Pelling is fast mushrooming pleasant town set at an altitude of 6,800ft is specially famous for its jaw dropping dawn view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The town is situated 133km away from Siliguri and 125km from Gangtok and well linked by bus and jeep services. Pelling is a popular tourist place and showcase Sikkim’s history, nature and culture. The town is covered with Alpine forests and swathed in clouds and surrounded by majestic peaks. It is a good place to view some of the mightiest peaks of the world, ranging from Koktang, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Kabru, Dom, Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Zopuna, Shimbho, Narsing, Siniyalchu and others. From Pelling one can opt for number of short walks, small trek routes and also serious mountain expedition to Koktang, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Kabru, Dom, Pandim, Zopuno, Shimbho, Narsing and Siniyalchu.

Sights And Activities

Pemayangtse Gompa
Pemayangtse literally means ‘Perfect Sublime Lotus’, founded by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the venerable Lamas to have performed the consecration ceremony of the first Chogyal (religious Monarch) of Sikkim. This ancient monastery belongs to the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and has been considered one of the most visited monasteries in Sikkim. The prayer hall is beautifully proportioned and its doors and windows are adorned with Tibetan motifs. Beautiful gardens and monk’s cottages have surrounded the monastery. There are several murals depicting multiple images of Guru Padmasambhava’s three headed form but the most striking one is on the top floor where Zan dog Palri is an astounding seven tiered model of Padmasambhava’s heavenly abode, made by a single lama over five laborious years. In the month of February/March losar is been celebrated by impressive chaam dance. The monastery is 25 minutes walk from upper Pelling and set on the hill top at an altitude of 6840 ft. Also a well furnished tourist lodge is located just across the monastery.

Sangachoeling Monastery
It is the second oldest Gompa in Sikkim, houses some beautiful murals and on a spectacular ridge top setting. It is located about 3km walk from Pelling. 10 km beyond Sangachoeling, a short trek through jungle lead you to Rani Dhunga or Queen’s Rock supposedly have mythological significance.

Rabdentse
Once the second capital of erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim, is now only reduced to ruins that lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from Pemayangtse monastery. There is not much to do and see but the spectacular view of across the valley and and the mystical heights of Kanchenjunga from the top of the ruins is something you surely don’t want to miss.

Khecheopalri Lake
This lake is sacred to local and covered by dense forest.

Darap
Darap is a small village, which can be reached by gentle day trip from Pelling. You will pass through many other small villages and Kanchenjunga go along to your right most of the way.