PELLING

The pleasant little town of Pelling is famous for magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains of Kanchenjunga. Pelling is about 133 km away from Siliguri and 125km from Gangtok and well connected by bus and jeep services. Pelling pulls most of the visitors for its representative status in history, nature and culture of the state. The town is located at a distance of 10 km from the district headquarters of Geyzing.

Situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers good view of entire mountain ranges including the Koktang, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Kabru, Dom, Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Zopuno, Shimbho, Narsing, Siniyalchu and others. Pelling gives a spectacular views of the Mount Khangchendzonga, the Guardian Deity of Sikkim and the worlds third highest mountain along with other sister mountains bowing before the Godly figure in reverence. Pelling is an ideal getaway for tourists as its vicinity has numerous waterfalls, soft trek routes, villages and soothing atmosphere for all discerning.

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.

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.

Khechepalri Lake : Khechepalri 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.

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.

Places to stay in Pelling : Hotel Kingstone

 

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