12 Best Places To Visit In Pelling: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Pelling, one of the best places to visit in Sikkim, has become the second most visited tourist destination after Gangtok because it offers amazing sights of Khangchendzonga and the neighbouring peaks. Sikkim Holiday Packages often include this hill station because of its natural beauty and adventure opportunities.

Moreover, this town is also home to several ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples, including the famous Pemayangtse Monastery and many more! This 2,150-metre high-altitude town is an ideal place for adventure seekers to experience mountain climbing, biking and challenging trekking.

Are you worried about how to find the best places to visit in Pelling so that you don’t miss out on the best of Pelling? We are here to tell you about the best places to visit in Pelling for an unforgettable trip!

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1. Pemayangtse Monastery: One of the Best Pelling Tourist Attractions

When you step into this monastery, you’ll feel deeply connected to Buddhist culture and traditions. Located in the peaceful Himalayan mountains, it has a calming atmosphere, perfect for sightseeing in Pelling. The monastery contains many Buddhist scriptures, statues, and artefacts. 

The main prayer hall is decorated with beautiful paintings, and the doors and windows feature traditional Tibetan designs. It’s part of a Buddhist pilgrimage circuit along with other monasteries in Sikkim, perfect for family vacation in Pelling. Additionally, it serves as a venue for cultural festivals in Pelling, where visitors can witness traditional ceremonies and performances that showcase the region’s rich heritage.

• Location: Pelling, Sikkim 737111
• Entry fees: INR 20
• Timings: 10 am to 5 pm

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Pemayangtse Monastery: 

• Explore the monastery
• Light a butter lamp
• Interact with monks
• Sightseeing
• Souvenir shopping

2. Sangachoeling Monastery: One of the Top Tourist Places in Pelling

The name “Sangachoeling ” means “Island of the Guhyamantra teachings,” highlighting its role in teaching secret Vajrayana Buddhist practices. The monastery is an architectural wonder, built in traditional Tibetan style, and serves as a significant venue for cultural festivals in Pelling.

Visitors can admire its beautiful facade, intricate details, colourful prayer flags, and large prayer wheel. The three-story building holds unique statues, scriptures, and religious artefacts. One of the most visited Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Pelling.

• Location: Pelling, Sikkim 737113
• Entry fees: Free
• Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Sangachoeling Monastery: 

• Photography
• Sightseeing
• Seek blessings
• Learn about Buddhism
• Spin the Prayer Wheel
• Meditation

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3. Kanchenjunga Fall: One of the Best Pelling Tourist Attractions

The Kanchenjunga Fall is a perfect picnic spot for family and friends. Located at a sharp curve on the roadside, tourists need to climb about 50 steps from the road to reach the falls. 

If you are an adventure enthusiast, there’s an option for rope sliding. You’ll also find many small food stalls on the stairs selling chaat, tea, snacks and Maggi. One of the most popular things to do in Sikkim is to take adventurous benefits from the Kanchenjunga Fall.

• Location: Thingle I, Sikkim 737113
• Entry fees: INR 20 and rope sliding costs INR 100
• Timings: Open 24 hours

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Kanchenjunga Fall: 

• Relax in the pool
• Ziplining
• Photography
• Sightseeing
• Stair Climbing

4. Rabdentse Ruins: One of the Top Tourist Places in Pelling

Rabdentse served as the second capital of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814, ruling for over 140 years. The ruins continue the legacy of Sikkim’s history and culture and serve as a significant venue for cultural festivals in Pelling.

Surrounded by dense forests, Rabdentse Ruins offer a stunning view of the Kanchenjunga peak. The ruins at Rabdentse, near the Pelling-Geyshing Road, have wall stumps and a yellow entrance gate. A 15-minute walk through a lake and forested hills leads you to a stone throne with three standing stones, called Namphogang, and the partly ruined Taphap Chorten stupa, which was the main entrance to the old palace. 

It is one of the best destinations for history enthusiasts. Overall, the Rabdentse Ruins offer a unique blend of history, nature, and a touch of adventure. It’s a perfect destination for anyone seeking a glimpse into Sikkim’s past.

• Location: Geyzing, Sikkim 737111
• Entry fees: Free
• Timings: 10 am to 5 pm

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Rabdentse Ruins: 

• Learn about history
• Nature observation
• Photography
• Sightseeing
• Hiking Adventure

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5. Singshore Bridge: One of the Best Pelling Tourist Attractions

Are you afraid of heights but still want to challenge yourself with an exciting experience?  Singshore Bridge is calling you to test your fear! Imagine you are standing in the middle of the bridge, swaying slightly because of the wind. How thrilling it would be!

The bridge offers perfect views and will make you feel like you are walking on a dreamy footpath. The bridge serves as a vital link between the villages of Dentam and Uttarey.

• Location: Singshore Bridge, Sikkim 737113
• Entry fees: Free
• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Singshore Bridge: 

• Walk the bridge
• Nature observation
• Photography
• Sightseeing
• Picnic by the bridge

6. Khecheopalri Lake: Among the Top Tourist Places in Pelling

Crystal-clear water and surrounding mountains makes this lake one of the best Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Pelling. Khecheopalri Lake is highly significant to both Buddhists and Hindus. Buddhists refer to it as the “Heaven’s Abode of Padmasambhava,” honouring the master who is believed to have preached here with 64 yoginis. Hindus believe the lake is shaped like the footprint of Lord Shiva.

• Location: Pelling, Sikkim 737113
• Entry fees: INR 20
• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Khecheopalri Lake: 

• Wildlife Spotting
• Scenic Walk
• Meditation
• Photography
• Wish-Making 

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7. Chenrezig Statue and Glass Skywalk: Among the Best Tourist Places in Pelling

The main attraction is the colossal 42- metre tall statue of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of compassion in Mahayana Buddhism. It’s considered the tallest Chenrezig statue in the world. This statue is considered sacred for Buddhist pilgrims or anyone seeking inner peace.

Climbing the stairs to reach the statue provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape, perfect for family vacation in Pelling.

Talking about the glasswalk, it is a transparent glass-bottomed bridge at a height of 7200 feet, making you feel you are walking in the sky offering a spine-chilling experience that is definitely not for fainthearted people but it’s worth a try!  It is located adjacent to the magnificent statue of Chenrezig, making this place a hub of adventure activities in Sikkim.

• Location: Pelling City, Sikkim 737113
• Entry fees: INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children
• Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Chenrezig Statue and Glass Skywalk: 

• Offer Prayers
• Scenic Walk
• Meditation
• Souvenir Shopping
• Walk the Glass Skywalk

8. Rimbi Waterfalls: Among the Best Tourist Places in Pelling

The waterfall amidst lush green hills will provide a picturesque view, attracting tourists from all over India. Don’t miss tasting the Assala, a local fish variety famous in the region. Visitors come here for fishing or simply to enjoy natural beauty, making it a perfect summer break!

• Location: Pelling-Rimbi Rd, Sikkim 737113
• Entry fees: Free
• Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Rimbi Waterfalls: 

• Swimming
• Fishing
• Photography
• Sightseeing

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9. Rimbi Orange Garden: A Must-Visit Destination for Pelling Tourism

Surrounded by greenery all around, hills and abundant orange trees, making your mind feel so refreshed that you’ll want to relax and stay there. This is also possible  because Rimbi Orange Garden also offers homestays with all the basic amenities including lunch and breakfast, available at an affordable price. Guests can enjoy the scenic view and enjoy the tempting juicy oranges that will leave them wanting more!

Next to the orange garden, visitors can find charming eateries serving authentic Sikkimese cuisine with fresh orange flavours. From tangy orange chutneys to orange drinks, guests can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes featuring the region’s prized citrus fruits.

• Location: Pelling-Rimbi Rd, Pelling City, Sikkim 737113
• Entry fees: INR 20
• Timings: 9 am to 4 pm

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Rimbi Orange Garden: 

• Orange Purchasing
• Enjoy in nearby Rimbi Waterfall
• Taste the local cuisine
• Sightseeing
• Homestays

10. Sidkeong Tulku Bird Park: Top Destination for Pelling Tourism

Named after Sidkeong Tulku, the 10th Chogyel of Sikkim and the founding father of Modern Forestry in the state, the park is home to both permanent and migratory birds. There’s a great chance to spot some rare and beautiful feathered creatures. Some of the birds you might see here include the Rufous Sibia, Crested Serpent Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Oriental Honey Buzzards, and the Fire-tailed Myzornis,  making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism in Pelling.

The park may also have educational resources available to learn about the different bird species, their habitats, and their importance to the environment. One of the best places to visit in Pelling to experience the rich flora and fauna of the region and also for bird watching in Pelling.

• Location: Pelling City, Sikkim 737113

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Sidkeong Tulku Bird Park: 

• Bird watching in Pelling
• Nature Walk
• Identify Bird Species
• Bird Photography

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11. Darap Cherny Village: Best Place for Sightseeing in Pelling

Local residents warmly welcome visitors to their homestays, where their genuine hospitality will capture your heart. You can try their traditional cuisine as they will share more stories about the region. You can relax in the lap of Mother Nature with the most generous and welcoming people of Sikkim, making it one of the best places to visit in Pelling.

• Location: Pelling-Rimbi Rd, Darap, Sikkim 737113
• Entry fees: Free
• Timings: Open 24 hours

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Darap Cherny Village:

• Hiking and Trekking
• Bird watching in Pelling
• Village Activities
• Yoga and Meditation
• Photography
• Homestay

12. Yuksom: Best Place for Sightseeing in Pelling

The town is surrounded by green forests, flowing rivers, and pretty valleys, so it’s a favourite place for people who like nature and hiking. Yuksom also has old monasteries and places with history, which make it a part of eco-tourism in Pelling.

• Location: Gyalshing district, Sikkim 737113
• Entry fees: Free
• Timings: Open 24 hours and most historical sites and monasteries are typically open from 6 am to 5 pm

Activities to do in one of the best places to visit in Pelling’s Yuksom:

• Exploring the Ruins of Yuksom Palace and Monastery
• Hiking Adventures
• Visiting the Dubdi Monastery
• Homestay Experience
• Photography
• Homestay

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Conclusion

Exploring the monasteries will give you a peaceful feeling, while the waterfalls provide you refreshing moments. The majestic hills will make you not blink your eyes and the natural beauty will satisfy your desire to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. This town in Sikkim is not to be missed because it features uncountable hidden gems waiting to be found.