Pelling is a small town in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim, at the foothills of Mount Khangchendzonga. The late-17th-century Buddhist Sanga Choling Monastery has mountain views. Pemayangtse Monastery features wall paintings, sculptures, and a gold-plated statue of Guru Padmasambhava. Overlooking a valley, the 17th-century Rabdentse Palace, now in ruins, still has evidence of the king’s bedroom and kitchen. Pelling is a very beautiful and quaint place with numerous tourist attractions..Besides Rabdentse ruins, Kanchenjunga falls, Khecheopalri lake (holy lake), Sangacholing Monastery, Pemayangste Gompa, and others are worth visiting.
Though a little expensive Its weather and outdoor environment make it one of the most sought-after destinations in Sikkim after Gangtok. The founder of Pelling was a man called Freddie (Pelling) who arrived there during the time of the empire. He organized protection for the townspeople who lived under threat from raiders coming from the north who stole minerals from the mines there. Since then Freddie has become a local hero and each year there is a parade through the town commemorating him and celebrating the changes he made. Even a village was named after him. The best time to visit Pelling is between the months of September to May.
Monsoon season is the least preferred season, as during this period, Pelling receives torrential rains. The Distance between Pelling to Gangtok by road is 113 km. The aerial distance from Pelling to Gangtok is 36 km. Rabdentse Palace Ruins was the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814 when it was destroyed by the invading Gurkha army. Pemayangtse Monastery built in 1705 located in Pemayangtse was founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. The monastery depicts paintings on its walls and statues of saints and Rinpoches, deified on various floors. Darap Village about 7 km on the way to Yuksam occupied by the Limboo tribe is worth visiting.
Rimbi Waterfall 5 km from Darap en route to Khecheopalri is the oldest in west Sikkim being constructed in the early 70s during the reign of the last Sikkimese King. The state government has developed the Sewaro Rock Garden here which is complete with rocks, pathways, pools, manicured gardens, etc. Kanchenjunga Falls, 28 km from Pelling is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sikkim and is normally active throughout the year. also worth visiting is Changey Waterfall about 10 km from Pelling. Sanga Choeling Monastery, on a ridge above Pelling overlooking Pemayangtse Monastery, was built in 1697 AD and is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the Sikkim
. Among other attractions are the Pelling Sky Walk and Chenrezig Statue, a gigantic 137 feet statue of Chenrezig (Avalokitesvara), and a transparent Sky Walk made of glass that leads to the statue. It was opened in November 2018 and since then it has attracted significant footfall. Singshore Bridge located around 26 km away from Pelling built at a height of over 100 m and 240 m in length, is the highest bridge in Sikkim and the second-highest bridge in Asia. Kanchenjunga National Park located 32 km is a refreshing experience and is home to snow leopards and other rare animals, Well connected by road and air to facilitate tourist travel a helipad was built recently.
I also learned a lot from your blog post about the history and culture of the region around Kanchenjunga Falls. I did not know that the waterfall was discovered by a British explorer named Joseph Dalton Hooker in 1848. I also did not know that the local people worship the waterfall as a sacred site and celebrate a festival called Maghe Sankranti every year. I think it is fascinating how nature and spirituality are intertwined in this place.