Pelling is a small hill town in West Sikkim that punches far above its weight — a front-row seat to the Kanchenjunga massif, centuries-old monasteries, and the ruins of a lost Himalayan kingdom, all within a few kilometres of each other. Here's exactly what to do with your time here.
1. Pelling Skywalk & Chenrezig Statue
India's first glass-floored skywalk climbs to a 137-foot statue of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the Buddhist deity of compassion, at Sangacholing near Upper Pelling. The glass bridge itself is a short, dramatic walk, but the real draw is the statue and the views back across the valley toward Kanchenjunga on a clear morning.
We've written a full Pelling Skywalk visitor guide with timings and tips — worth a read since it's genuinely a few minutes from Wooden Nest Homestay's front door.
2. Pemayangtse Monastery
Built in 1705, Pemayangtse is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of the Nyingma order in Sikkim, and it was historically reserved for "ta-tshang" (pure) monks. Inside, don't miss the intricately carved wooden model of Zangdok Palri, Guru Rinpoche's celestial abode, built over decades by a single monk. The monastery sits on a ridge with sweeping views of the valley below.
3. Rabdentse Ruins
A short, forested walk from the Pemayangtse ticket counter leads to the ruins of Rabdentse, the second capital of the former Kingdom of Sikkim, active from 1670 to 1814. Little remains beyond stone foundations and chortens today, but the setting — a narrow ridge with the Himalaya on one side and the valley on the other — makes it one of the more atmospheric stops near Pelling.
4. Sangacholing Monastery
Reached by a short uphill walk from near the Skywalk, Sangacholing is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, founded in the 17th century. It sees far fewer visitors than Pemayangtse, which makes it a good stop if you want a quieter monastery experience with equally good views.
5. Khecheopalri Lake
About an hour's drive from Pelling, Khecheopalri — the "wish-fulfilling lake" — is considered sacred by both Buddhists and Hindus. Local belief holds that birds pick fallen leaves off the water's surface to keep it clear. It's a peaceful half-day trip, often combined with the nearby Khecheopalri and Kanchenjunga waterfalls en route.
6. Kanchenjunga Sunrise Viewpoints
On a clear morning, you don't need to go anywhere at all — Pelling itself looks straight at the Kanchenjunga range. The Pelling Helipad viewpoint and the upper stretches of Upper Pelling (near our homestay) are popular early-morning spots before the clouds roll in, usually by mid-morning.
7. Darap Village
A short drive from Pelling, Darap is a quiet Limboo village known for organic farms, cardamom plantations, and a slower pace of village life. It's a good half-day trip if you want to see rural Sikkim away from the tourist circuit.
8. Singshore Bridge
One of the highest suspension bridges in Sikkim, Singshore is roughly an hour's drive from Pelling toward Dentam/Uttarey. It's usually combined with a visit toward the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary — see our guide to treks near Pelling for the full route.
9. Try Local Sikkimese Food
Pelling's small-town size means the best food is often home-cooked rather than restaurant food — momos, thukpa, gundruk (fermented leafy greens), and sael roti are staples. At Wooden Nest, breakfast and dinner are included with every room and cooked fresh by our family, so you get an honest taste of home-style Sikkimese and North Indian cooking without hunting for it.
More day-trip ideas around Pelling
- Rimbi orange orchards — best in winter (Nov–Jan) when the orchards are in fruit.
- Kanchenjunga Falls — a roadside waterfall on the way to Khecheopalri, easy to combine into the same trip.
- Rock Garden, Pelling — a small landscaped garden with a waterfall, popular with families.
- Chenrey Falls — a lesser-visited waterfall a short drive from town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Pelling?
Two to three days is enough to cover the main sights at an easy pace — the Skywalk and Chenrezig Statue, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, and a day trip to Khecheopalri Lake. Add a day if you want Darap village or a short trek toward Barsey.
Is Pelling worth visiting?
Yes — few places in Sikkim offer as close a view of Kanchenjunga, alongside centuries-old monasteries, royal ruins, and a genuinely unhurried pace.
What is Pelling famous for?
Its close-up Kanchenjunga views, the glass-floored Skywalk with its 137-foot Chenrezig statue, and the 17th-century Pemayangtse Monastery.
Staying in Pelling for this?
Wooden Nest Homestay is in Upper Pelling, right beside the Skywalk Road — walking distance from the Skywalk and a short drive from everything else on this list.