Pelling
Pelling at a glance
Pelling is a town in the district of West Sikkim, India. The town is located at a distance of 10 km from the district headquarters of Geyzing. A regular bus service connects the two towns. However with the influx of tourists, the region is undergoing a metamorphosis, with the roads being repaired and hotels being set up.
The mighty Himalayas and the Kanchenjanga may be viewed at close quarters from Pelling. Pelling also forms the base from where trekkers and other peripatetic adventurers undertake the strenuous and arduous treks in West Sikkim. The land around Pelling is still a virgin territory and is bathed with alpine vegetation, with numerous waterfalls lining the hillside. In the months of winter, Pelling is sometimes covered with a blanket of snow.
Most of the people of Pelling are Buddhists and speak the Sikkimese language. Other languages spoken are Nepali, Hindi, and English.
Pelling is famous for the majestic view of the magnificent Mount Kanchenjangha. It also affords a panoramic view of other snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
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Air
The closest airport is at Bagdogra (about 148 km from Pelling and a six hour drive) and is connected by air with all the Metros in the country.
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Rail
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest rail head and is also about 148 kms from Pelling. NJP is also connected with all the major cities of the country with most of trains heading for the north-eastern states making a stop at this junction.
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Road
Car services can be availed from Siliguri & Gangtok to Pelling. However, it is more convenient to travel in smaller vehicles which are available on seat sharing basis/hire, from near the Bus terminus, airport and railway station.
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Darap Valley
On your way to other site seeing point you will pass through this valley which will fall in your right side. Darap village is promoted by tourism department for village tourism.
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Rimbi Water Falls
On the way at a distance of 11 KM from Pelling this water fall is just 2 KM before the Sewaro Rock garden. This one not so big water fall compared to other water falls in Sikkim.
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Sewaro Rock Garden
Entry fee of Rs 10 is charged to enter this garden. From the main road you need to go down a bit to reach this garden constructed by the side of the river. You can touch the water here. This rock garden is 13 KM from Pelling and 30 minutes drive.
After going 3 KM from Sewaro Rock garden you will reach one Y (three road) junction. Road towards your left side goes to Khechuperi wishing lake and the road towards right goes to Kangchenjunga water fall. From this point Kangchenjunga water fall is 8 KM and Khechuperi wishing lake is 9 KM. -
Khangchenjunga Water Falls
At a distance of 25 KM from Pelling it will take nearly one and half hour including the half hour stay at Sewaro Rock garden. You need to climb up little in steps to reach the foot of the water fall. This water fall is last but one point in your drive for local site seeing in Pelling. After this you will return to Y junction and go towards Khechopalri wiching Lake. Take care of your vehicle as there is no open parking space and stones may fall from heights.
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Khecheopalri Lake
This Lake is located at a distance of 25 KM from Pelling and 9 KM from the Y junction (other road goes towards Kahgchenjunga water fall). This scared lake surrounded by prayer flags is worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhist. From the parking area one can walk up to the Lake through a trail and by the side of a Monastery.
Khachoedpalri means mountain of blissful heaven. Lagand has it that this place was once a grazing ground abound with stinging nettle. Native Lepchas use the barks of nettle for multi-purpose requirements. One day a Lapcha couple as usual peeling if the bark of the nettle saw a pair of conchshells coming from the air and entering into the ground. After that the ground underneath shook violently and immense spring of water engulfed the entire ground which turned up into a huge lake. As pen nesal text , this lake was recognized as the abode of Tshomen Gyalme or chief protective Nymph of Dharma as blessed by Goddess Tara. Native Buddhist believes that the shape of the lake is foot print blessing of Goddess Tara. -
Pemayangtse Monastery
Located at a distance of 2 KM from Pelling, this is the one of the oldest and important Nyingma monastery in Sikkim. There is an entry fee of Rs 20 to visit this monastery. At hill top from this Monastery you can get good view of Kangchenjunga and other hill rages. You can also get a distance view of Rabdentse Ruins from here.
Visitors are allowed to visit inside and can climb up to 2nd and 3rd floor of the main building. Each floor has many traditional collections of Buddhist statues, traditional paintings, wooden masks and ritual texts. Some paintings are kept covered by cloths. At the top floor there is beautiful wooden replica of Zangdog Palri the celestial adobe of Guru Padmasambhava. This is the main attraction of the Monastery. This colorful and beautiful piece is kept inside a big glass box to preserve it. Note that photography is not allowed inside the main building. -
Rabdentse Ruins
At a distance of 3 KM from Pelling and within 1 KM distance from Pemayangtse Monastery there are the ruins of the fort or palace of second capital of Sikkim. This place is well maintained and preserved by Archaeological survey of India.
From the parking place tourists have to walk nearly 1 KM in a well maintained jungle trail up to the ruins of the palace. The duration of walk will be for 20 to 30 minutes. If you are a seasoned walker then you will enjoy the trek but for aged senior visitors it may be little difficult. There is one alternate short road is under construction connecting this site bypassing the walking trail. You can get the view of main structure of Pemayangtse Monastery from here and in same way you can get a full view of ruins from the Pemayangtse Monastery. -
Sangachoeling Monastery
Sangachoeling Monastery is about 7 km away from the Pemayangtse Monastery and is considered as the second oldest monastery of Sikkim. Located about 3 km away from south west of Upper Pelling district, this monastery can be reached by walk.
Sangacholing, which means the land of scared spell is a monastery which was built in 1695 by Lhatsun Ankh Sigma. Over the years, due to excessive exposure to regular earthquakes, the sculptures of this monastery have crumbled. At present, this monastery is open to everyone from Bhutanese to Lepcha communities. This monastery provides a beautiful view of the great Himalayan range and the Pemayangtse Monastery.
The Sangacholing Monastery houses a sacred three hundred year old Buddhist crematorium, which has seen the cremation of Lhatsun Namkha Zigme, after he went in Parinirwana. After this, it has been named as Dhuthoe Silwar Tshar and has become a public Buddhist crematorium.Various accessories are p[reserved in this monastery.
The monastery was recently remodelled after sustaining severe earthquakes, but still it has the aroma of serenity and holiness. Best time for visiting this monastery is early morning, during the sunrise. Buses are available from various places around the monastery on regular intervals. Also taxis and jeeps are available. -
Singshore Bridge
Singshore Bridge, a 198 metre suspension bridge is located at a short distance 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.
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Changey Waterfalls
Changey Waterfall is located about 10 km away from Pelling on the western slope of Pelling district of Western Sikkim. Situated at a height of about 300 metres, these falls are on the way to Dentam Valley. While descending, these falls disappear into the extensive greenery around the waterfall and because of the whiteness of the waterfall it appears like a great white line, with the backdrop of dense green vegetation.
The fall flows through the Changey village from Ranidhunga and is considered as a famous tourist destination. Other villages surrounding this waterfall are Chhangey, Sapung and Bongten villages. Across these falls, tourists can also find Dentam Bazaar, which is an old village market housing a cheese factory. -
Dentam Valley
It is famous for the Alpine Gouda Cheese factory a product of Indo - Swiss collaboration. Sikkim Dairy Products Private Limited (SDPPL) was established in 1996. Cheese Plant at Dentam, West Sikkim, manufactures Gouda Cheese (naturally ripened cheese) and is one of the tourist attractions. Quality cow’s milk is used under hygenic environment to produce Cheese and Paneer (Frozen Diced Paneer). Product is available as "Alpine Cheese" or "Amul Gouda Cheese". It is rated one of the best quality cheese available in India.
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