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Pelling

Pelling

hill station · Sikkim

Pelling is a hill town in western Sikkim known for its close-up views of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak.

State
Sikkim
Type
Hill Station

Pelling is a hill town in western Sikkim known for its close-up views of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak. Set amid forested ridges, it is a base for the historic Pemayangtse and Sanga Choling monasteries, the ruins of Rabdentse (a former Sikkimese capital), and the dramatic glass Skywalk at Chenrezig.

When to go

March to May and October to December offer the clearest mountain views; winters are cold but crisp and spring brings rhododendron blooms.

Why visit

Wake up to sweeping Kanchenjunga sunrises, visit centuries-old monasteries, and explore waterfalls, the Rabdentse ruins and the vertigo-inducing Skywalk.

Cultural notes

Pelling sits in the historic heart of Sikkim; Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest in the state, and nearby Rabdentse was a former royal capital.

How to reach

By Road: Pelling is about 110 km from Gangtok and 130 km from Siliguri, reached by shared or private vehicles on mountain roads. By Air and Train: Bagdogra airport and New Jalpaiguri railway station near Siliguri are the nearest major gateways.

3 days in Pelling

Take the whole plan, or add any single stop.

Day 1

Day 1

Pelling Skywalk & Chenrezig statue

Pelling Skywalk & Chenrezig statue

Day 1

Pemayangtse monastery

Pemayangtse monastery

Day 1

Kanchenjunga sunrise from upper Pelling

Kanchenjunga sunrise from upper Pelling

Day 2

Day 2

Khecheopalri wishing lake

Khecheopalri wishing lake

Day 2

Kanchenjunga & Rimbi waterfalls

Kanchenjunga & Rimbi waterfalls

Day 2

Darap village walk

Darap village walk

Day 3

Day 3

Rabdentse palace ruins trail

Rabdentse palace ruins trail

Day 3

Sanga Choeling monastery hike

Sanga Choeling monastery hike

Day 3

Local Limboo lunch

Local Limboo lunch

Pelling guide & itineraries

Pelling is perfect for

couplesnatureheritage

Shopping

Small shops sell Sikkimese handicrafts, prayer flags, local cheese (churpi) and organic produce.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pelling famous for?
Its up-close views of Kanchenjunga, historic monasteries like Pemayangtse, the Rabdentse ruins and the glass Skywalk at Chenrezig.
How far is Pelling from Gangtok?
About 110 km, or roughly a four to five hour drive on mountain roads.

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