Tourist Places To Visit In Pelling

Pelling is a tranquil hill station in Sikkim that has much to offer to the tourist tribe. From the snow-capped Kanchenjunga range to the numerous monasteries, lakes, and waterfalls, there is something for everyone here. Here is a quick list of some of the best places you can visit in Pelling, from the famous Sanga Choeling Monastery to Rimbi Waterfall, down the Singshore Bridge and around the beautiful Sewaro Rock Garden. 

Built in the 17th century, the Sanga Choeling Monastery features high up in the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit. You can reach the monastery through rich forest cover and hilly terrain. The stunning view, once you reach there, makes the tough trek worth the effort. It is about 8.5 km away from the town of Pelling and is best visited on a clear summer day. The peace and quiet of this place calms you nothing else.

This is a great picnic spot, dotted with cool fountains, flowy streams and lush gardens. It is very scenic and lush, and a perfect spot to visit with family and friends. The best time to go to Sewaro Rock Garden is in the month of January as the Maghe Mela is held on the 14th of the month. Maghe Mela is a religious festival celebrated by the locals, during which people take a holy Bath in the stream. It is also known as Maghe Sankranti.

Singshore Bridge is the highest one in Sikkim, with an elevation of 198 m. It is also the highest gorge bridge in all of Asia. It offers tourists an unforgettable spectacle, encircled by lush green hills dotted with waterfalls. It is located at a distance of 28 km from the town of Pelling and can be easily reached by a car. You can plan a half day trip, go around the area and enjoy a walk down the bridge. 

Rimbi Waterfall is a beautiful and inviting spot. The water glitters in the sun, and you can spend your time here fishing and swimming. You can try to spot the Assala, a kind of fish found only here. You can visit Rimbi waterfall any time of the year, be it summer or winter. But you might want to avoid it during the monsoon season as the volume of water increases greatly during this time. However, it looks more beautiful than ever, and if you do decide to go during the monsoon, just be very careful.

Located 30 km away from Pelling town, the Kanchenjunga Fall is one of the most famous waterfalls of Sikkim. You can hear the rapids from a distance as the Himalayan stream gushes down with great force. It is an hour away from Pelling, and even the rocky path that leads to the waterfall is quite scenic. You will surely enjoy the journey to the waterfall. If you are the adventurous kind, you can go rope sliding here which can prove to be an experience of a lifetime. As with any waterfall in Sikkim, try to visit after the monsoon. During the monsoon, it can get a bit overwhelming.

The Rabdentse Ruins are located in Sikkim’s second capital that was active from 17th to 19th Century. Today, only broken chunks of buildings stand here, half dead spectators of the siege of the Gurkhas. The Kanchendzonga ranges form a protective set of sentries and make this place beyond beyond beautiful. You must not miss the opportunity to explore these ruins when in Sikkim. A short walk away from here is the Pemayangtse Monastery, so many tourists prefer to hike up and down for sightseeing.

Pemayangtse Monastery stands across the Sangachoeling Monastery in Pelling, and is as important a shrine as the latter. The ancient feel of Pemayangtse adds to the charm, transporting you back to the 1700s. Tibet's Nyingma sect runs this monastery and its architecture is also an ode to this branch of Buddhism. With endearing sculptures, paintings, wall carvings and statues, this monastery is worth perusing. With a natural setting that flourishes with seasons, the manmade beauty of Pemayangtse Monastery is only just enhanced. There is a Rani Dhunga Jungle Trek which kickstarts from this monastery, while you can also plan your visit in February to enjoy the Cham Dance Fest here.

Another monastery run by Nyingmas, the Tashiding Monastery forms a significant stop in the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit in this region. The shrine straddles Rangeet River and Rathong chu, and is one of the holiest in all of Sikkim. Meditation is highly coveted here by tourists, but you can also hire a guide or take a local along to hear stories of legends and myths of the region. Celebration of the Bhumchu festival is very grand here, so make sure you are around for that.

Locally famous as Kha-Chot-Palri, Lake Khecheopalri is a gift of nature to Pelling. It lies near the main town and makes for a very attractive tourist spot. Both, Buddhists and Hindus find this lake holy, with innumerable ancient legends associated with it. From Lord Shiva to Guru Padmasambhava, stories abound. There is a hill nearby by the same name which is also considered sacred. Or if you are just into beauty and tranquility then sitting by this lake or walking along the bamboo forests surrounding it is perfect.

Kaluk, a little hamlet in the hills of Sikkim, is home to an eclectic mix of Marwari, Bhutia and Nepali inhabitants. This gives it a unique culture and energy, flipping it completely away from the commercial hustle and bustle of cities and towns. The leisure vibe of Kaluk is enhanced by its hospitality in the form of quaint cottages and home-stays in the middle of forests and mountains. Walk through rhododendron meadows and pray at one of the oldest monasteries around. Hikes are also pretty good here.

A popular tourist town near Pelling, Yuksom is home to waterfalls and monasteries, adventure as well camp stays. You can visit Rimbi waterfalls, Phamrong Falls and the famous Kanchenjunga Falls. Indulge in rappelling, rock climbing and hiking to get that thrill flowing in your veins. There are Rabdentse Ruins as well as Rathong Chu River, Khecheopalri Lake and Yuksom-Dzongri trek. All either located in Yuksom, or starting from here.

Ravangla, another little town in Sikkim, lies very close to Pelling. It falls on the way from Gangtok to Pelling and is populated by tourists in most good seasons. Summer months are the busiest here, especially April onwards. There are forests alive with exotic birds chirping their songs, from cuckoos and babblers, thrushes and satyr tragopan. Rhododendrons carpet the forest floor in summers, adding a pop of colour to all the greens, with orchids sprouting out at every nook. Hikes, treks, rock climbing, rappelling etc are highly indulged here, while those who are not into adventure can visit the many mountains around for great views.

Darap Cherry Village, situated around 8 km from Pelling, is a quaint little settlement where the Limboo Community of Sikkim lives with the Chettris, Rais, Bhutias, Gurungs and Tamangs. The place is a natural aesthetic getaway, known for the hospitable locals. You get to rent a homestay, enjoy some downtime with the local kids, play games with them, hike with the adventurers, lie on the bank by the river, make butter with the housewives and enjoy a solitude that only comes with this kind of a life.

Located 10 km from Pelling, Changey Waterfall attracts tourists for its beautiful fall from 300 m above. Located inside a thick jungle of leaves and birds, this waterfall stands between many small villages. Hikes lead people here, and many rappelling enthusiasts also come here to cool down. You can simply visit to sit by the pool and soak in the scenery.

One of THE best tourist places to visit when in Pelling — the Kanchenjunga National Park is magnificent and fun. There are green lush forests in summer, and also icy glaciers in winter here, exotic fauna as well as some rare species. The looming beauty of Kanchenjunga ranges adds to the greatness of this park. Trekking is very famous in the area, with many a trails passing through here, from Bakim-Dzongri to Yuksom - Tshoka – Dzongri, and Dzongri Base Camp - Rathong – Khangerteng.