Situated at the height of 6250 ft, Pelling’s claim to fame is the spectacular view it provides of Kachenzonga (8585m) (the worlds 3rd highest peak after Mt.Everest and K2) and the surrounding peaks of Koktang, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Kabru, Dom , Pandim, Zopuno, Shimbho, Sinolchu and Narsing. One needs to keep ones fingers crossed and pray that it’s a clear day so as to get the view of this range. And, when you prayers get answered and the cloud cover clears… the view is seen to be believed. The Kachenzonga sits majestically like a King amongst his courtiers on both sides. One is in an instant awe of the splendid royalty displayed by the mount. Make sure you wake up early and watch the first sun rays striking the snow capped Kachenzonga and I can bet that you’ll thank the powers above for having given you an opportunity to experience this sight.
Most hotels in Middle or South Pelling offer the breath-taking view of Kachenzonga.
Higher End : Hotel Chiminda ( +913592281077/78/34)
Newa Regency ( +91 3595258596)
Norbugang Resort ( +91 3595258272)
Mt.Pandim – Sikkim Tourism (+91 3592250793)
Budget : Hotel Alankar ( +91 3595 258213)
Hotel Phamrong ( +91 3595250660)
Sikkim Tourist Centre ( +91 3595250569)
Low End /
Dormitory Hotel Garuda ( +91 3595 250614)
Ladakh Guest House
Pelling town is heap of hotels and lodges all jostling to space to provide the best view of the Mt.Kachenzonga, the best way to explore Pelling is by stepping out of the town.
Pemayangtse Monestery: A short 3 km walk from the town through tranquil Alpine Forests is the 360 yr monastery of Pemayangtse. The 17th century Pemayantse Monastery of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism is perched at a height of 6500 ft is surrounded by the most breathtaking of peaks. The road from the gate to the monestary is a steep gradient and can leave many city dwellers pretty breathless ( in the literal sense) The path is lined with the softly fluttering prayer flags. As the board at the entrance of the monestary explains, each of this flag has been erected as a memorial for various disasters which have hit the planet earth like 9/11, Iran earthquake, Tsunami, Tianemen Square tragedy. Monestary itself is a small 2 floor structure. The monastery has been entrusted with the task of performing all religious functions of the earstwhile monarch. When I visited the place, preparations were going on a feverish pitch for the 15 day festival of Recitation of the Vajra Mantras. Enshrined within are numerous ancient icons and objects of worship. The walls and ceilings are embellished with bright hued frescoes of gods and demons. Visible from the monestary right below is the ruins of the 2nd capital of Rabdentse , the 2nd capital of SIKKIM.
Rabdentse : This is a 2 km walk from Pemyangtse down the road towards Geyzing. 1 km downhill there is a little pathway off the road which leads to the ancient palace. The pathway is well laid out and is through the Pristine Rabdentse Sanctuary of Flora. The pathway is lined with flat , smooth and shiny stones. The Archeological Survey of India has done a good job of maintaining this place. Another probable reason is that this place is not part of the daily sight seeing tourist circuit. Since most tour operators would not have the time and patience to wait for the tourists to do the 2 km to and fro stretch this point is given a miss. Resulting, is a boon for selfish travelers like me who like to have the whole place for myself. Rabdantse was the second capital of the earstwhile kingdom after Yuksom and till 1814 AD the King of Sikkim ruled from this place. Even though its little less than just 200 yrs that the palace was abandoned, the place almost resembles a Harrapan structure. Only walls of this palace and the separate rooms remain. There is no explanation given why the whole palace has been left in ruins. Nevertheless the view from the palace scanning across the valley is something to be cherished and etched in memory.
Khecheopalri Lake: Situated 25 km from Pelling, this place is very much on the daily sight seeing circuit. The lake is considered to be one of the sacred lakes of the state both by the Buddhists and the Hindus. The lake remains hidden under the rich forest cover. There is a legend that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface. A motorable road would take one to the village of Kheceperi, from here there is a 800 mt walk to the lake. Most daily sight seeing tour operators cover this lake in the first half of the day, it therefore makes immense sense to visit the place after 1 pm when the crowds are far lesser and one can selfishly have the whole lake to oneself. A 5 min walk through the forest would take you to the western end of the lake. This is a flat piece of grassland. Relax here and enjoy the tranquil silence broken only by the chirping of the birds. For people interested in staying overnight here, there is a trekkers hut which offers cheap accommodation. ( phone 258562/258319). The people interested in doing a trek the Trekkers Hut would arrange for treks.
Popular treks from Khecheoperi village
· to Pangmelung 5 days
· to Dzongri 10 days
· to Goechala 11 days
Other attraction around Pelling
· Darap Village : 7 km from Pelling is a stunningly beautiful Darap Village, expect enchanting valley views, lovely terrace farming and friendly people. Try having lunch in a local eatery and experience a lovely SIKKIMESE village.
· Kachendzonga Falls : Sikkim is a state full of waterfalls. Each one of them vying for top spot over the other. This fall shouldn’t be missed during your visit to Pelling.
· Singshore Bridge: The 2nd highest suspension bridge in ASIA ( as claimed by the tour operators) is located 25 km from Pelling.
· Sanga-Choling Monastery: This monastery is situated on a ridge above Pelling and the famous Pemyangtse Monastery. Built in 1697AD it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the state. To reach the monestary, walk up to Upper Pelling towards the helipad and walk straight without taking the steep gradient road to the helipad.
Enjoy Pelling!!
Cheers!!
Nikhil