Located in the more than 6,800 feet high, hilly region of West Sikkim, Pelling is one such place that remains unheralded despite being surrounded by more famous places. While Gangtok receives the crowds and Darjeeling receives the postcards, Pelling receives the views—views without interruption, views that make one stop in mid-sentence and say, “Uh-uh, now that’s a view I want to see again and again!
If your trip involves mountains but no mayhem, this guide tells you why Pelling is worth your itinerary, when to visit, how to get there, what to eat, where to stay, what to do once there and more! For a broader look at planning your trip, check out our complete Sikkim travel guide.
Pelling at a Glance
- Altitude: Around 6,800 ft (2,150m)
- Distance from Phuentsai: ~115 km (6-7 hours by road)
- Cost: Rs. 3500/- per person, per night. Meals and water: All included.
- Distance from NJP: 140 km (4-5 hours by road)
- Ideal length of the trip: 2-3 days
- Phenology: March-May and October-December are the best seasons.
- Popular for: Kanchenjunga views, monasteries, and a slower tempo of the hill town.
Why Visit Pelling?
Pelling is all but a manifestation of his views. This little town is located on a ridge overlooking the Kanchenjunga massif, the third highest peak in the world, and when the weather is nice the peak is close enough to touch.
There are a number of reasons that travellers continue to return:
- Exclusive access to the mountains — not all hotels or viewpoints have clear views of Kanchenjunga, only the ones in these locations can. Unparalleled mountain views — not all hotels or viewpoints can guarantee this kind of view of Kanchenjunga, only these ones can.
- A more relaxed option – Pelling is far less touristy than Gangtok and therefore appears to be more of a private place than it does a commercial one.
- Exploring West Sikkim is easy as monasteries, waterfalls, lakes, and trekking trails are within a short driving distance from there.
- Cool climate all year round, even in summer evenings are pleasantly cool.
Pelling is not a town that boasts a large number of required monuments. A destination to relax, breathe air from the mountains and enjoy the landscape.
A Brief History of Pelling
Pelling’s story is inextricably linked with the history of the kings of Sikkim. Rabdentse was the second capital of the kingdom of Sikkim, which had been in power for nearly two centuries, before it was abandoned. The monastery was constructed to serve the royal family; it continues to be active and one of the oldest monasteries of the state today.
The town itself has developed around these historic sites, slowly becoming a small centre of the travellers’ market travelling further towards West Sikkim. Pelling, in comparison, has remained relatively small, and this is why it is still so relaxed today despite its growth as a state capital since the founding of the state.
Local Culture and People
Pelling and its neighboring villages are inhabited by a blend of Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepali people, each adding their own flavor to the town’s traditions, cuisine, and daily life. Prayer flags are not only a tourist attraction here, but they are part of daily life along the ridgelines, as well as small chortens by the roadside and monastery bells.
If you make your trip during a local festival, such as Tibetan New Year (Losar) or the Maghe Sankranti festival, you’ll experience the real spirit of the community celebrating the festival (which is in the dates list, so be sure to check before you book). Locals tend to be relaxed and slow and in smaller villages English might not be widely spoken so a bit of patience is appreciated.
Things to Know About Visiting Pelling When You’re There
The timing of the trip is crucial in a place like this in the Himalayas, as the weather can change suddenly and the likelihood of seeing mountains depends on the clouds.
The Best Time to Go to Pelling Is During the Dry Season
From March to May (Spring)
This is probably the best season ever. Rhododendrons are in bloom on the hillsides, the skies are mostly clear, and the day-time temperatures are warm enough to walk and see the sights.
October-December (Autumn)
The post monsoon period offers the best clarity in the sky and you have the highest chances of seeing Kanchenjunga during this time. It’s beginning to cool, bundle up with layers.
Fall, Winter, and Spring Are Rainy Months, So You Should Be Cautious During These Seasons
- June to September (Monsoon): Clouds often obscure mountain views, heavy rain and landslide potential on mountain roads.
- Winter (January and February): Very cold, some snowfall and some high points may be difficult to reach. Roads are normally open, but may be slick. It is still possible, but bring along the necessary warm gear.
Monthly Weather Snapshot (Rough)
- March-May: Mild days, cool nights, rhododendrons are blooming.
- September: Wet, humid with frequent cloud cover
- October-December: Crisp, Clear, Cool – Best Mountain Visibility
- January-February: Chilly this period with snow possible at higher elevations from time to time.
If the primary focus is on capturing the image of Kanchenjunga (K2) clearly and without any obstructions, then the best time to shoot is early morning in the spring or fall, as the cloudy conditions tend to worsen toward the end of the day.
Pelling Is Accessible by Road
There is no Pelling railway station or airport, but it is a short road journey from the nearest railway station or airport.
By Air
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri which is about 4-5 hours from here by road. There are also shared jeeps and private taxis easily available from there.
By Train
There is an only railway station, New Jalpaiguri (NJP) which is near to Siliguri and road connectivity is similar to that in Bagdogra.
By Road
- From Siliguri/NJP: 4-5 hours by jeep or taxi.
- From Gangtok: approximately 5-6 hours, and passes through Ravangla or Jorethang.
- From Darjeeling: approximately about 3-4 hours, the usual time for those travelling a circuit of the hill-stations.
Locally, the most economical and popular means of transport is the shared jeep, which leaves from specific stands when full. Private taxis are more expensive, but provide flexibility, particularly if you want to stop off at viewpoints on the way.
The Best Things to See in Pelling Are as Follows
The appeal of Pelling is a combination of natural perspectives, old monasteries and brief hikes into the surrounding hills.
Top Attractions
- Pelling Skywalk and Chenrezik Statue — a glass skywalk with panoramic views of the valley, to a large statue of the Buddhist God of Compassion Che-R-zen, or Chenrezik.
- Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim’s old and important monasteries, features intricate woodwork and a serene courtyard.
- Rabdentse Ruins — a short hike through the forest with a quiet view of the mountains, to the ruins of Sikkim’s second capital.
- Sangay Waterfalls, Kanchenjunga Waterfalls — convenient places to stop on the road, particularly just after the monsoon.
- Khecheopalri lake – locals believe that the lake fulfills wishes, it has forest and is not always as crowded as the larger lakes.
- The Singshore Bridge is one of the tallest bridges in Sikkim and has a great view down into the gorge.
Best Viewpoints for Kanchenjunga
- Early morning over the Pelling Helipad area
- Pemayangtse Monastery grounds
- If you are staying on a north-west facing hotel roof, several of which are available,
The Best Times to Visit a Location for Sightseeing
For most visitors, the best time to visit the mountains is early in the day, typically starting around the time of sunrise through mid-morning, before any afternoon clouds build. Most of the monasteries and ruins are open during daylight hours, so a late morning to early afternoon are best times to visit these.
Photography Tips
- The best time to get a good photo of Kanchenjunga before haze and cloud cover sets in is during the dawn or dusk hours.
- Sunset shots are effective from western locations but not as good for mountain shots as clouds tend to roll in by the end of the afternoon.
- Use a lens cloth – with a clear morning mist and light drizzle are common.
- When booking a hotel room, be sure to check the exact direction the room looks before you make your booking as “mountain view” rooms can have quite different views of the peak.
Trekking Near Pelling
Pelling is also a very popular starting point for the travellers going to the Yuksom – Dzongri trek, which ultimately reaches Goecha La. This is not a day hike — usually takes more than one day; requires permits, registered guide or agency. If you don’t want to make it the whole 8 miles, you can take a less strenuous nature hike around Rabdentse and Khecheopalri, and enjoy the same forested hills.
The Following Is a Sample 3-Day Pelling Itinerary
Day 1 Includes Arrival and Local Sightseeing
Reach by road, get comfortable and take a day to explore Pemayangtse monastery and the ruins of Rabdentse, which are situated in the heart of town. Have an early dinner and a night’s sleep, as the next day you will be seeing sights early in the morning.
Day 2: Viewpoints and Skywalk
Get up early to watch the Kanchenjunga and then, visit the Pelling Skywalk and Chenrezig Statue. Drive out in the afternoon to Khecheopalri Lake and Singshore Bridge (if time permits).
On Day 3, You Will Reach Waterfalls and Continue on Your Journey
In the morning visit Sangay and Kanchenjunga Waterfalls before heading on towards Gangtok, Darjeeling or back towards Siliguri.
The tempo allows time to slow down moving between stops, but this is, essentially, the whole point of Pelling.
The Famous Food and Dishes That You Can Try While You Are at Pelling
Sikkimese cuisine is influenced by Nepali, Tibetan and Lepcha culture and Pelling is a place to sample this cuisine without the tourist price tag of larger towns.
- Momos are dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken or pork, typically served with a spicy dip.
- Thukpa is a warming noodle soup, great for the cooler nights in Pelling.
- Gundruk is a tangy and unique fermented, leafy green dish, commonly served as a side dish.
- Sael Roti is a ring-shaped sweet, rice flour based bread which is eaten during festivals but also available.
- Chhurpi – fermented cheese, both soft and hard, used in soups or as snack.
- A traditional drink made from millet or rice which has been fermented, and, worth a shot once, usually found in small local restaurants; Tongba/Chhaang.
Most Pelling restaurants are small and family owned and so the portions are large and prices moderate as compared to more touristy Sikkim towns. Even vegetarian food is not in short supply either — most local restaurants offer vegetarian alternatives for momos, thukpa, and thali-style dishes as well as meat dishes, so that vegetarians should not find it hard to get food.
Where to Stay in Pelling
Accommodation is available at Pelling, and ranges from basic homestays to the mid-range hotels, most of which have a single priority: the view.
Types of Stays
- Economical and a great way to get a local feel, homestays offer home-cooked meals and a variety of other accommodations.
- Mid-range hotels abound, many with rooms to the Kanchenjunga side and basic facilities such as hot water and Wi-Fi.
- Boutique and premium stays more limited, but provide improved views, service and comfort for those looking for something a little more.
Shopping and Souvenirs
The shopping scene in Pelling is modest but authentic: it is a mix of small local shops and not markets. Keep an eye out for:
- The tea is produced locally and sold in small shops in the town, Sikkimese tea.
- Woolens and shawls – practical gifts for the cool climate
- Prayer flags and Buddhist handicrafts (sold near the monastery areas)
- Local honey and dried herbs (small general stores)
Larger handicraft markets are found in Gangtok (such as MG Marg) and so if you are travelling to two towns you may be able to choose from a greater range of prices, although prices in Pelling are generally lower.
What to Pack for Pelling
- Wear multiple layers of clothes, even during the summer (mornings and evenings are cool, no matter what season it is)
- Warm jacket that is windproof and waterproof, particularly in the off-season when it is not windy and wet.
- Shoes that are comfortable for walking on uneven ground around viewpoints and ruins
- A simple first aid kit and any individual medications (as there is limited access to pharmacies outside of the main town)
- Use smaller denominations (see the currency note below)
- A power bank, as budget homestays may have limited power points.
This Is Our Budget Guide to Pelling
The daily cost per person is dependent on travel method, but as a broad guideline:
- Modest daily spending: Homestay/basic guesthouse, local food, shared jeeps — budget travel
- Mid-range travel: Regular hotel (upscale mountain views available), a combination of local and slightly higher level eating, sometimes private taxi — moderate daily expenditure
- The rental car is booked for sightseeing and there will be more restaurant meals as well as a boutique stay, resulting in higher daily spend.
If finances are limited, the biggest money-saver will be using shared jeeps and homestay meals; private taxis and top-tier accommodations will be the most expensive.
Connectivity and Practical Logistics
- Mobile network: Signal is usable in Pelling, but may be weak in nearby villages and along the way. Depending on the provider, the strength of the signal also varies so the locals are a good source of information or the hotel will know the strongest network available in the area.
- Wi-Fi: Most mid-range and boutique hotels will offer Wi-fi, but may be unreliable during inclement weather.
- ATMs and cash: ATMs are available in Pelling, but not always available or accurate. Withdraw cash before going up the road in Gangtok, Darjeeling or Siliguri and bring sufficient small change to deal with the local stores and homestays.
- Card payments: Most bigger establishments will accept card or UPI payments, but smaller restaurants and stores may only accept cash.
Some Places to Combine with Pelling Near to the Place
For those with spare days, Pelling is the perfect companion to a couple other places in West Sikkim and its neighbouring areas:
- Historic town and trekking gateway, about 1.5 to 2 hours from here. Yuksom – historic town and trekking gateway, about 1.5 to 2 hours from here.
- Less visited than Pelling, Kaluk and Rinchenpong, have a similar Kanchenjunga perspective, but are quieter.
- Ravangla — which is about midway between Pelling and Gangtok, famous for the Buddha Park — is the next stop. The next is Ravangla, which is about halfway between Pelling and Gangtok, and is famous for the Buddha Park.
- Darjeeling — as a fairly common add-on due to the limited road link.
FAQs
Yes. It is also a popular destination for couples, due to its quieter pace, the mountain views and smaller crowds than those of Gangtok.
Yes, on clear days, but more often from Pelling than from Gangtok as it is closer and at a convenient vantage point. The best time is in the early morning of spring and fall.
Coverage in the main town is generally adequate, although villages around the town may not be covered. Most hotels offer internet. Speed of internet access may fluctuate and could slow down during bad weather.
Generally yes. The majority of attractions are short and easy walks, but there are a few ruins and woodland paths that will require a certain level of fitness.
Along with Sikkimese and Lepcha languages, Nepali is widely spoken locally. Most hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations are able to speak English and Hindi.
Sure, it’s a common set up. Both these places are natural extensions to Pelling and are approximately 3-4 hours drive from Pelling and 5-6 hours from Darjeeling.
Final Thoughts
You’ll not find yourself overwhelmed with tasks when you’re using Pelling, and that’s part of its charm. It provides slower and view oriented travel that is a highlight for many to remember long after the day has passed, the Kanchenjunga can be such an unforgettable experience one day at a time. Pelling is a place to call home, rather than just a stopover if you are planning a trip to West Sikkim.
