Pelling

About Pelling, Sikkim

Pelling is a small town in the west part of Sikkim a beautiful statement in the northeastern region of India. Pelling is about 10 Km from the district Geyzing and 131 Km away from the capital of the state; Gangtok. This place is around 2150 meters altitude from sea level which provides a pure environment here.

It is a pleasant hill station near to the mammoth Mount Khangchendzonga which is the third highest mountain in the world. If you are a lover of nature and looking for peace then this is the place for you. While moving to the breathtaking Pelling you must visit the Temi Tea Garden which spread in a very wide area and beautiful to watch. This place is renowned for its fine tea which is also sold in the international market at around INR 800 per kg. Once you reach Pelling, the place is enriched with culture and heritage with ancient monasteries which will bring your soul calm. You can enjoy the sculptures and know about the preaching of the monks. The Pemayangtse Monastery has wall ancient wall paintings sculptures and a gold plated statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Next you may move to the Singshore Bridge which is at a great height and no motor vehicle is allowed here you need to do the trekking to this place. From this bridge, you can take an awesome view of the valley, mountains, and waterfalls. You may also do the mesmerizing Bungee jumping here which will give you the experience of your lifetime. Ruins of Rabdentse Palace is a 17th Century structure you can still identify the remains of Kings bedroom and kitchen. To reach this place you will need to walk around 2 km through the dense forest which is medieval experience. Come with the extra power to experience the unforgettable trekking here. Pelling town is full of waterfalls alongside the hills which truly treat to an eye.

Khecheopalri Lake is a must-visit place that is around the mountains and it is known to be a sacred lake. Also it is said that you would not find even a single leaf of the trees around as whenever a leaf goes into the lake then the birds around will take it from there. If you are lucky you may witness this amazing cleaning by the birds. There are multiple stories around the lake being sacred and the shape of the lake is like a foot which is said to be the foot of Lord Shiva or Goddess Tara Devi if viewed from Arial view. Once you will be trekking to this lake you will walk between the awesome orange garden from where you can also buy them.

There is a Helipad where you can go and enjoy the golden view of the Sun Rise. Once the sun rises you will see the raises which glow and shines the peaks of Mount Khangchendzonga.

Khangchendzonga National Park is one of the national reserves in India and it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place is one of the widest ranges based on such an altitude. The park has diversified areas valleys, lowlands, picturesque snow-capped mountains including the world's third-highest peak Mt. Khangchendzonga. You can visit the park to spot the Fab 6 cats here like Clouded Leopard, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Jungle Cat, Golden Cat, Leopard Cat. You can also see the Jackal, Tibetian Wolf, Large Indian civet, Red Panda, and many more. The wildlife is in abundance here so this becomes a must-visit place.

Well this being one of the smaller but beautiful town of Sikkim here are some tips for you to plan your trip to this amazing place.

Best time to Explore Pelling

The weather is pleasant in Pelling almost throughout the year however the ideal time to travel would be from September to May. One can plan their trip during winters and during the summer as well would be the most favorable time to travel. If you are traveling during January or February you can feel the joy and participate in Maghe Purne Festival. Cham Festival is also around the corner during February you can feel the culture watching this lively masked and costumed Dance during the festival. Another renowned Buddhist festival is Bhumchu Festival which will fall between mid-February and March.

How to reach Pelling

All the transportation modes are available to reach Pelling. You can come by Air the nearest Airport is Bagdogra which is 160 Km from Pelling you can take a taxi to reach the destination. If you plan to come by train the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri ( 152 Km away) which is well connected with the Indian railway network post you reach the station you can book a taxi or use public transportation to reach Pelling. You may also plan to reach by car or taxi as the road connectivity is also very good.

Places to visit in Pelling

Pelling has numerous places to visit some of the best places are listing for your reference

Sewaro Rock Garden

It is one of the renowned picnic spots in the entire town. Here you can indulge in streams, fountains, gardens, and much more. It can be a perfect place for a family to have some fun time here and click some selfies.

Sangachoeling Monastery

It is one of the important beads of Buddhist pilgrimage rosary. Once you walk up to this monastery via rich greenery which will provide you with scenic views of mountains and nature this short walk will make it worthful for you. Also, the views post reaching the monastery will make your trek furthermore towards the hills.

Darap Village

Darap is a village that is quite rich in culture and would make you come across many ethnic communities like Bhutias, Tamangs, Chhetris, and others. Because of its easy connectivity to the town and rich birdlife and activities like hiking this place is gaining popularity among tourists.

Rimbi Waterfall

The milk-like water makes this place important to be there on your itinerary. This beautiful waterfall forms the Rimbi river which is cherished by the locals and travelers by performing swimming and fishing and various other recreational activities.

Kanchenjunga Fall

This is one of the must-visit places if you are planning a trip to Pelling. The water comes right from the Himalayas creates soothing music you can ignore. The way to the waterfall will bring you one step closure to nature. Those who love adventures can go for rope sliding.

Singshore Bridge

This is the highest bridge in the entire Sikkim with an elevation of 198 meters. You will have a spectacular view of the valley and mountains around you. Waterfalls' views from this bridge would make it a treat to an eye. You cant take any vehicle here hence you need to reach here by walking. It is also the highest Gorge bridge in Asia. This is 28 km from Pelling however it is more than worth watching. Take some unforgettable clicks here and also if you are an adventure freak can opt for Bungee jumping will give a thrilling experience of your lifetime.

Khecheopalri Lake

This scenic lake has a lot of religious and cultural importance as well. This is considered sacred and worshipped by the locals. You can take some blessings by participating in the Maghe Purne Festival celebrated here between March and April. During this festival the pilgrims celebrate here by offering floating diyas and offering food. This is 32 km from the main town of Pelling.

Rabdentse Ruins

If you have visited Pemayangtse Monastery then this is the place not to miss out for. The ruins are just on a walking distance from the Monastery. This structure was built during the 17th Century and it is a popular tourist attraction recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India. Remains of ruins will show you the King's bedroom and kitchen.

Khangchendzonga National Park

This national reserve is one of the sites recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour to Pelling would be incomplete without spotting the snow leopard, Jackal, musk deer and many other abundant specifies. This national park cover 849 km sq. Of area. It is quite rich in terms of flora, fauna, wildlife, and even glaciers.

Geyzing

If you want to keep the memories of Pelling tour then this is the best place to visit. This is the most popular market to shop for Local handicrafts and homemade items. You will also find a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other editable items.

Pemayangtse Monastery

This monastery is a three-storied structure made out of the wood way back in the 17th Century. You can admire the sculptures, wall paintings which gives you the idea of the fine art existed then. The highlight of the place is the seven-tiered statue of Guru Rimpoche, use of wood and rainbows and fairies makes it even irresistible.

Things to do in Pelling

There are a lot of activities in which you can indulge in however if you coming to this beautiful hill station then you should enjoy trekking, zip-lining, Bungee Jumping, and other such adventure activities here. Below is a brief about the activities which can be enjoyed here.

Sightseeing and explore the hill station

There are more than 20 different famous spots to explore which include Renowned monasteries, abundant wildlife parks, waterfalls, Hills, and other tourist attractions.

Trekking

If you are a trek lover then this amazing place will provide a lot of favorable options to you. While you will going to the Sangachoeling Monastery the vehicles stop around 2 km from the structure which you need to trek. The trek to Dzongri peak is an awesome experience, your trekking will start from Yuksom. Your path will move through the thick forest of Khangchendzonga National Park.

Picnic activities in ewaro Rock Garden

If you want to have some gala time with your family and kids then you can do a small picnic activity. Here you can indulge in streams, fountains, gardens, and much more. It can be a perfect place for a family to have some fun time here and click some selfies.

Bird watching at Darap

Normally, in the metro cities you will hardly find any birds around however if you want to listen to the melodious music of birds then you can visit Darap and do the bird watching here. You will find a lot of different species of birds that will take your soul to the next level.

Cross the bridge enjoying the height of 198 m elevation

To feel the amaze of heights and the scenic beauty of the valley and it is the time to step up to the picturesque bridge. You will have sights of wonderful waterfalls, amazing mountains. Don't forget to click for some unforgettable pictures.

Swimming and fishing at Rimbi Waterfall

Once you content your eyes with the scenic beauty of the milky waterfall. You can take a dip in the fresh and cold Rimbi river and get your self refreshed. If you are fond of fishing borrow some equipment from the locals and complete your wish.

Rope sliding and other adventure activities

At the Kanchenjunga Falls you will find the options for adventure junkies to do the rope sliding which will take your thrill to the next level.

Maghe Purne Festival

If you are traveling during January or February you can feel the joy and participate in Maghe Purne Festival. During this festival the pilgrims celebrate here by offering floating diyas and offering food.

Explore Wildlife at Khangchendzonga National Park

You can explore the breathtaking wildlife here at the UNESCO approved world heritage national reserve. You will find animals like Snow leopard, golden cat, leopard, jackal, and many more.

Cham Festival

Cham Festival is also around the corner during February you can feel the culture watching this lively masked and costumed Dance during the festival. Another renowned Buddhist festival is Bhumchu Festival which will fall between mid-February and March.

Pelling weather

Pelling weather is almost quite similar around the year as mildly cool and it becomes perfect weather for the tourists. During summers will experience heavy rainfall. Winters are comparatively mild and bearable with a dry environment.

Summer: March-May

Winter: December – February

Monsoon: July - September

Popular shopping places in Pelling

Geyzing Bazaar which is 10 Km from the center of Pelling is a good place to shop for the local and traditional items. Lama Tenzing Wangdak Place is one of the best shopping places available right behind the Hotel Sonamchen of Pelling. You will find a mouthwatering collection of homemade Tibetan Thangkas and other traditional items at affordable rates. Rural Artisan Marketing Center is another beautiful market known for its traditional Buddhist handicrafts which you might want to carry along with you while winding up the trip of Pelling.

Food to try in Pelling

In Pelling there is a variety of food items that you can try. If we talk about the famous ones it would be Momos, Thukpa, Hakka Noodles, and more. You will find a lot of options for non-veg foodies like Pork fired rice, Fingshey Rice.

Recommended places to eat in Pelling

1. Melting Point restaurant (Recommended for Momos, Thukpas and Aloo ka Parathas)

2. Bill Chill (Recommended Resto – bar for Indian and Chinese cuisine)

3. Hotel Kabur restaurant (Recommended for Momos, Thenduk, Thukpa, and other Indian and Chinese cuisines)

4. Big Bowl (Recommended for Pork Fired Rice and Nepali Style food)

5. Anjali Restaurant (Recommended for Sikkimese Special food like Sisnoo, Ningro, Glass of chaang)

6. Tatopani Resto Bar (Recommended for drinks, mocktails, multicuisine food, Band for enjoyment)

Tips for Travelers

As there would be a cold breeze around then you should keep your warm clothes to stay protected from cold. You would be doing some hiking and trekking so be ready for it. Also, as most of the places at little at a distance you may choose to rent a bike. Do not forget to book your hotel, homestay, or any other accommodation from a trustworthy travel agency. Do take care of your belongings as it is a popular tourist destination. Create lots and lots of memories by clicking pictures and videos.

Things to Carry

Carry all your gadgets you will need them like Mobile, DSLR, power bank, warm clothes, Some basic medicines, sports shoes with good grip with trekking gear and bag pack. Carry your identification documents which will help you avail accommodation and local hires.