Top 10 Places to Visit in Pelling

Buddhist followers are in abundance in this small town, and so are the number of devotees who come to visit. If you want to douse yourself in spirituality, come on down to the Pemayangtse monastery. You will be in awe of the interiors, which beautifully complement the already magnificent view of the Himalayas outside. If you feel adventurous while you are here, go on the Rani Dhunga Jungle Trek that begins right from the monastery. And by chance, if you happen to be in town in February, don’t miss a chance to shake a leg with the locals at the Cham dance festival, which is celebrated here.

One of the gems of Pelling sightseeing is the wonder called Khecheopalri lake. So, when you are in the city of Pelling, make it a point to visit this lake. Revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike due to the sacred affiliations, the lake makes for a pristine frame, perfect for a postcard or picture for your wall back home. One of the many legends that make a visit here intriguing is the connection the water body has with the birds surrounding it. Locals say that these winged creatures are the protectors of the lake. So much so that they won’t let a single leaf linger on the waters. To take a look at this spectacle, you must visit this lake!

After you are done basking in the tranquil vibes that the Pemayangtse monastery exudes, walk over to the nearby remnants of a royal past. The Rabdentse ruins is a must-visit spot in Pelling as you can enjoy the magnificence of the Kanchendzonga range from here. Under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India, the ruins are all that remains of an erstwhile important city in Sikkim. There’s a history lesson for you here, so if you want to experience a pinch of the past, be sure to add this spot to your itinerary.

This one is a little away from the town. The Darap village, present at a distance of 8 km from the main city, is the ideal place to kick back and relax. The local culture of the people is always an interesting aspect for any place. Here too, village tourism has become quite popular. A stay in Darap can allow you to mingle with the Sikkimese people while sharing a roof and food from the same kitchen. Play games with children or churn some freshly made butter when you head here. Now you know why Darap village occupies a special place on the list of Pelling places to visit.

Animals are a delight everywhere. In Pelling, too, you get a chance to witness some rare and beautiful creatures at the Kanchenjunga National Park. The vastness of the bounty that is available in this park is immeasurable. From exotic birds and animals to breathtaking glaciers and forests, you find it all. Some of the animals you can find here include the Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Blue Sheep and the Red Panda. Apart from witnessing these great creatures, you can enrol yourself in one of the many trekking trails that go through the park. They offer an excellent opportunity to explore each nook and cranny of this great national park. So make sure you keep a day or two in hand for a visit here.

When we talk about the best spots to visit on a trip, a bridge doesn’t really come to mind, does it? But let us tell you that the Singshore Bridge is no ordinary bridge. It is Asia’s second-largest suspension bridge. While it does serve the purpose of any other bridge, it does it more beautifully. You can walk its long route to go from one beautiful gorge to another. You will be mesmerised by the sheer engineering of the spectacle and the picturesque scenery all around. You might even spot some gorgeous waterfalls if you spin on your toes a little. What’s more? A few steps away lies the Alpine Cheese factory, where you can indulge in some of the yummiest cheese that’s freshly made! So, now we know the many reasons why the bridge has become one of the most popular Pelling tourist places.

After a day’s sightseeing, you may need a little rest. So, to get a breather, head to the Sewaro Rock garden. It is the perfect place to take a break amidst nature and peaceful surroundings. You can spend a few minutes on the benches or take a leisurely stroll in the lush gardens. If you have a knack for photography, this place will give you perfect frames. What else? The many rock statues add to the already scenic place. Make sure to grab a hot cup of joe at the cafes in this garden!

Located above the Rimbi River, the Rimbi waterfall is one of the smallest of its kind in the state. Nonetheless, you will revel in the pretty picture that the water feature paints up. It is known as one of the best places to visit in Pelling, especially for recreational activities. That means spreading your arms out underneath the fall and clicking the ultimate picture for your Instagram or taking a dip into the cool waters. You can do it all without thinking twice. Trust us, spending an hour or two by these waters will surely take away all your tensions and make you feel relaxed.

A town within a town, Yuksom is known for its lush biodiversity and several monasteries. On the way to this part of Pelling, you will catch glimpses of many waterfalls like Rimbi, Kanchenjunga, and some more! If you are one with an adventurous spirit and always looking to quench your desire for the same, a trip here will surely put a smile on your face. Activities like rappelling, rock climbing, and trekking are more than enough to get that adrenaline rush going.

If you are looking to take a break from the busy city life, spending a few days at Kaluk will do you a lot of good. A sojourn at one of many homestays and interacting with the local village people can really rejuvenate you. You get to experience the cultures of Nepali, Bhutia, and Marwari settlers which forms the soul of Pelling. Some of the places you can visit here include the Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary and the Rinche pong monastery. We definitely think that the magical village of Kaluk makes for one of the best places to visit near Pelling. Go and check it out for yourself!

Already started planning your Pelling trip? Good! Don’t forget to keep this list with you and make the most out of your trip!