Things to do in Pelling
Things to do in Pelling
Pelling is a serene hill station in West Sikkim that offers arguably the most spectacular close-up views of the Kangchenjunga, the world's third-highest mountain, along with its neighboring peaks. The town is dotted with ancient monasteries including the revered Pemayangtse Monastery, waterfalls like Kanchenjunga Falls, and the historic Rabdentse ruins of the former Sikkimese capital. Pelling's laid-back atmosphere, pristine mountain air, and unobstructed Himalayan panoramas make it an ideal retreat for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape.
- No photoSightseeing / SpiritualView full guide
3–4 hours
Skywalk and Pemayangtse Monastery
Pelling's glass Skywalk is Sikkim's most Instagram-worthy attraction — a glass-floored bridge suspended above the valley with full-frontal views of Kanchenjunga, the world's third-highest peak. Pair this with a visit to Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist monasteries in Sikkim, and you have the definitive Pelling experience. The seven-tiered wooden model of Zangdopelri (the heavenly abode of Guru Rinpoche) inside the monastery is a masterpiece of traditional Sikkimese art.
- No photoNature / SightseeingView full guide
2–3 hours
Kanchenjunga Falls and Rimbi Rock Garden
The Kanchenjunga Falls is a thundering 98-metre waterfall that ranks among the most spectacular natural attractions near Pelling, Sikkim. Fed by glacial streams from the Kanchenjunga massif, the falls roar with full force during monsoon and remain impressive through most of the year. The nearby Rimbi Rock Garden, built around natural rock formations beside a rushing river, is a peaceful spot for a picnic and an easy half-day family excursion.
- No photoAdventure / TrekkingView full guide
2–3 hours
Singshore Bridge Trek
The Singshore Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in Sikkim, swaying 98 metres above a deep gorge in the West Sikkim forests. Reaching it involves a short but rewarding jungle trek through rhododendron and oak forest, making it one of the best adventure activities near Pelling. Standing on the bridge as it sways gently above the misty gorge with the sound of the river far below is a genuinely thrilling experience.
- No photoHeritage / TrekkingView full guide
1.5–2 hours
Rabdentse Ruins Trek
Rabdentse was the second capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim and its moss-covered ruins sit in a forested ridge just below Pemayangtse Monastery. The 45-minute jungle walk to the ruins passes through dense cardamom plantations and rhododendron groves, arriving at a panoramic clearing with sweeping views of the entire Kanchenjunga range. It's one of the most underrated historical trekking experiences in Sikkim.
- No photoSpiritual / NatureView full guide
2–3 hours
Khecheopalri Lake Visit
Khecheopalri Lake, locally known as the Wishing Lake, is one of the most sacred lakes in Sikkim and a deeply spiritual experience for visitors. The forest-ringed lake is said to have no leaves floating on its surface because birds immediately remove any that fall — a fact local monks attribute to divine protection. Taking a gentle walk around the lake's circumference through the prayer-flag-draped forest is a profoundly calming activity near Pelling.