Pelling in West Sikkim (about 2,150 m) offers some of the closest views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Here are the best places to visit in Pelling, arranged in a practical route so you don’t waste time zig-zagging on hill roads.
Places to Visit in Pelling – Quick List
- Pelling Skywalk & Chenrezig Statue
- Pemayangtse Monastery
- Rabdentse Ruins
- Sanga Choeling Monastery
- Khecheopalri Lake
- Kanchenjunga Falls
- Rimbi Falls & Rimbi Orange Garden
- Singshore Bridge
- Darap Village
- Pelling Helipad viewpoint
- Yuksom (day trip)
- Kecheopalri Bird Park area / nature trails
1. Pelling Skywalk & Chenrezig Statue
A glass-floor walkway at Sangachoeling leading to a 137-ft statue of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara). Go early morning for clear Kanchenjunga views. Full details in our Pelling Skywalk guide.
2. Pemayangtse Monastery
Founded in the 17th century, it is one of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries and famous for the wooden seven-tiered “Zangdok Palri” sculpture.
3. Rabdentse Ruins
The second capital of the old Sikkim kingdom (1670–1814). A short forest walk leads to ruins with a sweeping Himalayan view. Maintained by ASI.
4. Sanga Choeling Monastery
A steep 40-minute climb through forest; rewarding views and peace.
5. Khecheopalri Lake
The sacred “wish-fulfilling lake”, about 27 km away. Read our Khecheopalri Lake guide.
6–7. Kanchenjunga Falls & Rimbi Falls
Kanchenjunga Falls (about 28 km) is best right after monsoon (Sept–Oct). Rimbi Falls is on the Yuksom road, with an orange garden nearby.
8. Singshore Bridge
One of Asia’s highest suspension bridges, around 240 m long, spanning a deep gorge near Uttarey.
9–12. Darap Village, Helipad, Yuksom & nature trails
Darap gives a homestay experience with Limboo culture. The helipad is the best free sunrise point. Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim and base of the Goecha La trek, is a good half-day trip.
Suggested 2-Day Pelling Sightseeing Route
| Day | Route |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (Upper Pelling) | Helipad sunrise → Skywalk → Pemayangtse → Rabdentse → Sanga Choeling |
| Day 2 (Khecheopalri – Yuksom circuit) | Rimbi Falls → Khecheopalri Lake → Kanchenjunga Falls → Yuksom → back |
This exact route is part of our Sikkim & Pelling 5 Nights / 6 Days package.
What Other Pelling Blogs Miss
- Local food: Try Sikkimese thali with gundruk, chhurpi and sel roti. See Sikkim famous food.
- Medical help: The nearest proper hospital is at Geyzing (Gyalshing) district hospital.
- ATMs: Few in Upper Pelling – withdraw cash in Geyzing.
- Photography tip: Kanchenjunga is clearest 5:30–8 AM; clouds roll in by 10 AM.
- Accessibility: Rabdentse and Sanga Choeling involve walking; Skywalk has steps but is manageable for most.
How to Reach Pelling
Pelling is about 135 km from Bagdogra/NJP (5–6 hrs) and around 110–130 km from Gangtok (4–5 hrs). Most travellers combine it with Gangtok – see how to reach Gangtok.
Best Time to Visit Pelling
March–May (rhododendrons) and October–December (clearest mountain views).
FAQs
How many days are enough for Pelling?
2 nights are ideal to cover all places to visit in Pelling.
Is permit required for Pelling?
No permit is required for Indian tourists in Pelling.
Is Pelling better than Gangtok?
Pelling is quieter with closer Kanchenjunga views; Gangtok has more facilities. Combine both.
Plan your West Sikkim holiday with Guide My Tour. Official info: Sikkim Tourism.
