Pelling — Sikkim's Best Kept Secret

Nestled at an altitude of 6,800 feet in the hills of West Sikkim, Pelling is one of those rare destinations that takes your breath away the moment you arrive. Quiet, peaceful, and incredibly beautiful — this charming little town offers some of the most stunning views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range you will find anywhere in India. Unlike the busier hill stations, Pelling still holds its original charm — a perfect place where nature is untouched, the air is clean, and life moves at a wonderfully slow pace. It is a destination full of ancient monasteries, sacred lakes, thundering waterfalls, rich history, and warm Sikkimese culture. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat, a spiritual journey, a trekking adventure, or simply a place to sit back and stare at the Himalayas — Pelling will give you all of this and more. With Ababli Tour, your Pelling experience will be relaxed, well-planned, and truly unforgettable.

Top Places to Visit in Pelling

• Pemayangtse Monastery — One of the oldest and most important Buddhist monasteries in all of Sikkim, founded in 1647. The name means "Perfect Sublime Lotus" and the monastery lives up to its name beautifully. Its three-storey structure is filled with ancient paintings, rare sculptures, and precious religious treasures. The views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks from here are simply spectacular.
• Sangachoeling Monastery — Built in 1642, this is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim and sits on a hilltop surrounded by dense forests. Reaching here involves a short uphill walk through quiet woods — and the views and spiritual peace you find at the top make every step completely worth it.
• Khecheopalri Lake (Wishing Lake) — A sacred and deeply serene lake held holy by both Hindus and Buddhists. Surrounded by lush green forests and colourful prayer flags, this lake is believed to fulfil the wishes of those who visit it with a pure heart. The stillness of the water and the peaceful atmosphere here make it one of the most beautiful spots in all of West Sikkim.
• Rabdentse Ruins — The archaeological remains of what was once the ancient capital of Sikkim. A short forest trek leads you to this historic site, where you can walk among the ruins of an old palace and temple while enjoying wonderful views of the valleys and mountains all around. A must-visit for history lovers.
• Singshore Bridge — One of the highest suspension bridges in Asia, hanging dramatically over a deep valley surrounded by mountains and forests. Standing on this bridge and looking down at the gorge below is a thrilling and unforgettable experience that every visitor to Pelling should have.
• Kanchenjunga Falls — A stunning waterfall located about 30 km from Pelling, surrounded by thick forests and the sound of rushing water. It is a refreshing and beautiful spot where you can sit and enjoy the raw power and beauty of nature in complete peace.
• Rimbi Waterfall & Rock Garden — A lovely waterfall about 12 km from Pelling, surrounded by dense forests and orange groves. Right next to it is a beautiful rock garden with manicured lawns and flower beds — together they make a perfect and relaxing picnic spot for families and couples.
• Sky Walk & Chenrezig Statue — One of Pelling's newest and most exciting attractions. The glass-floored sky walk gives you breathtaking views of the valley below and the Himalayan peaks all around. Right next to it is a large golden statue of Chenrezig — a magnificent sight that is both visually stunning and spiritually moving.
• Khangchendzonga National Park — A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful national park is home to rare Himalayan wildlife including the red panda, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear. It is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and birdwatchers who want to experience the wild beauty of Sikkim up close.

Things to Do in Pelling

• Trek through forest trails to reach the ancient Sangachoeling Monastery
• Walk across the dramatic Singshore Bridge and enjoy the valley views below
• Visit the sacred Khecheopalri Lake and make a heartfelt wish by the water
• Go birdwatching in Khangchendzonga National Park for rare Himalayan species
• Walk the glass-floored Sky Walk for a thrilling aerial view of the mountains
• Trek to Yuksom and explore the starting point of the famous Dzongri Trek
• Enjoy a peaceful picnic at the Rimbi Waterfall and Rock Garden
• Explore Darap Village for a genuine taste of local Sikkimese life and culture

Best Time to Visit Pelling

• February to May (Late Winter & Spring) — The best time to visit. The weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and the valleys are filled with blooming flowers. Views of the Kanchenjunga range are at their most beautiful and the roads are smooth and easy to travel.
• September to December (Autumn) — Another ideal season with comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and excellent mountain views. The famous Khangchendzonga Festival also takes place during this time, bringing the town alive with culture and celebration.
• December to January (Winter) — Pelling gets covered in snow during these months, turning it into a magical white wonderland. Perfect for those who love the snow, though temperatures can drop to -5°C so warm clothing is essential.
• June to August (Monsoon) — Heavy rains during this period can make travel difficult. Some roads may be affected by landslides and outdoor activities become limited. Best avoided for a comfortable trip.

How to Reach Pelling

• By Air — The nearest airport is Bagdogra International Airport (IXB), about 139 km from Pelling. From the airport, you can hire a private taxi or take a shared cab to Pelling. The road journey takes around 5 to 6 hours through beautiful Himalayan scenery.
• By Train — New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station, well connected to cities across India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. From NJP, taxis and shared jeeps are readily available to Pelling, taking around 5 to 6 hours.
• By Road — Pelling is well connected by road from Gangtok (113 km), Darjeeling (69 km), and Siliguri (127 km). The drive to Pelling is scenic and enjoyable, passing through winding mountain roads, green forests, and small Sikkimese villages.

Quick Travel Tips

• Carry warm clothing at all times as Pelling can get cold even during the day, especially in the mornings and evenings
• The walk to Sangachoeling Monastery is steep — wear good, comfortable walking shoes and start early in the morning
• Visit Khecheopalri Lake early in the day for the most peaceful and crowd-free experience
• The Sky Walk tends to get busy in the afternoons — try visiting in the morning for a quieter visit
• Foreign nationals need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) to visit Pelling — your Ababli Tour team will arrange all permits for you
• Try local Sikkimese food and visit small village homestays in Darap Village for a truly authentic experience