Pelling and West Sikkim Travel Guide: Skywalk, Monasteries and Kanchenjunga Views

Pelling sits at about 2,100 m on a ridge in West Sikkim, directly facing the Kanchenjunga massif. On a clear morning the mountain fills the sky – and unlike North Sikkim, you get that view without high altitude or special permits. Add centuries-old monasteries, sacred lakes and the historic first capital of Sikkim, and it's easy to see why Pelling is a favourite.

Top things to do in Pelling

Watch sunrise over Kanchenjunga

At 8,586 m, Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world. From Pelling's hotels and viewpoints, the first light turns the summit pink, then gold. October to December gives the best odds of a clear view; in the monsoon the peaks are often hidden.

Pemayangtse Monastery

One of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim, founded in the early 18th century and belonging to the Nyingma school. Inside, look for the remarkable seven-tiered wooden sculpture of Guru Padmasambhava's heavenly palace.

Rabdentse Ruins

A short forest walk from Pemayangtse leads to the ruins of Rabdentse, Sikkim's second royal capital from the late 17th century until the early 19th century. The views over the valley are superb.

Pelling Skywalk and Chenrezig statue

At Sangachoeling, a glass-floored skywalk leads to a giant statue of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the bodhisattva of compassion. Go early to avoid crowds, and expect a steep set of steps.

Sangachoeling Monastery

Above the Skywalk, this is among the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. The walk up is steep but rewarding.

Khecheopalri Lake

About an hour from Pelling, this tranquil lake is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. Prayer flags line the boardwalk, and locals say birds keep the surface free of leaves. Keep your voice down and don't feed the fish.

Waterfalls

Kanchenjunga Falls and Rimbi Falls are both easy roadside stops, at their best after the monsoon.

Beyond Pelling: Yuksom and Rinchenpong

• Yuksom – about 1.5 hours from Pelling, this is where Sikkim's first Chogyal was crowned in 1642. See the Norbugang coronation throne, Dubdi Monastery and Kathok Lake. It's also the trailhead for the Dzongri and Goecha La treks.
• Rinchenpong – a quieter village with wide Kanchenjunga views and a historic monastery, good for travellers who want calm.
• Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary – a forest walk from Hilley, at its best in April.

How to get to Pelling

There's no special permit for Indian nationals. Foreign nationals need a Sikkim Restricted Area Permit, usually checked at Melli. See our Siliguri to Pelling taxi page for route details.

Suggested 2-day plan

1. Day 1: Sunrise view, then Pemayangtse, Rabdentse, the Skywalk and Sangachoeling. Afternoon at the waterfalls.
2. Day 2: Khecheopalri Lake in the morning; continue to Yuksom for the afternoon, or relax and enjoy the views.

Combining Pelling with other places

• Pelling + Darjeeling: a natural pair – see our Darjeeling & Pelling tour.
• Gangtok → Ravangla → Pelling: a scenic way to move west, stopping at Buddha Park.
• Full Sikkim loop: follow our best order to visit Sikkim.

Where to stay: Upper Pelling or Lower Pelling?

Pelling is spread along a ridge in two main parts. Upper Pelling has most of the hotels, cafés and the best Kanchenjunga-facing rooms, and is a short drive from the Skywalk and Pemayangtse. Lower Pelling is quieter and often cheaper, with some good views too. If the mountain view matters to you – and in Pelling it should – choose a hotel in Upper Pelling and ask specifically for a north-facing room with a balcony.

For a quieter stay, consider a night in Yuksom or Rinchenpong instead. Both have small hotels and homestays, far fewer visitors, and a more village-like feel.

Getting around Pelling

Pelling's sights are spread out over steep roads, so walking between them isn't practical except for Pemayangtse to Rabdentse (a pleasant forest trail of around 2 km). Most travellers keep the same car and driver they arrived with. A typical sightseeing day covers Pemayangtse, Rabdentse, the Skywalk, Sangachoeling and the waterfalls; Khecheopalri Lake and Yuksom make a second, half-day to full-day circuit.

A sample sunrise-to-sunset day

Food in Pelling

Hotel restaurants serve North Indian, Chinese and Sikkimese dishes. Try a plate of momos or a bowl of thukpa, and look for homestay-style meals of rice, dal, local greens and pickles if you stay in a village. Cafés in Upper Pelling are good for a coffee while you wait for the clouds to clear.

Pelling with children and senior travellers

Pelling is one of the easiest places in Sikkim for families. It sits at a comfortable altitude (about 2,100 m), the sights are close together, and there are no permits for Indian nationals. The main challenges are the steps up to the Skywalk statue and to Sangachoeling – travellers with limited mobility can enjoy the Skywalk deck and skip the climb. Bring warm layers for early mornings, even in spring.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Arriving late and leaving early. One night isn't enough to catch a clear morning. Stay at least two.
• Booking a valley-facing room. You'll miss the reason you came.
• Visiting only in the afternoon. Clouds usually build after midday, so plan viewpoints early.
• Rushing the drive from Siliguri. It's 5–6 hours; leave early and stop for lunch on the way.