Pelling, at about 2,150 metres in the Gyalshing (West Sikkim) district, is best known for its close, uninterrupted view of Kanchenjunga and its neighbouring peaks. The town itself is small and mostly made up of hotels, but the area around it is rich in history: Rabdentse was the second capital of the Sikkimese kingdom, and Pemayangtse is one of the state's most important monasteries.
The things to do in Pelling include watching sunrise on the mountains, visiting Pemayangtse and Rabdentse, walking the glass skywalk at Sanga Choeling, and day trips to Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga Falls and Yuksom.
Two days is a comfortable length; keep a spare morning in case clouds hide Kanchenjunga.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Pelling travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Pelling
- Watch sunrise on Kanchenjunga
- Visit Pemayangtse Monastery
- Walk through the Rabdentse ruins
- Walk the Sanga Choeling skywalk
- See the sacred Khecheopalri Lake
- Visit Kanchenjunga Falls
- See Yuksom's coronation throne and Dubdi Monastery
- Walk around Rimbi and its orange orchards
Comparing hill stations? See our guide to hill stations in Sikkim.
Around Pelling
Watch sunrise on Kanchenjunga
From Pelling's ridge, many hotels and the helipad area face Kanchenjunga directly. At sunrise, the peak and its neighbours glow gold and pink. Views are clearest from October to December and March to May; clouds often gather by mid-morning.
- Best time
- Sunrise
- Good for
- Everyone
Visit Pemayangtse Monastery
Pemayangtse, founded in the early 18th century, is one of Sikkim's oldest and most important Nyingma monasteries. Its top floor holds Zangdok Palri, an elaborate carved wooden model of Guru Padmasambhava's heavenly palace, made by a single lama over several years.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
Walk through Rabdentse ruins
Rabdentse was the capital of the Chogyals from 1670 until the late 18th century. A forest walk leads to the stone ruins of the palace and chortens on a ridge, with views of Kanchenjunga and the valleys. The site is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Good for
- History lovers
Walk the skywalk
A glass-floored skywalk at Sanga Choeling leads to a large statue of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), with views over the valleys. Sanga Choeling Monastery, one of the oldest in Sikkim, is a steep walk above it.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Good for
- Families
Watch sunset from the helipad ground
The open helipad ground in upper Pelling is a popular local spot for sunset over the ridges and, on clear evenings, pink light on Kanchenjunga. It is an easy walk from most hotels.
- Best time
- Sunset
Lakes and waterfalls
See Khecheopalri Lake
Khecheopalri Lake, about 25 km from Pelling, is a sacred lake in a forest bowl, revered by Buddhists and Hindus as a wish-fulfilling lake. Locals say birds pick up any leaf that falls on its surface. A short walk leads to the water, with prayer flags and a small monastery. Behave quietly and do not touch the water.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
Visit Kanchenjunga Falls
Kanchenjunga Falls, on the road to Yuksom, is a tall waterfall that is at its fullest after the monsoon. Rimbi Falls and the river are nearby, and the area is known for orange orchards.
- Best time
- September to November
More around Pelling
Visit Sanga Choeling Monastery
Sanga Choeling, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, sits on a ridge above Pelling and is reached by a steep forest path. It is quiet and has fine views of Kanchenjunga.
- Good to know
- Steep climb; allow an hour
Walk to Rimbi and the orange orchards
Rimbi, below Pelling, has a river, a small waterfall and orange orchards that ripen in winter. It is a pleasant half-day outing, sometimes combined with Kanchenjunga Falls.
- Best time
- November to January for oranges
Cross the Singshore Bridge
The Singshore Bridge, a high suspension bridge over a deep gorge near Uttarey, is one of the highest in Sikkim and a popular stop for those driving further west.
See the Darap village
Darap, a Limboo village near Pelling, offers homestays, farm walks and a close look at village life and traditional food.
- Good for
- Slow travellers
Yuksom
See Norbugang and Dubdi Monastery
Yuksom, about 40 km from Pelling, is where the first Chogyal of Sikkim was crowned in 1642. The Norbugang Coronation Throne, a stone seat under a tree, marks the spot. Dubdi Monastery, a steep walk above the village, is one of the oldest in Sikkim, and Kathok Lake sits in the village.
- Time needed
- Half a day
Start a trek
Yuksom is the base for the Dzongri and Goecha La treks into Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Permits and a registered guide are required.
Things to do in Pelling by type of traveller
Couples: A mountain-facing room, sunrise from the balcony, and a quiet afternoon at Khecheopalri Lake.
Families: The skywalk, Kanchenjunga Falls and Pemayangtse.
History lovers: Rabdentse, Pemayangtse and Yuksom's Norbugang throne tell the story of the Sikkimese kingdom.
Trekkers: Use Pelling for acclimatisation and views before heading to Yuksom for the Dzongri or Goecha La trek.
What to do in Pelling with one day
Watch sunrise on Kanchenjunga, then visit Pemayangtse and walk to Rabdentse. After lunch, visit the skywalk and drive to Khecheopalri Lake for the afternoon.
Practical tips for Pelling
- Pelling is about five to six hours from Bagdogra and about four to five hours from Gangtok.
- Keep a spare morning for mountain views in case of clouds.
- Pelling itself does not need a special permit for Indian nationals.
- Carry warm clothes for early mornings.
- Hotels in upper Pelling have the best mountain views; ask for a Kanchenjunga-facing room.
Plan the rest of your Pelling trip
Pelling things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Pelling?
Watch sunrise on Kanchenjunga, visit Pemayangtse Monastery and the Rabdentse ruins, walk the skywalk, see Khecheopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga Falls, and visit Yuksom.
How many days are enough for Pelling?
Two days, with a spare morning for views.
What is the best time to see Kanchenjunga from Pelling?
October to December and March to May, in the early morning.
How far is Yuksom from Pelling?
About 40 km, around one and a half to two hours by road.
Is Pelling good for families?
Yes. The skywalk, Pemayangtse, Rabdentse and waterfalls are easy outings, and many hotels face Kanchenjunga.
Things to do near Pelling
- Things to do in Gangtok: Sikkim's capital
- Ravangla: Buddha Park in South Sikkim
- Things to do in Darjeeling: tea and the toy train
More things to do in Sikkim
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team · Last updated · How we research our guides
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