Things to Do in Pelling

As you travel around 28kms from Pelling towards Yuksam, you shall come across one of the most transparent waterfalls of Kanchenjunga. These waterfalls are situated at a sharp curve on the road side. Since the density of the flow of these falls remains almost same throughout the year, they have become one of the most prominent attractions of Sikkim. Interestingly, these falls were first discovered recently by a tour operator of Pelling named Topjor Bhutia, in the mid 90s. Since these falls were almost hidden from the road, they could not be located by people who visited this place. It is believed that this pristine waterfall originates high up in the glaciers of Mount Kanchenjunga. Today this spot is being facilitated with tourist amenities so as to promote tourism here. There are small steps which lead to the base of the water fall. 

Khecheopalri Lake is located at a distance of just 24 Kms from Pemayangtse Monastery, in the north-west direction of Pelling. The lake is of ultimate tourist value as it is considered as a holy lake by both Buddhists as well as Hindus. Popularly known as the Wishing Lake or Sho Dzo Sho, it is considered to be the emanation of goddess Tara blessed by Guru Rempoche. The miraculous part of the lake is that the surface of it remains clean in spite of it being surrounded by the thick forest from where a lot of leaves keep on falling. Apart from the beauty that this lake is encircled with, it is visited by large number of pilgrims from different directions who come and make wishes all through the year. The area round this lake is easily accessible with good roads and makes the place enjoyable in a day out by car or trekking. In case you decide to stay here overnight, then there a few guest houses available nearby.

In order to understand the Rabdentse Ruins, we need to understand the history of Rabdentse settlement in Sikkim. Rabdentse was acknowledged to be the second capital of Sikkim. Once the abode of the Sikkim monarchs, this place however, became deserted and desolated with time. Located in West Sikkim district, Rabdentse is regarded as an archeological site that depicts the history of this region with its now ruined self. These ruins have been preserved by the Indian Archeological Society and act as a tourist attraction today. In order to reach these ruins, you will have to trek through a two kilometer path amidst the forest that starts from Pelling and goes till Geyzing. From the top of the monument, you can witness the panoramic views of the subterranean valley of Sikkim and the heights of Khangchendzonga.

Situated around 5 kms from Pelling, the Singshore Bridge is a renowned suspension bridge of 198 m. This bridge was laid in around 1999 to provide as a nexus between two hills in Pelling. This is the highest bridge of Sikkim and second highest bridge in Asia. Standing at this bridge, you can enjoy a splendid view of lush hillsides, overwhelming waterfalls and the pristine valley of Sikkim. Local authorities are also planning to offer adventure activities like bungee jumping here that would add to its tourist value.

Sikkim is replete with monasteries that exhibit Buddhist faith and its culture. Pemayangtse monastery is one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim that was constructed in the 17th century by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. Although quite humble when it was constructed, this monastery was subsequently renovated to grand proportions by Jigme Pawo, the third re-embodiment of Lhatsun Chempo. The name of the monastery can be literally translated as “Perfect Sublime Lotus” signifying the sublimate Buddhist faith and religion. Nestled in the beauty of nature, this monastery is set on a hilltop (2100m) overlooking the Rabdentse ruins. There are two floors of this monastery that exhibit:

• The ground floor features a central Buddha, while upstairs fierce-looking statues depict all eight reincarnations of Padmasambhava.
• On the top floor is an astounding seven-tiered model representing Padmasambhava’s heavenly abode of Zangtok Palri, handmade over five laborious years by a single dedicated lama.

Pemayangtse monastery is situated just 1.5km from Upper Pelling, along the road to Geyzing. You can easily combine its visit with that Rabdentse ruins.

Located 12 kms away from Pelling, the Rimbi waterfalls are situated along the banks of Rimbi River. You can see this waterfall throughout the year although in the rainy season it looks much more beautiful. A perfect place to take pictures, these waterfalls can be seen on the way to Khechopalri and Yuksam, near Darap Village. The waterfall leads to Rimbi River and is famous for the recreational activities like fishing.

Beautifully located on a hill top at the rear of the town of Pelling, the Sangacholing monastery was built in 1697 by Gyalwa Lhatsum Chempo, and is considered as an extremely sacred place by the followers of the Nyingmapa sect of the ancient school of Tibetan Buddhism. The architecture of the original monastery was devastated by fire but afterwards it was remodelled and rebuilt. This second oldest monastery in Sikkim houses some of the unique clay statures. This monastery is situated opposite to the famous Pemayangtse monastery and in order to reach here you will have to undertake an uphill hike for about forty minutes.  Although this monastery is open only to the Bhutia and Lepcha communities; you can still admire its beautiful architecture from outside.

The Khangchendzonga National Park extends from the cold deserts of Lhonak Valley and the ridges of Lachen in the North District to the historical place at Yuksom. The Western boundary of the Park runs along the international boundary with Nepal and China. The Park covers an area of 1784 sq.kms. and occupies as much as 25.14% of the total geographical area of Sikkim.

Visiting this park you can enjoy spectacular wilderness with one of the world’s highest peaks towering above. The most magnificent attraction of this park is the Mt. Khangchendzonga itself. This Park contains floral and faunal element that are similar to Palaearctic and Oriental regions and in addition, it has a good representation of species endemic to Himalaya.

Some of these comprise of:

• Cordyceps sinensis, a peculiar  sparingly branched fungus plant of highly medicinal value growing in the head of cater pillar which grow underground in alpine meadows.
• Schizandra grandiflora, a primitive climber.
• Helwingia himalaica, Smilax rigida, Euonymons spp., Paphiopedilum faireanum, and Aconitum ferox, etc. 
• Among the animals the Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens, State Animal), Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia), Great Tibetan Sheep (Ovis ammon hodgsoni), Bharal (Pseudois nayuar), Musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster),are Himalayan endemic representation in KNP.  
• Black-necked crane (migratory) Grus nigricollis, Grey Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum), Himalayan Monal Pheasant (Lophophorus impejanus), Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus), Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan Satyra), Tibetan Snow Cock (Tetraogallus tibetanus), and Himalayan Snow Cock (Tetraogallus himalayensis) are also among the birds unique to this Park.

Known for its majestic cascading waterfalls, the Sangay Falls is an important tourist spot in Sikkim. The waterfall along with its backdrop offers you picturesque views that will remain in your memory forever. This waterfall is not as huge as Kanchenjunga falls. However, its transparent water renders this waterfall a magical quality. Those who want to enjoy nature more closely can take a trek towards its point.

Changey waterfall is located at a distance of only 10 Kms from Pelling. This waterfall is situated at a height of 300 metres on the western slope of Western Sikkim. What makes this waterfall a unique place to visit it its beautiful white line which appears due to the whiteness of the waterfall with the background of intense green vegetation. Enveloped by dark and dense trees, this waterfall leaps out of the hillside to the valley floors in plumes of white and is thus one of the most photographed sites of Sikkim.

For the outdoor enthusiasts, Pelling offers innumerable opportunities to explore its wilderness. Most of the people who visit Pelling take a trek towards Dzongri, which is Sikkim's classic trekking region. Spectacular close up views of Mt. Khangchendzonga and her subordinate peaks is the major highlight of a trek to Dzongri. From Dzongri there are several routes further beyond with the trail to Goecha La being the most popular one.

Located just 6 kilometres from Pelling, Darap Subba village houses the small settlement of people of the Limboo community and many other small families like Bhutias, Chettris, Tamangs, Rais, Gurungs and Lepchas. The village is visited by the tourists to view its gently sloped terraced fields with panoramic views of snow capped mountains. It is an ideal base for those who want to explore Pelling sans the hustle bustle of the hotels.

Also known as the Yuksum Monastery, Dubdi is another Buddhist pilgrim centre located in the Tibetan Buddhism of the Nyingma Sect, close to Yuksum. Constructed in the year 1701, this monastery has been named after its founder Lhatsun Namkha Jigme. It is considered to be pivotal to the history of Sikkim.  Inside the monastery you can see the famous Lhetsum Chenpo green statue as well as many elaborate paintings of famous saints. The painted area also depicts various sacred symbols and a collection of ancient manuscripts.

Situated at a distance of 5 kilometres from Pelling, this temple is located en route to Gayzing from Pelling. The town of Legship is situated on the bank of river Rangit and this mandir is connected to Legship by a foot suspension bridge from the main road to the Temple. Shiv Ling is the main effigy of worship and there is a belief that a visit with true devotion to this temple fulfills one's wishes. On the occasion of Shiv Ratri that falls in December or January, local people of Legship organize a festival around this temple.