Pellings Tourism

Pelling is a beautiful town in West Sikkim, most popular for breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga peak and the Himalayas. Located at a high altitude of 6800ft, Pelling is the ideal place for exploring the Himalayan views, without any of the harshness of the high mountains. It is the closest view possible apart from mountain trekking. Located at 115 km from Gangtok, Pelling is also known for its cultural heritage and history.

Pelling has rightfully emerged as the second most popular traveller halt in Sikkim, right after Gangtok. It has plenty to offer to the nature lover, the culturist, the urban traveller, and is the ideal cool summer break on a vacation trip. In structure, it is little more than a few roads flanked by hotels and homestays offering views of the Kanchenjunga. But step out of the main town, and you are a short distance from monasteries, waterfalls, temples and lakes. Nature presents itself in all its glory around Pelling.

Places to visit in Pelling

Pelling Helipad
It is one of the most frequented spots in the city. From the Police Check Post, the helipad is situated around a kilometer away, and the short walk from the post is pleasing to the eye. The spot offers splendid, all-encompassing views of the majestic Kanchenjunga and the mountain ranges around it, which are visited by numerous travelers throughout the year.

Sangachoeling Monastery
Located atop a high ridge, Sangachoeling monastery is around 7 km from the Police Check Post in Upper Pelling. Established in the 17th century by Lama Gyalwa Lhatsun Chempo, the monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the city of Sikkim. One has to hike for around 4 km to reach the location, and the climb is a gratifying experience, especially since it overlooks the Pemayangtse Monastery.

Kanchenjunga National Park
The park is spread across an area of 849 km sq and is abundant in flora, fauna, avifauna and sometimes even glaciers. It was earlier a UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and later became the first Mixed Heritage site in India as well as Biosphere reserve of Sikkim. The mountain Kanchenjunga inspires the park’s name. Most of the trekking routes of famous treks in West Sikkim pass through this site, for which you have to obtain a permit from Wildlife Education and Interpretation Center at Yuksom.

Kanchenjunga Falls
An hour away from the city, a scenic route lined gushing waters from Himalayan streams makes this location a favorite amongst travelers. The perennial waterfall’s source lies in the glaciers of Mt. Kanchenjunga and the rocky path that leads to the fall brings you closer to nature. For the adventurous traveler, there is also an option available to go rope-sliding.

Pemayangtse Monastery
The monastery is at a distance of 5 km from Upper Pelling, and built-in 1705; it is also one of the oldest Buddhist Monasteries in Sikkim. The exciting component of the monastery is that it is an astoundingly cut, wooden, 7-tiered 3D marvel that showcases a surreal insight into religion. It also depicts paintings on its walls and statues of Rinpoches and saints on various floors. A comfortable and scenic walk to the monastery and the pristine environment around to witness are all the more reasons why tourists visit this location in large numbers.

How To Reach
By Air - The closest air port is at Bagdogra, which is 140 kilometers from Pelling and connected by Air with all important Indian metros. Bagdogra airport is well connected with the rest of India. There are daily flights to Delhi and Kolkata.

By Rail - The nearest railhead is at New Jalpaiguri which is 145 kilometers from Pelling. NJP is well connected with all major cities in India. New Jalpaiguri Station is well connected with the rest of India. Trains to Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Guwahati, Bangalore, etc are regular

By Road - Pelling is 115 kilometers from the state capital Gangtok and about 135 kilometers from Siliguri and 120 kilometers from Darjeeling. Pelling is connected with Kalimpong and Siliguri by the national highway 31 A. The Sikkim Nationalized Transport plies regular bus services between Gangtok and Pelling. Private buses, taxis and jeeps are also available from Siliguri & Bagdogra.