Things To Do In Pelling

Pelling is a spectacularly beautiful place, with an undulating landscape. It is very inviting, and if you have an adventurous streak, you will fall in love with it. Its water bodies, forests, lakes, waterfalls and wild life are enchanting. You will find so much to do in Pelling, it might not be possible to do it all in one trip!

The one thing that anybody who visits Sikkim must do is take a good look at Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain peak in the world located in both Nepal and Sikkim, defying man-made borders. The 8,586-metre peak is mesmerizing, and the view from Pelling is just stunning.

Here’s a list of other things you can do in Pelling.

You need to be in good physical shape to go for trekking in Pelling. The landscape is rugged and the treks are strenuous. But they are immensely enjoyable, and you will remember them for a long, long time. You can trek up to the Khecheopalri Lake, which is located 18 km away from Pelling. The lake is considered to be sacred by the locals and is surrounded by lush green hills and prayer flags. It is a full-day hike that will take you at least five hours. Another 1.5 km trek uphill will bring you to Khechiopalri Gumpa. 

Another place you can go to is Bhaley Dunga. It is a cliff top and from the top, you can see the mountains and the town of Yangang right below. You will need to go uphill amidst dense forests. You can then walk downhill to reach the Sangacholing Monastery, and from there, it is a 45-minute walk to reach Pelling.

While you are in Pelling, do go to see Sangachoeling monastery. It was built in the 16th century, and is one of the most important monasteries of the state of Sikkim. Accessible only by foot, it is a 45-minute walk from Pelling.

Lined with prayer flags, the monastery is very picturesque and peaceful. You can see lamas wearing red robes going about their daily routine.  It makes for some awesome pictures, but do remember to take permission before clicking within the premises.

Then there is the Pemayangtse monastery. The walls of this monastery are lined with murals that tell us about the history of Lamaism. This is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim which was founded, planned and designed by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1705. It was built by Lhatsun Chenpo in the 17th century. It was later enlarged during the reign of the third Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal. The Pemayangtse monastery controls all other monasteries of that order in Sikkim, following the Nyingma Order of Tibetan Buddhism. 

The Pelling helipad offers a breath-taking 360-degree view of the surrounding areas. Just a ten minute walk away from the Zero Point junction in Upper Pelling, with the Namchi's Char Dham looming in the distance, this isn't a bad way to spend the afternoon.