Nestled in nature’s lap, in West of Sikkim, Pelling is a cultural extravaganza and a serene hideout at the same time. It is a lovely hill station that must feature in your Sikkim tour itinerary. Take out a day or two to explore its beauty and places to visit in Pelling.
Though you might want to simply glance at the snow-capped Kanchenjunga range from the balcony while sipping on hot tea, as your favorite song plays in the background, the attractions in our list of places to visit in Pelling will urge you to get going and explore this Himalayan wonder.
Sikkim-Gangtok-Darjeeling Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Top 20 Places To Visit In Pelling
From laid back travellers to adventure seekers, Pelling and its tourist attractions cater to all! It has historical ruins that make you picture the olden days, natural beauty that soothes the soul, and gushing waterfalls that make perfect music for a lullaby. In winters, it lures with patches of snow that add a dash of white to the already vibrant hill station. Explore everything ranging from stunning landscapes to religious points of interest and if you are looking for an all-inclusive guide of places to visit in Pelling, this is all you need.
- Sangachoeling Monastery – A Buddhist Pilgrimage Highlight
- Darap Village – A Paradise With Quaint Homestays
- Sewaro Rock Garden – An Awesome Picnic Spot
- Singshore Bridge – The Highest Bridge In Sikkim
- Rimbi Waterfall – The Fall Will Make You Fall In Love
- Kanchenjunga Fall – The Milky Stream
- Khecheopalri Lake – Where Tranquility And Divinity Blend
- Khangchendzonga National Park – One Step Closer To Nature
- Kaluk – In Natures Lap
- Pemayangtse Monastery – Admiring The Buddhist Heritage
- Rabdentse Ruins – History With A Magnificent View
- Tashiding Monastery – A Buddhist Pilgrimage
- Yuksom – Home To Clean And Calm Lakes
- Changey Waterfall – Bliss Amidst The Hills
- Ravangla – A Whole New Paradise
- Dubdi Monastery – Witness Nirvana
- Hee Bermiok – Adventure Town
- Rinchenpong – Blessed With Nature
- Geyzing – Explore The Market Area
- Rabdentse Bird Park – A Quiet Place
1. Sangachoeling Monastery – A Buddhist Pilgrimage Highlight
Sangachoeling Monastery was built in 17th century and is an important highlight of the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. The route to this monastery takes you through rich forest cover and hilly terrain. On reaching the Monastery, the view makes the trek worth it. The most popular among many places to visit in Pelling, Sangachoeling must be on your Pelling itinerary.
Distance from Pelling: 8.5 km
14 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim In Summer To Witness Nature’s Grandeur!
2. Darap Village – A Paradise With Quaint Homestays
Image Source
A culturally rich village, Darap is soon emerging as a popular homestay destination among tourists visiting Pelling. The village is inhabited by many ethnic communities like Bhutias, Tamangs, Chhetris and Gurungs, among others. The area is developing gradually and owing to its pristine beauty and easy connectivity, it is quickly becoming travelers favorite.
Activities to try: You can relax in the beautiful homestays, or if you plan to head out – indulge in various activities such as hiking, visiting the 2 centuries old Limboo house, bird watching, and splashing water in the many streams in Darap.
Distance from Pelling: 14 km
3. Sewaro Rock Garden – An Awesome Picnic Spot
Sewaro Rock Garden is a preferred picnic spot and among the important places to see in Pelling. Dotted with streams, fountains, gardens and more, it is the perfect spot for families, couples and friends to have a gala time, click pictures and simply listen to the song of nature.
Dont miss the Maghe Mela held on 14th January. Maghe Mela or Maghe Sankranti is an important festival for locals. It is primarily a religious festival wherein people take holy bath in the stream. Also, tourists can enjoy various activities that are a part of the festivities.
Distance from Pelling: 12 km
48 Places To Visit In Sikkim: Extraordinary Realms In The North East!
4. Singshore Bridge – The Highest Bridge In Sikkim
Singshore, the highest bridge in Sikkim, has an elevation of 198 m above the ground. Assuring spectacular views and incredible clickable sights, it also happens to be among the highest gorge bridges in Asia. Since it is encircled with lush green hills that are dotted with waterfalls, Singshore Bridge has become a popular attraction among tourist places in Pelling. Enjoying the mesmerizing views from Singshore Bridge is surely among the best things to do in Pelling.
Distance from Pelling: 28 km
5. Rimbi Waterfall – The Fall Will Make You Fall In Love
Rimbi Waterfall, another one of beautiful places to visit in Pelling, is more than just a treat to the eyes. The glinting waterfall turns into Rimbi River, which is frequented by locals and tourists for various recreational activities like swimming and fishing. Whether you go fishing or not, do try a local preparation of Assala – a variety of fish found only here. During monsoons, the water current in the river and around the fall increases. It is suggested not to visit the fall around this time.
Distance from Pelling: 18 km
10 Best Pelling Homestays That Will Make You Cancel Your Return Tickets
6. Kanchenjunga Fall – The Milky Stream
As this Himalayan stream gushes down to the ground, it sings a song you'll want to put on repeat mode. Kanchenjunga Fall, being an important tourist attraction of Sikkim, is a must visit when you're in Pelling. Its just an hour away and takes you through a truly scenic route. The rocky path leading to the fall lets you get closer to nature. For adventure-junkies, there is an option of rope sliding. Kanchenjunga Falls are a perennial waterfall and monsoon season is a heaven.
Distance from Pelling: 30 km
7. Khecheopalri Lake – Where Tranquility And Divinity Blend
A serene and scenic attraction, Khecheopalri Lake holds religious significance as well. Buddhists and Hindus both consider this lake a divine one. Also, for trekkers and explorers, it is one of the best places to visit in Pelling, Gangtok. You can spend a night in the nearby lodges that allow quick access to the lake. Try not missing Maghe Purne Festival celebrated by chanting hymns floating diyas on the lake and offering food. This 2-day festival is organized in March/April.
Distance from Pelling: 32 km; The lake is an important highlight of the Yuksom-Pelling trek that passes through hamlets, woods and cardamom fields.
10 Pelling Hotels For A Comfortable Stay In Sikkim
8. Khangchendzonga National Park – One Step Closer To Nature
How about catching sight of snow leopards, musk deer and other wild animals while on your trip to Pelling - best idea ever! Khangchendzonga National Park covers about 849 km sq. of area, which is affluent in terms of flora, fauna, avi-fauna and even glaciers. Trekking in Kanchenjunga National Park is a refreshing experience, but make sure you obtain the permit from Wildlife Education and Interpretation center at Yuksom.
Stay facilities: The forest department has introduced rest houses located in Yumthang and Lachung.
Distance from Pelling: 32 km
9. Kaluk – In Natures Lap
Kaluk – another one of stunning places to visit in Pelling,Sikkim, is an unexplored haven inhabited by Lepcha tribe. This is a perfect spot for those who seek to live close to nature in a peaceful ambiance. Dont forget to visit Bersay Rhododendron Sanctuary for a lovely experience and beautiful pictures.
Distance from Pelling: 35 km
River Rafting In Sikkim: When On A Vacation, Just Go With The Flow
10. Pemayangtse Monastery – Admiring The Buddhist Heritage
This three-storied aesthetic structure dates back to the 17th century and is among the most important places to visit in Pelling. Sculptures and paintings adorn the monastery, but the highlight is the seven-tiered model of Guru Rimpoche, made of wood and decorated with rainbows and fairies.
Perched at an altitude of 6840 feet, Pemayangtse Monastery is a treasure trove of various Buddhist scriptures, antiques, sculptures and other artforms youd want to glance at. To make the most of your time here, visit the Monastery during colorful Cham Festival (Jan-Feb)
Distance from Pelling: 36 km
11. Rabdentse Ruins – History With A Magnificent View
Just at walkable distance from Pemayangtse Monastery, surrounded by thick woods and lakes, is where youll find Rabdentse Ruins – a popular tourist attraction in Pelling. The sight is of national importance, as announced by Archeological Survey of India. Chadok Namgyal established it in 1670 post shifting his capital from Yuksom. All of Chadoks establishments in the city were destroyed by Gurkha army, only the chortens and the ruins were left behind.
Your Pelling sightseeing is incomplete without a visit to these ruins with history dating back to way before 1800s.
Timings of Rabdentse Ruins: The Ruins are open through the week, from 6 am to 6 pm. Try visiting during daylight.
Distance from Pelling: 36 km
These Top 4 Valleys In Sikkim Are All About Hairpin Routes, Lush Trees, And Tranquility!
12. Tashiding Monastery – A Buddhist Pilgrimage
Found in 1641, Tashiding Monastery is counted as one of the most pious Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim. The premises is prettified with 41 chortens – known as Chortens of Enlightenment. Though the monastery is beautiful in every sense, the charm elevates during the Bhumchu Festival. During the festival, the holy water kept inside the Monastery is put to public display and lovely Buddhist traditions can be witnessed and understood. If you like cultural celebrations, this monastery must be covered during sightseeing in Pelling.
Distance from Pelling: 36 km
13. Yuksom – Home To Clean And Calm Lakes
Yuksom is a rather popular attraction of Sikkim and is located just 40 km from Pelling. It houses Dubdi Monastery, which was built in 1701 and is an important part of Buddhism pilgrimage. Other than the monastery, Yuksom is known to contain some of the cleanest lakes in Sikkim. Just sit by any of lakes to enjoy the serenity and quietude of the surroundings.
Distance from Pelling: 40 km
Mountaineering In Sikkim: A Handbook To Give You An Insight
14. Changey Waterfall – Bliss Amidst The Hills
Changey Waterfall looks pretty much like a white line, emerging from dense greenery falling from a height of 300 m. In fact, this piece of nature comes with a topping of cheese. Cheese lovers must not miss the cheese factory located in the nearby Dentam Village.
Distance from Pelling: 15 km
15. Ravangla – A Whole New Paradise
Heading off to Ravangla from Pelling is like opening yet another door to a whole new world. This town is quite popular among avid travelers and is well connected to Gangtok, Pelling and other places. Other than being a sheer delight to the eyes, Ravangla offers a spectacular view of various major peaks such as Kanchenjunga and Kabru. A bird-lover would want to stay here forever, as you can spot Verditer Flycatchers, Blue Whistling-Thrush and a few other birds.
Also, Ravangla is the starting point of the ultimate trek to Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary. From monastery-hopping to adventure activities, Ravangla is the boss of all.
Distance from Pelling: 49 km
9 Cosy Homestays In Sikkim That Are As Good As Home
16. Dubdi Monastery – Witness Nirvana
Image Credits: PP Saha for Wikimedia
One of the best sightseeing places in Pelling, Dubdi Monastery is a Buddhist pilgrimage of the Nyingma sect. It was established in 1701 and is a peaceful haven nestled in the hills. The literal meaning of ‘Dubdi’ means ‘the retreat’ visible through its mesmerising hilltop location around forests. Stroll through the monastery paths to get a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and snow-peaked mountains. The monastery is built sturdily with stone and carries a collection of manuscripts and texts with images of divinities and saints.
Distance from Pelling: 35 km
17. Hee Bermiok – Adventure Town
A small town near Pelling, Hee Bermiok is the best place for enjoying adventure sports like hiking, mountain biking, nature walks, and excursions. You can also witness the traditions and customs of the Limboo, Bhutia, Sherpa, and Nepalis. Some awesome places in the vicinity include Chhayatal lake, Phang Dorji Falls, Himalayan Botanical Garden and Hee Khola Water Garden. This is a popular spot for adventure activities in Pelling that one must visit during their journey.
Distance from Pelling: 30 km
Check Out These 14 Places To Visit In Namchi, The Culture Capital Of Sikkim
18. Rinchenpong – Blessed With Nature
Rinchenpong is another small town in Sikkim which is just 2 km away from Kaluk. A short trek from Kaluk to Rinchenpong is highly recommended. It is a refreshing trek that takes you through lush meadows and woods filling you with calmness and tranquility. Apart from this, you can visit the Rigsum Monastery and also get pristine views of the Himalayas.
Distance from Pelling: 33 km
19. Geyzing – Explore The Market Area
Gyalshing or Geyzing is a popular destination in Pelling most notable for the market area and attached to the royal garden of Rabdentse. The market area is one of the top-notch commercial destinations for shopping in Pelling. Local handicrafts and handmade products feature prominently in the shops. The esteemed farmer’s market sells vegetables, fruits and other eatable items for locals. The variety is too good. This place is also surrounded by some of the best lakes in Sikkim.
Distance from Pelling: 9 km
These 8 Places To Visit In Sikkim In June Must Be On Your Next Summer Vacay List!
20. Rabdentse Bird Park – A Quiet Place
Image Credits: Dick Daniels for Wikimedia
A calm and quiet destination within the natural splendor of Pelling is the Rabdentse Bird Park. Do carry your camera with you to capture some scenic shots. Expect to find some beautiful birds including the Golden Pheasant, Lady Amherst Pheasant, Indian Fantail Pigeon, Reeves Pheasant and Jindaya Conur. Bird watching and enjoying the nature are some of the best things to do in Pelling in December
Distance from Pelling: 8 km
How To Reach Pelling
Depending on time and your location, you can reach Pelling via air, rail or road.
Nearest airport from Pelling: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest airport from Pelling, located about 160 km away. It is connected to Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. One can hire a cab or take a shared cab from Siliguri to reach Pelling.
Nearest railway station from Pelling: New Jalpaiguri Station, at a distance of 152 km. It is, again, connected to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Taxis are easily available outside the station. There are also trains from Delhi to Sikkim for those who wish to enjoy a train trip.
The roads in Pelling are in a nice condition, and thus taking a bus or a rented/private vehicle is a good idea. However, owing to the high elevation it’s better visited in Sumo or a similar vehicle.
Zuluk Sightseeing: A Traveler’s Guide For Places Never Seen Before In Sikkim
Best Time To Visit Pelling
With ample attractions in each season, Pelling has its arms wide open to welcome travelers all around the year. Still, to narrow it down, the best time to visit Pelling can be split into two durations:
Mid February to June – Perfectly pleasant to enjoy clear views of the mighty peaks. Also, the snow has melted by this time and greenery starts to cover the mountains.
September to December – Just before the winter season, it is pleasant to enjoy all-day tours comfortably.
During summers the weather is at its best, and you can enjoy a clearer view of Mount Kanchenjunga. Winter is, however, perfect for snow lovers, as most of the times the region gets carpeted with snow.
P.S. Despite these best spans, each of the places to visit in Pelling has a specific period when it looks the best. Look out for specifications as you read on.
A-Z Guide To Make Your Honeymoon In Sikkim An Affair To Remember
Now you know how to plan a perfect holiday in Pelling for a surreal and out of the world experience. Isn’t this the ultimate list of places to visit in Pelling and chalk out your plan? If not, drop a comment to add more popular or offbeat places to the list! And for now, book your tickets to Sikkim, head to Pelling and treat yourself!
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here
Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Pelling
Does Pelling have snow?
You will be able to see snow in Pelling in the winter months only. Pelling is usually covered with a blanket of crisp white snow in December and January, while the snow stays till February. You can also indulge in various snow-adventures during these months.
What is the best time to visit Pelling?
The most suitable time to take a trip to this captivating town of Pelling is between the months of September to May. September is the autumn season here and it’s a great tie to witness the natural beauty of this place. The winter season begins in November and brings in snow in the months of December and January, offering stunning views of this white wonderland and various snow sports.
Is it safe to visit Pelling during covid times?
The Government of Sikkim prioritizes public health, hence, have issued some safety guidelines such as social distancing, using face masks, applying hand sanitizers, and washing hands frequently, which must be adhered to by all visitors. Tickets should be booked online for contactless entry. Also, in some places for accommodation, visitors should provide their vaccination details for both doses for a hassle-free stay.
What are the top attractions in Pelling?
Some of the best attractions that you must explore in Pelling are Sangachoeling Monastery, Darap Village, Sewaro Rock Garden, Singshore Bridge, Rimbi Waterfall, Kanchenjunga Fall, Khecheopalri Lake, Yuksom, Rinchenpong, and Ravangla.
How far is Pelling from Bagdogra?
Bagdogra is located around 140 km away from Pelling. The airport at Bagdogra is the nearest airport to Pelling, while the New Jalpaiguri Junction railway station located in Siliguri is the nearest railway station to it.
How do I get to Pelling from Bagdogra airport?
You can easily get a taxi or a state-run bus from here for your onward journey to Pelling. This airport manages regular air traffic to and fro all the major cities of India. The officials at the airport also provide great support if you face any issues.
How do I get to Pelling from NJP?
The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Pelling. It is super easy to get to Pelling from this station since there are plenty of taxis available right outside the station along with the North Bengal Tourism rental cars willing to take you to Pelling at a low fare.
How many days are required to explore Pelling?
A 1-2 days tour is recommended in order to explore the major attractions in Pelling but if you want to go for a thorough and relaxing vacation, then 3-4 days are sufficient to explore the hidden gems of this place and spend a relaxing holiday simultaneously.
People Also Read:
Places To Visit In Cherrapunji Places To Visit In Jammu Places To Visit In Siliguri
