Pelling is a picturesque town located in the district of West Sikkim. The town is at a distance of about 10 km from the district headquarters of Geyzing.
Pelling is said to have been the first capital of Sikkim. It is also believed that the Chogyal dynasty lived and ruled here. It is famous for its view of the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga. Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers a great view of the complete mountain ranges like the Koktang, Kumbhakarna, Dom, Kanchenjunga and others. The great Himalayan ranges and the Kanchenjunga can be sighted at close quarters from here. Pelling also serves as the base camp for treks in West Sikkim.
People & Culture
Pelling and its surrounding areas are home to many tribes and communities such as Bhutias, Lepchas, Tamangs, Limboos and Marwaris among others. These people have contributed to the diversity of Pelling; its food and its culture. They are involved in cattle farming, agriculture to being businessman and owning small shops in the main markets of Sikkim. The town also has a spiritual feel to it as it is home to many Buddhist monasteries. Most of the local inhabitants of Pelling are Buddhists and speak the local Sikkimese language. The other languages spoken here are Nepali, Hindi, and English.
Things to do
Places to visit in and around Pelling include the local monastery, the rock garden and waterfall near Rimbi, the double-pronged Kanchenjunga Falls, Singshore Bridge, Changey Waterfalls and Khecheopalri / Khechuperi Lake, which is considered sacred by Buddhists.
The Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim. Pemayangtse literally translates to ‘Perfect Sublime Lotus’. On the third floor of the monastery, there is a seven-tiered painted wooden model of the abode of Guru Rimpoche. In January or February every year, a religious dance called ‘Cham’ is performed in Pemayangtse. Another attraction of Pelling is Sangachoeling Monastery, which is located on the top of the mountain behind the town. Khecheopalri Lake is considered one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim. The lake is actually hidden in the forest. There is a belief that birds prevent leaves from floating on the lake surface.
Another place to visit in Pelling is the Rabdengtse Ruins that are hidden from the main road and are at a walking distance from Pelling and the Pemayangtse Monastery. Also, the Sangay Waterfalls are about 10 km from Pelling. However, with the invasion of tourists, the area is going through a transformation, with the roads being refurbished and new hotels coming up.
Food & Shopping
Pelling offers the usual food delights such as thukpa and steaming momos. The town has a few restaurants and street stalls that serve these delicacies. As for shopping, Pelling has a few options. Tourists can buy handicrafts made by the local tribes such as tribal jewellery, woolen garments and bamboo products. Travelers can also try the locally made drink called tongba which is made from whole grain millet.
Traveling to Pelling
Due to its beneficial location, many hotels and lodges are situated in and around Pelling offering a range of accommodation options. Tourists can reach Pelling from Gangtok, which is 115 km away. Pelling is 135 km from Siliguri, the nearest rail connection. The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport near Darjeeling. Pelling has a designated helipad area though there is no actual or regular air service. Helicopters connect Pelling with Gangtok on request. Shared jeeps are available regularly from Gyalshing. There are also frequent services to Gangtok via Ravangla and one jeep daily to Siliguri. Buses are also available from Siliguri via Jorethang.
Traveling within Pelling
The best way to explore Pelling is on foot. Tourists can also hike or trek their way up to discover attractions like local monasteries. The government tourism office in Pelling also organizes guides for nature walks across Pelling.
Accommodation
Hotel options in Pelling are aplenty. Upper Pelling has a number of budget hotels while other areas have a few luxury accommodation options. Resorts located near popular monasteries like Pemayangste and Dubdi can be contacted directly or by signing up for holiday packages in Pelling.
Pelling can be visited throughout the year apart from the rainy season, i.e. from mid June to August. An umbrella is anytime handy though. The monsoon season which starts from June experiences heavy rainfall. Summers, from March to May, are pleasant with the maximum temperature remaining well within 30° Celsius. However, temperatures fall at night making it essential to carry a light jacket or sweater. Winters can see the temperatures drop to as low as -5° Celsius with the maximum daytime temperature not going beyond 10° Celsius.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport from Pelling is Bagdogra airport which is at a distance of 154 kms if traveled by road. The airport at Gangtok is also close to Pelling. This airport is at a distance of 89 kms when traveled by road.
By Rail: Jalpaiguri has the railway station that is closest to Pelling. You have to cover the distance of about 187 kms by road in order to reach here. Siliguri also has railway station to provide transport to Pelling. Distance of 139 kms has to be covered to reach Siliguri from Pelling. Usually the trains come into Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri. From any of these two stations, tourists may carry on to Pelling by Toy-Train. Tourists have the options of Limo Van or bus or taxi or Land Rover in order to reach Pelling.
By Road: All weather metalled roads are linked from Pelling, Siliguri, Gangtok, Kalimpong and the like. Pelling is well linked by bus and jeep services.
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