. Pelling is undoubtedly beautiful, but there are also a lot of interesting places to discover here. These are just a few of them!


1. Kanchenjunga Falls


The majestic Kanchenjunga mountains surrounded by clouds during sunset
Image by Noor Salim

One of the best sites to visit in Pelling has to be the majestic Kanchenjunga Falls. These waterfalls, nestled among the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, are a spectacle that cannot be missed. The green and white ambiance relax the eyes, while the constant glittering of the streams is soothing to the ears.


The waterfall is visible from the road, although a climb of around 50 to 60 meters is required to reach the main drops. You won't run out of energy because there are plenty of refreshment stalls throughout the area.


Fee: 20 INR per person

Timings: 8 am to 5 pm


2. Rabdentse Ruins


The exterior of Rabdentse Ruins
Photo by Amitabha Gupta

Rabdentse Ruins of Pelling are an essential visit for people with an interest in Sikkim's historical past. It served as Sikkim's second capital between the 1600s to the 1800s, and so had a significant role in the history of the state.


The entryway to these ruins is lined with chestnut trees, and as you wander deeper, you'll come across three standing stones known as Namphogang, which used to be the site of the judges' last statements.


For the most part, just fragments of buildings stay intact. However, while in Pelling, a visit to the Rabdentse Ruins is a must because this amazing location has some of the best sights of the Kanchendzonga mountain ranges in West Sikkim.


Fee: Free

Timings: 8 am to 5 pm


3. Darap Village


A blanket of fog floating above Darap village
Image by Sharada Prasad CS

Darap village is a picturesque getaway far from the hectic rush of the cities. It is surrounded by the breathtaking summits of the Himalayan Mountain range. Travelers may explore the village by staying in one of the many delightful guesthouses in the area.


Living in the village allows not just the opportunity to experience the outdoors but also a chance to become active in the community. You may play games with the young, churn butter and make cheese the old-fashioned way, hike freely, and relax by the river.


Fee: Homestay charges range from 500 INR to 3000 INR

Timings: All-day


4. Singshore Bridge


People walking on the Singshore bridge in Pelling
Image by Ankur P

Singshore bridge is the second-largest suspension bridge in Asia. While it serves the same objective as any other bridge, it does so in a much more attractive manner. The overwhelming craftsmanship of the display, as well as the spectacular scenery all around, will captivate you.


The Singshore Bridge is a long bridge that links two lush mountains. Just below the bridge, a huge valley opens up, and tall mountains rise above it. You may travel the entire length of the trail to see each breathtaking gorge. The bridge provides a great perspective of the nearby region that is definitely worth capturing.


Fee: Free

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm


5. Khecheopalri Lake


A narrow passageway leading up to Khecheopalri Lake
Image by Yoghya

Khecheopalri lake is a natural lake near Pelling, Sikkim. The lake is nestled in the woods near Tsozo village. It is one of Pelling's most memorable destinations. Many people regard the Khechoedpaldri hill beside the lake to be a spiritual site.


Visiting the lake is a lovely experience because nature and stillness thrive. Many different birds make their home on the lake's lovely beaches, and the neighboring bamboo trees add to the diversified charm.


Fee: Free

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm


6. Kaluk


The peak of a snow-capped mountain
Image by Atulbhats

Kaluk is another stunning destination in West Sikkim's foothills. Kaluk is a small village in Pelling that is home to Nepalese and Marwari people. The Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and the Rinche pong monastery are two attractions worth visiting.


It is well-known among visitors for its one-of-a-kind Buddha statue and fantastic scenery. You must go to this tiny yet marvelous village and hire a homestay if you want to relax and recuperate in Pelling's isolation and quiet. It is a must-see on any Pelling trip itinerary.


Fee: Homestay charges range from 500 INR to 1500 INR

Timings: All-day


7. Rimbi Waterfalls


An image of Rimbi waterfalls
Image by Shubham Shukla

Along the way to Khecheopalri and Yuksam, you'll pass by the Rimbi Waterfall, which is a rushing torrent of white water. The image of glittering water falling from great heights and smashing into a pool below is astounding.


Tourists and locals flock to this location during the summers and winters because of the beautiful view of the surroundings combined with the view of this magnificent waterfall. Rimbi Waterfalls is a picture-perfect tourist attraction that you must see at Pelling.


Fee: Free

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm



8. Sewaro Rock Garden


A scenic view of a forest in the mountains in Sikkim
Image by Sharada Prasad CS

Sewaro Rock Garden is a lovely and complex garden with small arches of seats for lounging, in between layers of stones along the banks of a river. The garden is a well-designed space with fountains, sheds, pathways, and well-kept rocks. It is one of the most offbeat places to visit in Pelling.


In the garden, there is also a small cafeteria. Exploring this garden for an hour or two is a great way to spice up your trip to Pelling. The river is crystal clear and freezing cold, but it offers fantastic angling and fishing chances.


Fee: Free

Timings: 10 am to 5 pm


9. Yuksom


A view of Yuksom village on a clear day
Image by Shubham Shukla

Yuksom, a renowned abode of several monasteries and great biodiversity, is one of the top sites to visit in Pelling, West Sikkim. It contains some of the country's cleanest lakes and is home to the well-known Dubdi Monastery, which is a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site.


Travelers to the little village can partake in a variety of activities such as monastery tours, waterfall spotting, and adventure activities such as rock climbing, rappelling, and hiking.


Many popular treks begin in Yuksom, including the Yuksom-Dzongri trek, a high-altitude trek along West Sikkim's Rathong Chu River.


Fee: Homestay charges range from 500 INR to 2000 INR

Timings: All-day


10. Sangachoeling Monastery


The front of Sangachoeling Monastery during the day
Image by Walter Callens

Sangachoeling Monastery is the oldest monastery in Sikkim and a significant Buddhist temple in the region. It is among the most prominent attractions in the state. As a significant Buddhist shrine in the region, this monastery is an archive of ancient Buddhist scriptures, sculptures, paintings, and statues.


For those interested in Buddhist heritage and culture, a visit to Sangachoeling Monastery is highly recommended. One of the nicest things you can do in Pelling is to spend a few hours in this monastery simply being mindful.


Fee: Free

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm


11. Pelling Skywalk


The Pelling Skywalk and a staircase leading to a monastery
Image by Rangan Datta

In the scenic village of Pelling in Northeast Sikkim, there lies the first skywalk in India. It can be a little daunting to walk on clear glass at such an altitude, so the Glass Skywalk is not recommended for those who are weak of heart or who experience dizzy spells.


It now serves as a significant tourism hub. From the other side of the bridge, visitors may see the beautiful Kanchenjunga, as well as waterfalls, verdant forests, and monasteries.


Visitors can also see the Teesta and Rangit rivers running nearby from Pelling's skywalk. A 137-foot monument of Chenrezig makes it a Buddhist pilgrimage attraction as well.

FAQs


1. Where in Sikkim is Pelling located?

The little hill town of Pelling lies in the district of West Sikkim.


2. What season is ideal for traveling to Pelling?

Mid-February through May and September through December are the best months to visit Pelling.


3. Does it snow in Pelling?

Pelling is considered to be a popular hill station in the northeast of India and receives fresh snowfall during winter.


Conclusion


Pelling has become a popular tourist destination in Sikkim, thanks to its abundance of natural beauty and pleasant ambiance. It's a slice of heaven for nature lovers, history buffs, city people looking for a getaway, and more. In short, it is a favored vacation spot for many people.


While being amazed by the beautiful views of the Kanchenjunga range, you can also explore the decades-old monasteries. There is an unending number of distinctly thrilling places to visit in Pelling that you should check out and these are just a few of them!



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