Pelling is a lovely town in West Sikkim known for its stunning views of Kanchenjunga peak and the Himalayas. Pelling, located at a high height of 6800ft, is a perfect site to see Himalayan vistas without experiencing the roughness of the high mountains. Aside from mountain treks, this is the closest view available. Pelling, located 115 kilometers from Gangtok, is well-known for its cultural richness and history.
Pelling has justifiably emerged as the second most popular tourist destination in Sikkim, after Gangtok. It has a lot to offer nature lovers, culture buffs, and urban travelers, and it’s the perfect cool summer holiday destination. In terms of construction, it consists of a few roads surrounded by hotels and homestays with views of the Kanchenjunga. However, as you leave the main town, you will find monasteries, waterfalls, temples, and lakes nearby. Nature reveals itself in all its grandeur surrounding Pelling.
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Best time to visit Pelling
The best time to visit Pelling is during the warmer months (March-May). Winters in this steep terrain are chilly, with landslides and heavy snowfall. Autumn is also a pleasant time to visit, with its own set of autumnal colors. The fall season lasts from October through November. Winter begins in December. The monsoon season is the most adverse, since the area experiences significant rains and many roads are blocked.
Tradition and Culture
Pelling is home to individuals of many nationalities. The bulk of the population is Bhutia, who have a historic relationship with some of the area’s old monasteries. Lepchas live in the nearby communities. Limboos, the indigenous people, Chhettris, Nepalis, and their sub-castes are among the various groups that dwell in and around Pelling.
The majority of residents in Pelling rely on agriculture for a livelihood. Double-story traditional residences with walled kitchen gardens that open to fields are widespread along Pelling’s roadways. Small residences placed on hilltops contribute to the area’s lovely environment.
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How To Reach
By Road
Tourists that choose to go by car to Pelling are guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Road travel provides more freedom in terms of destination travel as it allows you to stop where you want to. When you have to arrive at Siliguri, the trek towards Pelling starts.
Once you get in Siliguri, you may continue on to Pelling, which is 126 kilometers away. It can take around 4 hours and 40 minutes to get there. Additionally, direct bus services between Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus and Pelling are available.
By Train
The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP), which is located 9.5 kilometers from Siliguri, is the closest train station to Pelling. You may take a private taxi to Pelling after arriving at NJP. Since there is only one direct bus to Pelling, you must make sure to arrive early. Once again, there are other routes that may be taken from Siliguri, such the 82.2 km-distance to Jorethang.
Additionally, there is a direct bus from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus to Jorethang, which leaves at 2 and 3 PM and takes between 3 and 4 hours to arrive. You will then need to drive an additional 44.6 kilometers, or around 1 hour and 30 minutes, after arriving in Jorethang.
By Air
The nearest airport to Pelling is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), located at a distance of 137 km and at a distance of 11.8 km from Siliguri. Being the second busiest airport in West Bengal, it helps in connecting national cities around India such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow and others.
After reaching Bagdogra Airport, you can hire a taxi to Pelling, which will take around 4 hours and 50 minutes to cover a distance of 137 km between the two destinations. You also have the choice for travelling to Pelling directly through bus, which will depart from Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus at 2 PM and 3 PM.
There is also an airport located at Pakyong, situated at a distance of 111 km, which will require a travel time of 4 hours and 22 minutes. However, it is operational for a specific tenure, depending on the weather conditions.
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Sightseeing & Activities
Pelling is one of Sikkim’s towns with plenty of activities and places to visit. The most renowned landmarks are must-sees for the rushed tourist, but the more leisurely traveller should spend a few days to see all the town has to offer.
Pemayangtse Monastery
One of Sikkim’s oldest monasteries, Pemayangtse Monastery is situated in Upper Pelling. The major town is located two kilometers away from the monastery. The term Pemayangtse refers to one of the four plexuses in the human body and means “perfect sublime lotus.” In 1705, the Pemayangtse monastery was established.
The monastery was first constructed in a modest space and then subsequently expanded during the rule of the third Chogyal, Chakdor Namgyal. The monastery oversees all other Sikkimese monasteries that adhere to the same Tibetan Buddhist approach as the Nyingma Order.
Perched on a hill with a view of Pelling’s other well-known location, the Rabdentse Ruins, is the Pemayangtse Monastery. The three stories of the monastery are home to the well-known collections of statues, idols, and Buddhist texts. The monastery’s amazing seven worn-out replicas of Guru Padmasambhava’s heavenly home at Zangtok Parli are its main attraction. There is a beautifully kept garden just next to the monastery. From the monastery, one can see the magnificent Mt. Kanchendzonga.
The Monastery charges an entrance fee of twenty rupees and is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
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Singshore Bridge
It’s a feat of engineering, holding the title of Sikkim’s tallest bridge, even Asia’s second highest. With a height of about 100 metres and a span of 200 metres, its grandeur is hard to miss. Around, mountains draped in lush greenery stretch out, forming a stunning backdrop. And the views? Simply breathtaking!
Kanchenjunga Falls
A gem amongst Sikkim’s scenic falls, this keeps flowing year-round. Famed and favorite, it’s nestled just 28 kilometers from Pelling. Entry requires a fee. Here, you’ll find bustling businesses and local sellers. Surrounded by a canyon carved by the river’s force, this fall stands as a sight to behold, potentially topping in size.
Khecheopalri Lake
Widespreadly known as “Khecheopalri,” this name springs from a misinterpretation of “Kha-Chot-Palri.” This term signifies the “heaven of Padmasambhava.” Nestled in a small village named after it, the lake holds divinity for both Hindus and Buddhists. Being renowned as a “wish-granting” lake, it’s a crowd-puller for tourists. It features prominently on the Buddhist spiritual journey map in Sikkim. A unique feature of the lake is its ever-clean surface. No leaf is spotted on the liquid expanse, courtesy of the birds in the area.
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Sanga Choeling Monastery
Sanga Choeling, a historic monastery close to Pelling, was established by Lama Lhatsün Chempo in the 1600s. It sits atop a ridge and can be reached by a 4km uphill trek. This path offers lovely views of mountains, trees, and nature. Although a fire once damaged it, the monastery is fully restored now. Buddhists consider it sacred and you can often see pilgrims here. Inside, stunning paintings and unique 17th century clay sculptures can be admired.
Tashiding Monastery
There’s this Buddhist monastery in Sikkim held in deep respect. Its start traces back to 1641, thanks to Ngadak Sempa Chempo Phunshok Rigzing. It has ties to the Nyingma style of Tibetan Buddhism. Ngadak had significant roles, like helping name the first leader of Sikkim. Therefore, people greatly respect this monastery.
Rabdentse Ruins
Rabdentse Ruins are places of historical interest, perfect for those into history. From 1670 to 1814, Rabdentse was the second capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim, before it merged with India. A Gurkha attack reduced it to ruins. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India regards it as nationally important.
It is well-kept part of a Buddhist sacred route. You can reach it via a 1.2-kilometer hike on hilly paths. Today, only traces of foundations and some broken walls exist. However, a visit to these ruins can spark an explorer’s curiosity, painting a picture of the ancient kingdom’s grandeur. Features include a platform where judgments were given, the king’s seat, and remains of the royal family’s house.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, Pelling, hidden in the Himalayas, gives a striking mix of pure allure, cultural variety, and calm spirituality. It’s a spot that pledges amazing moments, from peaceful monasteries to awe-inspiring views of mountains. Tourists who visit Pelling bring back not only valuable memories but also a deep appreciation for its untouched elegance and invaluable cultural heritage.
Hope this Pelling Travel Guide will help you to injoy your trip
Also Read : Geyzing Trave Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for Pelling?
Spend the night at the hotel. Following breakfast, begin a half-day tour of the Pelling area, taking in the Changay Water Falls, the second-highest hanging bridge in the world, the lovely Sikkim town of Dentam Bazaar, and the second-oldest monastery in Sikkim, Pemayangtse Monastery.
Is Pelling worth a visit?
Yes, Pelling will provide you with a variety of prominent spots if you have an interest in the architecture of former monasteries and appreciate the outdoors.
What is the Speciality of Pelling?
Less than a kilometer away, the well-known Pemayangste monastery is a popular tourist destination. Apart from being the starting point for many hikes in the area, Pelling offers locations for rock climbing, mountain biking, village excursions, and meditations.
Which is better upper or lower Pelling?
The higher pricing are likely due to the fact that Upper Pelling has a superior view of the Kanchenjunga. You can see the third-highest mountain peak in the world unhindered from the area close to the Pelling helipad in upper Pelling.
Is Pelling a hill station?
In Sikkim, India’s Gyalshing district sits the hill station known as Pelling. Nestled at a height of 7,200 feet (2,150 meters), sits Pelling. The settlement is situated 131 miles from Gangtok and 10 km from Gyalshing city, which serves as the district seat.
