If Gangtok is what comes to your mind when we speak of Sikkim, you probably know very little about the state. Of course, Gangtok is a beautiful city with multiple tourist attractions. However, Sikkim is full of unique and unexplored gems, such as Zuluk, Yumthang Valley, and Tsomgo Lake. Pelling is one such off-the-beaten-track destination in the North East. Let’s do a deep dive into the art, culture, cuisine, shopping scene, and tourist attractions of Pelling so you can understand why this peaceful hamlet is a must-visit destination.
If you’re looking for Pelling tour packages, please call us or send a message on Instagram.
If Gangtok is what comes to your mind when we speak of Sikkim, you probably know very little about the state. Of course, Gangtok is a beautiful city with multiple tourist attractions. However, Sikkim is full of unique and unexplored gems, such as Zuluk, Yumthang Valley, and Tsomgo Lake. Pelling is one such off-the-beaten-track destination in the North East. Let’s do a deep dive into the art, culture, cuisine, shopping scene, and tourist attractions of Pelling so you can understand why this peaceful hamlet is a must-visit destination.
If you’re looking for Pelling tour packages, please call us or send a message on Instagram.
Pelling is a town – or rather, a hill station – located in West Sikkim in the Gyalshing district of the state. The tourism sector in Sikkim began to develop properly during the late 20th century. It was after the 1980s that tourists began to explore the hidden gems in the region. The tourism department in Pelling initially catered to adventure seekers who wished to explore the less-visited territories of the Himalayan region. This included experiencing the magic of the Kanchenjunga, which you can see from Pelling. With time, the government began to invest in better road connectivity and better infrastructure, thereby inviting more tourists to the area. Furthermore, the natural beauty of Sikkim and its peaceful environment in the form of monasteries and the Buddhist culture made it even more fascinating. The hospitality sector of Pelling was enhanced further by both the public and private sectors of the region as tourism began to generate more revenue. This included the development of more resorts, hotels, and homestays. In the current scenario, Pelling continues to attract travellers with its lush greenery, rich cultural heritage, Sikkimese cuisine, and so much more.
If you’d like to explore Sikkimese culture, check our Sikkim tour packages. For a comprehensive tour of the North East region, check our North East India tour packages.
| Category | Details |
| Town | Pelling |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| High season | March to May |
| State Flower of Sikkim | Noble orchid |
| Standard Voltage | 230 volts |
| State Animal of Sikkim | The red panda |
| Languages | Official: Nepali and Sikkimese ; unofficial: Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu |
| Famous Tourist Attractions | Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Kanchenjunga Falls, Khecheopalri Lake, Rimbi Waterfalls, Kanchenjunga National Park |
| Things To Do | Birdwatching, ziplining, trekking, bungee jumping |
| Famous Food | Momos, thukpa, sel roti, gundruk |
| Quick Getaways From Pelling | Gangtok, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Siliguri, Yuksom |
| Souvenirs To Buy | Tibetan carpets, thangkas, Sikkimese tea, prayer flags |
There are numerous reasons to book Travel Guru’ Pelling tour packages, and some of them are as follows:
The natural beauty of Pelling will leave you spellbound. Depending on the time you visit, you will probably come across the town being embraced by mist and thick clouds, lending the region a cosy ambience. During the winter season, Pelling transforms into a winter wonderland, allowing you to see its snow-capped mountains. You can visit the Khangchendzonga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to exotic and unique species of wildlife. Last, but definitely not the least, Pelling offers spectacular views of the Kanchenjunga, which is the third-highest mountain in the world.
Have you always wanted to go trekking in the mountains? Or perhaps zipline your way through a hill station and take in its panoramic views? Well, you can do all of that with our Pelling tour packages because this town has many adventurous activities for thrill-seekers to enjoy. This includes trekking, ziplining, mountain biking, and birdwatching.
Imagine that you’re surrounded by mountains and a cool morning breeze. Amidst this setting, wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could find comfort in a bowl of hot thukpa? Or perhaps munch of a plate of soft, tender momos? Well, if this picture sounds fascinating to you, then Pelling will surely win your heart with its scrumptious local cuisine.
Pelling has a unique culture, which is evident through its food, peaceful monasteries, and vibrant festivals. There is a 300-year-old monastery called Pemayangtse Monastery, which was founded in the 17th century. If you visit the town during the winter season, you will get to experience the Pelling Winter Tourism Festival, which is an annual event that takes place in Pelling usually in December.
If you have enough time, then you will get the chance to explore several other fabulous tourist destinations located near Pelling. This includes places such as Darjeeling, Gangtok, Siliguri, and Kalimpong. From Tiger Hill and ISKCON Siliguri to Dubdi Monastery and Tsomgo Lake, there are a myriad of popular tourist attractions to witness through such quick getaways from Pelling.
Let’s take a look at what each season in Pelling is like so you can know when to book our Pelling tour packages:
During the summer season, the temperature in Pelling oscillates between 7 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. As the snow begins to melt, the greenery begins to rise in the region, with flowers blooming all around. This is the ideal time to go sightseeing and participate in outdoor adventures, such as trekking and rock climbing. The festivals celebrated in Sikkim at this time include Saga Dawa, Bhumchu, and Holi.
With the arrival of the monsoon season, the temperature range in Pelling stays between 4 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius. This is when the region experiences heavy rainfall, thereby making it difficult to engage in touristy activities. The risk of landslides makes this a season that travellers are wary of. The festivals that take place in Sikkim during this season include Tendong Lho Rum Faat and the Tharpu Monsoon Festival.
For the winter season, Pelling experiences temperatures between -5 degrees Celsius and 14 degrees Celsius. If you have never witnessed snowfall, then seeing the winter wonderland that Pelling transforms into will surely be a sight to behold. Make sure to carry plenty of warm clothes. If you visit Pelling during the winter season with our Pelling tour packages, the festivals you could experience are the Pelling Winter Tourism Festival, Red Panda Winter Carnival, and Losar.
Here are some of the tourist attractions to visit and the adventurous activities to participate in with our Pelling tour packages:
The Pemayangtse Monastery is a Buddhist monastery situated near Sikkim’s Gyalshing city. The term ‘Pemayangtse’ translates to ‘perfect sublime lotus’. It was founded between 1650 and 1651 AD by Lhatsun Chhenpo. The monastery originally started out as a small shrine known as ‘Tsangkhang’, and was shifted to its current location in 1705. Chogyal Chakdor Namgyal and Khenchen Rolpai Dorjee established it in honour of Guru Padmasambhava, who was one of the founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Rabdentse Ruins were once the second capital of what used to be the Kingdom of Sikkim, from 1670 to 1814. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recognises it as a heritage monument and it’s often called the ‘Machu Picchu of India’. It was founded in 1670 by Tensung Namgyal, who was the second Chogyal or monarch of Sikkim. The Rabdentse Ruins are currently a part of a Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit, with the first one being the Dubdi Monastery. The circuit also includes the Pemayangtse Monastery, Tashiding Monastery, and Norbugang Chorten.
The Kanchenjunga Falls are located about 30 km away from Pelling. Falling from a height of 100 feet, these are named after the spectacular Kanchenjunga mountain range. In order to reach the falls, tourists need to climb about 50 steps from the road. You can participate in the activity of ziplining at this spot. The waterfall is open to the public usually every day from 8 am to 5 pm.
The Singshore Bridge is situated about 25 km away from Pelling. The length of the bridge is 240 metres and it stands at a height of over 100 metres. It’s renowned to be the highest bridge in Sikkim. The aim of the bridge was to facilitate the connection between remote villages. With time, the bridge transformed from being simply a way of transportation into a tourist attraction where travellers can enjoy ziplining and bungee jumping.
The Khecheopalri Lake located near Pelling is considered to be a sacred site by Hindus and Buddhists. It was originally known as ‘Kha-Chot-Palri’, which translates to ‘the heavenly abode of Padmasambhava’, who is often referred to as the second Buddha. Located at a height of 5,600 feet, the lake is thought to be 3,500 years old. The reason the spot has religious significance is because many people that the lake has the sacred power to fulfill one’s wishes.
The Rimbi Waterfalls are situated about 12 km away from Pelling. Situated at a height of about 7,200 feet, you can find this waterfall while on your way to Khecheopalri Lake. One of the oldest hydro power stations in Sikkim is located near the Rimbi Waterfalls. This power station was established in the early 1970s and serves as a major energy source for numerous towns in West Sikkim. Swimming and fishing are some of the activities you should do when you visit this waterfall.
The Kanchenjunga National Park, or Khangchendzonga National Park, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. It was recognised by UNESCO as the first ‘Mixed Heritage’ site in India. Sprawled over an area of more than 1,784 sq km, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. This includes snow leopards, red pandas, musk deer, the Himalayan black bear, and blue sheep. It’s said that the best time to visit the Kanchenjunga National Park is between March to May and September to November.
The Sanga Choeling Monastery in Pelling is located on top of a ridge. The name of the monastery translates to ‘island of the guhya mantra teachings’, the meaning of which is related to Buddhism. It’s known to be one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. The monastery was established by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1697. The structure is home to clay statues, which can be traced back to the 17th century. Despite being affected by fires numerous times, the monastery has been rebuilt.
The unique culture of Sikkim shines bright through the souvenirs available in the region, many of which you can shop for when you avail Travel Guru’ Pelling tour packages. Listed below are some of the souvenirs to get your hands on from Pelling and the places you can shop from:
Tibetan carpets: The art of carpet weaving is one of the oldest forms of carpet weaving in the world. It is primarily done by the women of Sikkim’s Bhutia community. These hand-knotted woollen carpets have Tibetan designs on them, chiefly inspired by Tibetan Buddhist art. The motifs featured in such carpets often include lotuses, dragons, and geometrical designs.
Thangkas: Thangkas are Tibetan Buddhist paintings that are extremely popular in Sikkim. These can be found both as souvenirs and decorative items in the homes and monasteries of the region. They are traditionally made on silk or cotton, with the designs featuring deities, mandalas, or scenes from the life and teachings of Buddha.
Sikkimese tea: Tea lovers can bring back Sikkimese tea for themselves and their loved ones. Temi tea is the most popular kind in this category. There are various kinds of tea you can choose from, including black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and green tea.
Prayer flags: In the Himalayan region, prayer flags are a cultural identity, particularly among those who practice Tibetan Buddhism. These are almost ubiquitous in Sikkim and can be found atop mountains, monasteries, along various roads, near temples, and outside people’s homes. The different colours represent different elements. The aim of these flags is to promote compassion, peace, wisdom, and strength.
Choktses: Choktse is a traditional wooden table which originated in Tibet and is now a popular souvenir in Sikkim. These portable, foldable, and small wooden tables are designed with intricate carvings. They are brightly coloured and usually feature Tibetan motifs, such as conch shells or the endless knot.
Must-see attractions: Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Nathula Pass, Ganesh Tok
Must-see attractions: Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Ropeway, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Must-see attractions: Deolo Hill, Morgan House, Mangal Dham Temple, Pine View Nursery, Zang Dhok Palri Monastery
Must-see attractions: ISKCON Siliguri, Bengal Safari, Salugara Monastery, Mahananda Weir Wildlife Sanctuary, Surya Sen Park
Must-see attractions: Dubdi Monastery, Kartok Lake, Norbugang Coronation Throne
The food of Sikkim, in addition to having its own native culinary traditions, also has Nepali and Tibetan influences. Rice is a staple in most meals of the region. You will notice that the food of the state makes use of wild vegetables, such as bamboo shoots, wild lilies, ferns, and mushrooms. The regional cuisine of Sikkim also includes fermented foods and beverages. Let’s explore the delicious Sikkimese dishes you can consume during your trip with Travel Guru’ Pelling tour packages:
While you may have had momos in other parts of India, tasting them in Sikkim is akin to tasting a part of the Tibetan influence on Sikkimese cuisine. These dumplings are available in steamed as well as fried version in vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian options. The filling of these momos could include vegetables, cheese, or meats such as chicken and pork. The momos in Pelling and anywhere in Sikkim are served with a spicy and tangy sauce that elevate the taste of the dish.
Thukpa is a noodle soup which originated in Tibet and is widely popular in the northeastern part of India, including Sikkim. This warm and comforting dish is perfect to be consumed, particularly when winter embraces Pelling tightly. There are vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions of thukpa that one can find in Pelling. In addition to the broth, vegetables, and meat, you will find ingredients such as ginger, garlic, onions, spring onions, cilantro, and other spices in a bowl of thukpa.
Sel roti is a popular, ring-shaped, deep-fried sweet bread. It’s a common dish to eat during breakfast and as a snack in Sikkim. The batter of this dish is made using fermented rice and lentil. It’s poured into circular moulds and then deep-fried till it turns crispy and golden. This dish is particularly popular during festivals and special occasions and is served alongside spicy chutney, yoghurt, or a spicy potato salad.
Phagshapa is a traditional pork dish in Sikkim that’s both spicy and savoury. While pork forms the central part of this dish, the other two central ingredients are radishes and dry red chillies. This is a slow-cooked dish that’s made with no oil, which is why it’s rich in protein. Some of the other ingredients that go into making phagshapa are garlic, ginger, and fermented soybeans.
Gundruk is a dried, fermented, and leafy vegetable dish. This traditional Nepali concoction is popular in Sikkim and other regions in the Himalayas. It’s usually made using the leaves of radishes, cabbage, and mustard, and salt and spices are added too. Once the leaves are sun-dried, they are then fermented for numerous days, thereby giving it a slightly sour and tangy flavour.
The culture of Pelling is displayed vibrantly through the colourful festivals that take place in Pelling throughout the year. There is the Pelling Winter Tourism Festival or the Khangchendzonga Festival, which takes place for five days in Pelling and other parts of West Sikkim. Named after Mount Khangchendzonga, the festival aims to showcase the region’s strong tourism potential. Various kinds of adventurous activities take place during this festival, including trekking, kayaking, bird watching, and mountain biking.
There is also the festival of Losar, which is also known as the Tibetan New Year. It’s a vital festival in Tibetan Buddhism which is usually celebrated in February or March. Lasting for 15 days, this festival includes prayers, rituals, gatherings, and cultural performances.
Tourists can experience the Bhumchu Festival, also known as the Tashiding Bhumchu Fair, during the month of February or March. This festival involves opening a sacred vessel (known as ‘bumchu’) containing holy water. The water level in the vessel is said to predict the fortunes of the upcoming year.
The best time to visit Pelling is from March to June and September to November.
We would suggest you to set aside anywhere between three to four days for a trip to Pelling.
Yes, Pelling is very much suitable for family vacations.
No, permits are generally not needed to enter Pelling.
Yes, it does snow in Pelling during the winter months between December and February.
The coldest month in Pelling is usually January.
It takes somewhere between four and five hours by road to reach Gangtok from Pelling.
The river that flows through Pelling is the Rangeet River.
Buddhism is considered to be the main religion in Pelling.
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