PELLING - West Sikkim

Around 10 kms from Gyalshing (District Headquarter), Pelling is today emerging as the second biggest tourist destination in the state after Gangtok. The main attraction is the breathtaking view it offers of the Kanchenjunga and surrounding ranges, as well as the easy access it provides to tourist spots in the area. Pemayangtse monastery is less than a kilometer from Pelling, while a 40 minute walk on the hill opposite the monastery takes you to Sanga Choling Monastery built in 1697, one of the first in the state. Pelling’s serene environment and picturesque setting is perfect for nice nature walks and small treks. 

Note : Being a border state and for some other reasons special permission is to be taken for Indian ( to some areas of Sikkim ). Foreign tourists visiting Sikkim needs to have an Indian Visa. In addition they need a special Inner Line Permit.

Interesting to See at Pelling :

Pemayangtse Monastery : Pemayangtse Monastery Founded in 1705, one of the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim. Pemayangtse literally means 'Perfect Sublime Lotus'. This monastery belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect. The three-storied building of the monastery houses a good collection of wall paintings and sculptures. On the third floor of the monastery, there is a seven-tiered painted wooden model of the abode of Guru Rimpoche, complete with rainbows, angels and the whole panoply of Buddha and bodhisattva. In January/ February every year, a religious dance called 'Cham' is performed in Pemayangtse. 

Sangachoeling Monastery : Sangachoeling Monastery was Built in 1697, is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. Located on the top of the mountain behind the town of Pelling. The distance to the monastery from Pelling is about 3 km. The road is not motorable and one needs to take a 45 minutes walk through a quite path to reach the monastery. The effort of the uphill walk is well rewarded with great views of Pelling and surrounding mountains including great views of Mount Kanchenjunga that can be seen from the monastery compound.

Khechepalri Lake : Khechepalri Lake is considered one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim. Khechepalri is a 1.5 hour journey ( 26 kms.) from Pelling by road. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. 

Rabdantsey Ruins : This was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksam and till the year 1814 A.D., the king of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today, the Rabdentse ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from Pelling and the Pemayangtse monastery. It can be approached by following a footpath which branches off the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruin scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Khangchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.  

 

How to Reach :

By Air : The nearest airport is Bagdogra (IXB).The distance is 155 Kms approx from Bagdogra to Pelling.

By Rail : The nearest rail is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). The distance is 140 Kms approx from New Jalpaiguri to Pelling.

By Road : After arrive at airport / station hire Private Car or Taxi is the easy way to reach at Pelling. Regular car services are also available from New Jalpaiguri / Bagdogra.

Accommodation : “Eco Trails” deals with some of the best Hotel and Resort in Pelling. Pelling provides a delightful alternative in the form of its numerous tourist resorts and hotels. Depending on your budget you can chose Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Standard Hotel. Many budget hotels are also have available offer in suites, deluxe/ semi-deluxe/ budget rooms and make you enjoy a reasonable and comfortable stay.  

Food : You can choose your own Food Plan in your trip to Pelling. There are 04 optioned are available – i) European Plan ( EP ) – Room Only Basis. ii) Continental Plan ( CP ) - Room including with Breakfast only basis. iii) Modified American Plan ( MAP ) – Room including with Breakfast and either Lunch or Dinner. iv) American Plan ( AP ) - Room including Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Activities : Nature Walk, Pelling Sight Seeing, Bird Watching, Shopping Experience, Ethnic Food .

Attraction : Pemayangtse Monastery,Sangachoeling Monastery,Khecheopalri Lake,Rabdantsey Ruins,Panoramic view of Mt. Kanchenjunga,Bird Watching,Nature Walk