Pelling is one of the best tourist places to visit in Sikkim that you must explore. The beautiful Himalayas surround Pelling, a lovely town in Sikkim. Its stunning scenery, rich culture, and peaceful atmosphere make it hard to stay away. If you love nature, are looking for spirituality, or are looking for exciting things to do, Pelling has a lot to offer that will make your trip memorable.
Places to visit in Pelling include Pemayangtse Monastery, Cascading Rimbi Waterfall, Sparkling Changey Waterfall, Kanchenjunga National Park, etc.
This detailed guide lists the best places to visit in Pelling, describes the fun things you can do there, and gives you an idea of how much each place will cost.
Top Places to Visit In Pelling
If you plan to visit Pelling and look for top tourist attractions in Pelling, you are at the correct place. Here is the list of the best things to do in Pelling.
1. Pemayangtse Monastery
One of Sikkim’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, Pemayangtse Monastery, which dates back to the 1600s, is highly regarded. There are tall mountains all around it, so it has excellent views and is a peaceful escape from city life.
Exquisite paintings and sculptures decorate the three-story building with religious and historical items. Its Tibetan name, “Perfect Sublime Lotus,” which means “purity and divinity,” shows how important it is as a center for the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Location: Located in Pelling, a western town about 154 kilometers from Gangtok, this lake is about 24 kilometers from Pemayangtse Monastery.
- How To Reach: The trekking trail from Pelling to Khecheopalri takes approximately 5 hours to reach the lake.
- The Best Time To Go: The greatest months to visit the lake are October to May; the best season is winter, which lasts from October to February.
- Pemayangtse Monastery Opening and Closing Hours: It is open all day from Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fees for Pemayangtse Monastery: For Adults- INR 20 and Child – Free
2. Cascading Rimbi Waterfall
The beautiful Cascading Rimbi Waterfall is 12 km from Pelling. Dense forests and orange fields surround it. Both locals and tourists love this place; it’s great for picnics and quiet walks.
The well-kept gardens and interesting rock formations at Rimbi Rock Garden next door are also very appealing. The smell of citrus trees makes you want to walk slowly through the gardens, where vendors sell fresh oranges. It’s a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature’s hug. It is one of the most popular places in Pelling to visit.
- Location: Approximately 5 kilometers from Pelling in West Sikkim district.
- How To Reach: A shared jeep or state-run bus from Gangtok to Pelling will transport you to Singshore Bridge; the distance between the two is around 129 kilometers, and it takes about 4.5 hours to get there from Pelling.
- The Best Time to Go: The greatest time to visit is in the summer, from March to May when the weather is beautiful.
- Timings: The visitation hours are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
- Charges / Entry Fee: There are no entry charges.
3. Sparkling Changey Waterfall
This one is another waterfall close to Dentam village. It’s a beautiful waterfall that drops happily from about 300 meters high. The lush grass and verdant glory around it add to its pure beauty.
People from Pelling can easily get to Changey Waterfall, which is a popular spot for both visitors and locals. The viewing point is close to the main road, and it only takes a short walk from the parking lot to get there.
- Location: Approximately 12 kilometers from Pelling.
- How To Reach: A hired taxi/cab, public transit, or shared taxi will take you to Changey Waterfall from Pelling, passing through magnificent landscapes with breathtaking views of Sikkim’s hills and valleys.
- The Best Time to Go: Throughout the year, avoid the monsoon season, which runs from June to September.
- Entry Fees– Free
4. Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park, also known as the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Khangchendzonga National Park is also a famous tourist place in Pelling for people who love nature. This park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a lot of different plants and animals, including the hard-to-find snow leopard.
Its stunning landscapes and endless trekking possibilities let tourists enjoy the pristine beauty of the Himalayas and the thrill of seeing rare animals. Going to Kanchenjunga National Park will be a journey you’ll never forget, and it will give you a chance to connect with nature in its purest form.
- Address: It is located in North Sikkim.
- How To Reach: The Siliguri Junction in New Jalpaiguri is the closest railhead to the Khangchendzonga National Park, located approximately 50 kilometers from Gangtok and 40 kilometers from Pelling.
- Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM.
- The Best Time to Go: It is between March and May, as well as September and mid-December is the best time to visit Kanchenjunga National Park, Pelling.
- Ticket Price of Khangchendzonga Park: The ticket price for Indians is 200 Rs. per person and for foreigners, the entry fee is around 400 Rs. and for students price is 40 Rs. to enter the Kanchenjunga National Park. (Prices may change from time to time)
5. The Cultural Melting Pot of Yuksom
Yuksom is a town in Pelling that has many great places to see. It is full of temples and wildlife. It has a lot of historical importance. In 1642 AD, the first Chogyal, Phuntsog Namgyal, made Yuksom the capital of Sikkim.
It is now the starting point for many walks in the area. Here is where the dangerous but well-known Kanchenjunga Trek begins, which is why this place is called the “Gateway to Kangchendzongha.” The views of Kanchenjunga’s third-highest mountain peak, which is very close, are stunning.
- Location: Geyzing is a subdivision of West Sikkim district in Sikkim, a state in northeast India.
- How To Reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal’s Siliguri district, which is around 159 km from Yuksom and takes about 6-7 hours by road.
- The Best Time to Go: March to June; September to October.
- Charges/ Entry Fee: There are no entry fees.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, Pelling is a great place to go on vacation if you want a fantastic experience. It has beautiful scenery, a fascinating history, and exciting activities. Something special is in store for everyone in Pelling, whether you love nature, excitement, or culture. Take your bags, go on a trip to Pelling, and make experiences that will last a lifetime.
Read also: Places to Visit in Sikkim
Lachen is a famous town in North Sikkim with several attractions, including Green Lake, the Lachen Monastery, Chopta Valley, and more.
The greatest time to see the thunderous Kanchenjunga Waterfall is from October to February. A favorite destination for travelers visiting Pelling is the stunning waterfall.
Some of the greatest restaurants in Pelling that serve delectable food are Lotus Bakery, Sakchum Al Restaurant, Melting Point Restaurant, and Hotel Dubdi.
Some of the greatest locations in Pelling where you can purchase handcrafted goods and souvenirs, colorful woolen scarves, Tibetan ornaments, and local spices include Rinchenpong Bazaar, Bermiok Bazaar, and Rural Artisan Marketing Center.
The distance between Pelling and Gangtok is 120 kilometers. It is reachable in five to six hours by car.
There are many places to visit in Pelling and it is mostly famous for mountain biking, rock climbing, village tours, meditation, etc.
