Nestled in the small mountainous state of Sikkim, Pelling is a lovely hill station holding its unique charm of elegance and serenity. The imperiously beautiful & undulating landscape of this placid town is an exceptional appeal which pulls a large portion of tourists in every preceding year. Besides the heavenly enchanting views of Kanchenjunga and natural bounties, the quaint region of Pelling also boasts of some ethereal sightseeing places, Himalayan flora & faunas, historical ruins, and some enticing adventure activities. So, if you want to take a break from the monotony of your life and make your way to the ocean of calmness, Pelling is your place. Below is a list of few best things to do in Pelling you should bookmark.
1. Pemayangtse Monastery- The heavenly abode of Guru Rimpoche
- Location: The monastery is at a distance of only 1 km from Pelling.
- Opening hours: 9am to 6pm.
- Entry: Free
- Attractions: The seven-tiered model of Guru Rimpoche, ancient Buddhist antique idols, religious art, and thangkas.
- Access: One can take regular buses or hire private taxis from Geyzing.
- Best time to visit: During colorful Cham Festival (Jan-Feb).
2. Share some good moments with the local communities at Darap Village
- Location: 8 km away from Pelling on the way to Kecheopalri Lake and Yuksom.
- Attractions: Sightseeing, hiking to Yuksom and Khecheopalri, mountain biking, bird watching, Yuma Meditation Centre and traditional homestays.
- Access: Darap is easily accessible through shared jeeps from any major town in Sikkim.
- Best time to visit: March to June.
3. Singshore Bridge- The upcoming Bungee Jumping station
- Location: 5 km away from Pelling.
- Opening hours: Any suitable time during the day.
- Entry: Free
- Nearby attractions: Sightseeing places such as the Alpine cheese factory, Uttarey village, Kangchendzonga waterfalls, Rabdentse ruins, Sewaro Rock Garden, Darap Subba Village and many more.
- Access: In order to reach Singshore Bridge, one can either get onto buses/shared jeeps from Gangtok up to Pelling and then trek to the bridge or can even hire a private taxi to directly reach the bridge.
- Best time to visit: June to August.
4. Spend some time underneath the pitch blue sky at Sewaro Rock Garden-
- Location: 12 km away from Pelling.
- Opening hours: 8 am to 7 pm daily.
- Entry: Free
- Attractions: The site makes a perfect picnic spot with the lush green landscape of garden enriched with well-groomed trees, lovely manicured flower fields and a few added charms such as swimming pools, and well-stocked cafeterias.
- Access: One can board private taxis or take shared jeeps from Pelling to reach Sewaro rock Garden thereby exploring the nearby attractions.
- Best time to visit: March to May.
5. Kanchenjunga Waterfall- You will definitely fall in love with the milky stream
- Location: 25 km from Pelling.
- Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm. However being a perpetual waterfall, it can be visited at any time during the day.
- Entry: Free
- Nearby attractions: Sangaychoeling Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins. Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, Khecheopalri Lake, Singshore Suspension Bridge.
- Access: One can board private taxis/shared jeeps from Gangtok to reach Pelling. The waterfall is then only a few distances away.
- Best time to visit: During the summer months from March to May.
6. Rimbi Waterfall- Get drenched with the cascading falls
- Location: It is situated at a distance of 12 km from Pelling and just 5 km from Darap village.
- Opening hours: At any time during the day.
- Entry: Free
- Attractions: Waterfall, fishing sports, picnic and view point that offers breathtaking natural landscapes.
- Access: Rimbi waterfall is easily accessible by hiring taxis from Pelling.
- Best time to visit: During the summer months from March to May.
7. Trek to Khecheopalri- A sacred wishing lake
- Location: West Sikkim.
- Opening hours: 6 am to 6 pm.
- Entry fee:
- Attractions: The peaceful ambiance of the surroundings and myths associated with the lake. The outline of the lake resembles the footmark of Goddess Tara.
- Access: Khecheopalri Lake is easily accessible through regular buses or via private taxis from Geyzing, West Sikkim district.
- Best time to visit: The Lake can be visited at any time throughout the year but especially during the festival of Maghe Purne organized in March/April.
8. Visit Rabdentse Ruins to get a glimpse of Sikkim’s history
- Location: Close to Pemayangtse Monastery, West Sikkim.
- Opening hours: 8 am to 5 pm.
- Entry: Free
- Attractions: Palace ruins overlooking the magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjunga.
- Access: One can easily walk down from Pemayangtse Monastery or even drive from Geyzing, it is approximately 3 km before you reach Pelling.
- Best time to visit: During the winter months from November to February.
So, how does Pelling seem to you? Isn’t it fascinating, well you will be more surprised when you’ll actually endure the above-mentioned points.