Being selected as the top destination by the Lonely Planet magazine as "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014 - top 10 regions",
Sikkim stands tall with rich varied destinations and Pelling is a not to miss travel point within Sikkim.
Pelling - What to See
- Pemayangtse Monastery: Pemayangtse literally means 'Perfect Sublime Lotus'. This is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim. Founded in 1705, this monastery belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect. The three-storied building of the monastery houses a good collection of wall paintings and sculptures. On the third floor of the monastery, there is a seven-tiered painted wooden model of the abode of Guru Rimpoche, complete with rainbows, angels and the whole panoply of Buddha and bodhisattva. In January/ February every year, a religious dance called 'Cham' is performed in Pemayangtse.
- Kanchenjunga Falls: Situated at a distance of 25 km from Pelling, the Kanchenjunga Falls is a perennial waterfall and takes about an hour to reach. There are small steps which lead to the base of the water fall.
- Sangachoeling Monastery is located on the top of the mountain behind the town of Pelling. The distance to the monastery from Pelling is about 3 km. The road is not motorable and one needs to take a 45 minutes walk through a quite path to reach the monastery. The effort of the uphill walk is well rewarded with great views of Pelling and surrounding mountains including great views of Mount Kanchenjunga that can be seen from the monastery compound.
Built in 1697 the Sanga Cholling is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. Sanga Cholling means 'the island of esoteric teaching'. This gompa is another of Lhatsun Chenpo's creations, and is highly venerated among the Nyingmapa. Gutted by fire, it has been rebuilt and houses some of the original clay statues. The monastery is the second oldest in Sikkim. Since the place can only be reached on foot, even during high tourist season, the monastery does not remain crowded. One can still enjoy the great views among tranquility even though Pelling has become a popular tourist destination with thousands of tourists visiting the place. - Khechepari Lake: Khechepari Lake is considered one of the sacred lakes of Sikkim. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface.
- Singshore Bridge, a 198 metre suspension bridge is located at a short distance of 5 km from Pelling. It is also the highest bridge of Sikkim and second highest gorge bridge in Asia. The Singshore Bridge was built 16 years ago by connecting two hills. It is situated 25 km away from Pemayangtse Monastery. The government of Sikkim is likely to set Bungee jumping activities on the bridge, soon. Close to the bridge lies the Uttarey village, which falls near the Nepal boundary or commonly called as Chia Bhanjyang.
- Rabdantsey Ruins: This was the second capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksam and till the year 1814 A.D., the king of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. Today, the Rabdentse ruins lie hidden from the main road at a walking distance from Pelling and the Pemayangtse monastery. It can be approached by following a footpath which branches off the main road.
The scenic view from the top of the ruin scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Khangchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory. - Sangay Waterfall: 10 km from Pelling.