Home to the most important monasteries of the state, Pelling is the small laidback, picturesque hill station town in West Sikkim. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft above sea level, Pelling boasts of some stunning views of the snow-capped mountains of Khangchendzonga. With various waterfalls, trek routes and tranquil atmosphere, Pelling is an ideal getaway for travellers who seek a break from their busy schedule and are in quest of peace and quiet.
How to Reach Pelling?
By Air : There is no airport in Pelling and the nearest airport is Bagdogra which is about 79kms from Pelling. From here you can take private cars, jeeps, taxis, or tourist mini buses and coaches to Pelling.
By Rail : Pelling does not have a railway station and the nearest railway station is Jalpaiguri which is 95kms from Pelling. From here you can hire private taxis, cars or tourist mini buses and coaches to reach Pelling and if you are interested in taking your train experience further then you can take a Toy Train from here which will take another 4-5 hours to reach Pelling.
By Road : Pelling is very well connected with the places like Gangtok, Siliguri, and Jalpaiguri through roads and regular buses, shared jeeps, private taxis ply from these places to Pelling.
Best Time to Visit Pelling
Best time to visit Pelling is from mid February to May and then from mid September to December. If you want to witness some of the stunning views of the Mountain Khangchendzonga then the ideal time to visit this small town is from mid September to mid December.
Things to do in Pelling
The list of things to do in Pelling is exhaustive and ranges from sightseeing opportunities to shopping for traditional Sikkim products. Trekking, mountain biking and nature walks are some of the activities that you can enjoy here. Shop to your heart’s content for products like hand woven carpets or products made of handmade paper or even wall hangings. Holidays in Pelling are filled with fun and frolic so come and be a part of this lovely hill station town in Sikkim.
Places Near Pelling
Some of the interesting tourist places near Pelling are Sangay Waterfall, Kanchenjunga Waterfalls, and Khecheopalri Lake.
Offering numerous trekking opportunities to the outdoor enthusiast, Sangay Waterfalls –80 m high waterfall -- is a popular tourist spot and is merely 10 kms from Pelling.
One of the largest waterfalls in Sikkim – Kanchenjunga Waterfalls is another place near Pelling that you can visit. Cascading from a height of 300kms Kanchenjunga Waterfalls is located just 29 kms from Pelling and boasts of lush vegetation and rich natural beauty.
Another interesting place that you can’t afford to miss near Pelling is Khecheopalri Lake surrounded by blooming forest. Situated at a distance of 34kms northwest of Pelling – the lake is popular as the ‘wishing lake’ among the locals and is considered sacred by the people of Sikkim. According to the locals the birds nesting in the forests do not allow even a single leaf to fall and float in the lake.
Hotels in Pelling – Choice is Yours
There are numerous hotels in Pelling ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.