Pelling; One Peaceful Place in West Sikkim
Pelling tour is very common for West Bengal people, it takes almost 4 to 5 days maximum and done, although a significant number of people come from different part of country. Today we will be discussing, How you can make your next Pelling Tour Relaxed, Cheap, and Complete.
Pelling, a peaceful small hill town in West Sikkim, is popular for one of the most peaceful tourist spots in the state. It is located at a height of 7200 ft. from the sea level, has many monasteries, waterfalls, a suspension bridge, etc and most importantly it offers a magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. People are very kind and helpful here. Probably this will be added to your favorite place list if you love nature and a calm environment.
I rode my TVS Apache RTR 180 to Pelling during monsoon 2015 and the greenery I witnessed, is literally unforgettable.
Pro Tips: Smoking in public is not allowed in Pelling. Maintain peace and silence in monasteries and public places.
How to Reach Pelling
Pelling is easily accessible from Bagdogra Airport, recently opened Pakyong Airport near Gangtok, New Jalpaiguri railway station and Siliguri Bus Terminus.It will take approximately 5 to 6 hours from Siliguri. Ongoing route is very scenic so you may stop several times to click photographs.
If you are on budget, you may opt limited bus services or share cab options.
Hotels in Pelling
Although every hotel offers a good view of Kanchenjunga in a clear sky, it differs only in amenities and budget. We stayed at Hotel Garuda, all the people at that hotel was great and treated us like family.
Also, I will suggest you to check for Holiday Homes facility in banks. Most of the renowned banks like Allahabad, UCO, Andhra etc. have this facility for employees, few of them allow normal public to opt. Generally, these holiday homes are lot cheaper and most importantly trustworthy.
Fooding options in Pelling
You can find Chinese and Bengali cuisine easily in Pelling, although few places serve good Mughlai food. You may feel food is little expensive here because of the transportation cost of raw materials.
Don’t forget to try Momos, Noodles, and local dishes during the day out.
Sightseeing in Pelling Tour
The most important and probably the best thing you can see is Kanchenjunga during Sunrise. I was not that lucky to witness the beauty though. Locals say, Pelling is one of the few places from where full Kanchenjunga range can be seen in clear sky.
It is not all, this place has to offer a lot as sightseeing (mentioned below) and you should plan it accordingly during your Pelling Tour.
Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, founded in 1705 . This Buddhist monastery is located at a distance of 2.5 Kilometer from Upper Pelling. You have to pay a small charge (if I can recall Rs. 25) to enter the monastery premises. It is quite large and calm, I must say.
Tashiding Monastery
This monastery is about 35 kilometers from Pelling and 24 kilometers from Yuksom via interior road.Aalthough local drivers don’t like to drive on this road because of broken tarmac but look very beautiful. tashiding Monastery looks awesome and surrounded by greenary. Just take a step inside and feel peace from the inner soul.
Sangacholing Monastery
Sangacholing Monastery is at approx 1.5-kilometer walking distance from upper Pelling, rather trekking due to stiff and somewhat broken roads. During monsoon the pathway becomes very slippery, can be fatal while coming down. If you dare to reach the place, you will be welcomed with an fantastic top view. I got only a few minutes of clear sky hence can’t catch it on lens.
P.S. Sangacholing Monastery is very common looking, for the spectacular surrounding view only this trail is worth .
Khecheopalri Lake
This is a sacred lake for Buddhist and Hindu, located at approx 25 kilometers from Pelling. The lake is very clean and locals say that even if there is something fall on water either bird will take it or fish will eat it immediately. We have also witnessed that too.
P.S. Please don’t litter.
Singshore Bridge
This is something you can’t miss in Pelling. Singshore bridge is a suspension bridge at a height of 100 meters from the riverbed and length is approx 200 meters. Just walk the bridge and feel the suspension works. View from this point is very soothing. There were two stalls in 2015, they served good momos at a very cheap price. If you want to experience, can enjoy the short video below
Pelling Helipad
This helipad is opened for all to visit, being in an elevated location it offers a good view of the surrounding. During season, Pelling Helipad gets crowded early morning for Sunrise view of Kanchenjunga same as Tiger Hill Observatory near Darjeeling.
Rabdentse Ruin
Rabdentse was the second capital of Sikkim after Yuksom, located at a few meter distance from Pemayangtse Monastery. Certainly, the ancient palace ruin is one of the most popular places to visit in Pelling. You have to walk approx a kilometer through Jungle like a road to reach the place. Once you reach there, just experience the old memories. Once done, look a little far and if the sky is clear, you will see the magnificent view of Mt Kanchenjunga. In 2015, a bird sanctuary was about to build. Hopefully, that is completed and opened for the public.
Kanchenjunga falls
This falls looks great in & after the monsoon, the flow gets a boost by then. Although part of it can be seen from the road but just climb a few narrow stairs and soak yourself into the water spray.
Rimbi Falls
A small waterfall on the way to Yuksom, just a few kilometers away from Pelling. There was a small tea and noodles stall opposite to this fall, I just loved the Maggie there.
Phamrong Falls
This falls located near Yuksom at a distance of 7 kilometers approx, very beautiful natural flows look magnificent and properly match the surroundings.
There are few more attractions point nearby like, Yuksom Monastery, Rock garden, Dentam village, and recently opened Pelling Skywalk.
I am planning another Pelling tour very soon, after that I will update Pelling Skywalk mainly.
Transportation Options for Local Sightseeing
You need to book either private cab or share cab for local sightseeing. Ask your hotel manager for rates and compare with outside travels. Generally, there will be no difference.
All of them provide packages, don’t forget to ask lists of places they will take you.
ATM Service in Pelling
Only SBI ATM was available near Pelling Police Station while we visited the place, not sure about the current scenario. Although, I heard HDFC and AXIS bank ATM are also available in middle/lower Pelling.
I would advise to carry cash during your trip.
Suggested Itinerary for Pelling
People usually plan 2-3 days itinerary for Pelling. Obviously, you could plan your Pelling tour either in rush mode or in leisure.
- Reach Pelling, take rest.
- A day-long tour towards Yuksom, Rimbi falls, Kheceopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga falls, Rock garden, Yuksom Monastery, Phamrong Monastery and Tashiding Monastery (Generally driver charge more for this place or simply deny)
- Visit Singshore Bridge, Sangacholing Monastery, Pelling Helipad, Pemayangtse Monastery, and Rabdentse Ruin.
If you have time, you can leisurely divide Day 3 into two days and don’t miss the view Kanchenjunga during sunrise in your Pelling tour. There are many who visit Pelling again and again just to witness the sunrise view of Kanchenjunga.
P.S. All the information mentioned in the post, are based on our visit in June 2015. Road conditions may change in certain parts. To get the latest update on Sikkim, checkout official website here.
Related Post
Ultimate Gangtok Tour Guide
We often search, “hotels in Gangtok”, “Gangtok sightseeing”, “best time to visit Gangtok” or “which local food is a must-try in Gangtok”. If you are...
Rishikhola, a place not for city lovers
Rishikhola is also known as Reshi Khola derived its name after Reshi River and Khola means a place on the bank of a river. This...
Ravangla where peace is everything
If you are searching for a beautiful and calm place for your next holiday trip, here you got, Ravangla. It comes under Sikkim and getting...
Follow Us
Although, we are in a process to queue up the next post shortly. Till then subscribe to Rider Escaped Newsletter and connect with us on Social platforms to get future updates quicker.
Don’t forget to check out our detailed guides on other Sikkim and nearby places.
Certainly, if you loved the content, share this with your buddies. Also, if I missed out on anything do let me know in the comment section. I will include it in the post.
Thanks! Have a great day ahead.
Tell me
Isn’t this place tempting to plan your next trip? Let me know your thought about Pelling Tour Guide in the comment.
