Pemayangtse monastery was founded in 1705 by Lhatsun Chempo, one of the three lamas who consecrated the first Chogyal at Yuksom. Its name is usually translated as perfect sublime lotus.
Source: Pemayangtse Monastery
Town in Sikkim
Pelling
Kangchenjunga views, Pemayangtse and the ruins of Rabdentse
Pelling is a ridge town at about 2,150 m in West Sikkim with one of the closest views of Kangchenjunga. Around it lie Pemayangtse monastery, founded in 1705, the ruins of the old capital at Rabdentse and the sacred Khecheopalri lake. No permit is needed for Indians. Plan two or three nights.
Photo: Santanu Paul · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsPelling runs along a ridge above Gyalshing, the district headquarters, in two parts, upper and lower Pelling, lined with hotels facing north. The reason they all face that way is Kangchenjunga: on a clear morning the massif fills the horizon, close enough to pick out its summits, glaciers and neighbouring peaks such as Kabru and Pandim.
This was the royal heartland of Sikkim. Rabdentse, the kingdom's second capital from 1670, lies in ruins in the forest below, and Pemayangtse, founded by Lhatsun Chempo in 1705, still stands above it as one of the state's most important monasteries. Sanga Choeling, on the ridge above town, is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim.
Pelling is also a base for day trips: to Khecheopalri lake, sacred to Buddhists and Hindus, to waterfalls at Rimbi and Kanchenjunga Falls, and on to Yuksom. Hotels in Pelling have grown quickly, so look for rooms on the north side with a clear view. October to December gives the clearest mountain days.
Say it like a local · TibetanPemayangtse
perfect sublime lotus, the name of Pelling's great monastery
What to do in Pelling
Kangchenjunga at sunrise
From any north-facing balcony in Pelling, Kangchenjunga and its neighbours light up pink and gold at sunrise. October to December has the clearest mornings; in spring, haze often softens the view by mid-morning.
Pemayangtse monastery
A short drive or walk from town, Pemayangtse was founded in 1705 and belongs to the Nyingma school. Its upper floor holds a seven-tiered wooden model of Zangdok Palri, the heavenly palace of Guru Rinpoche.
Rabdentse ruins
A forest walk of about 2 km leads to the ruins of the royal palace of Rabdentse, Sikkim's capital from 1670 to 1814. Low stone walls and chortens stand on a ridge with views across to Kangchenjunga.
Sanga Choeling and the skywalk
Sanga Choeling, founded in 1697, sits on a ridge above Pelling. Nearby, a large statue of Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion, is reached by a glass-floored skywalk opened in 2018.
Khecheopalri lake
About 25 km from Pelling, a sacred lake in a forest bowl at around 1,700 m, held holy by Buddhists and Hindus. A wooden jetty with prayer wheels leads to the water's edge.
Waterfalls on the Yuksom road
Rimbi falls and Kanchenjunga Falls, both on the road towards Yuksom, are easy roadside stops, strongest from July to October.
Field notes
What most guides miss about Pelling
Pemayangtse traditionally admitted monks only from established Bhutia families, and its head lama had the role of anointing Sikkim's Chogyals with holy water.
Source: Pemayangtse Monastery
Rabdentse was the second capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 until 1814, when it was abandoned after attacks by the Gurkha army of Nepal.
Source: Rabdentse
Experiences
Three days worth having in Pelling
Photo: Amitabha Gupta · CC BY 4.0 · Commons
Pelling · 1.5 hours
Pemayangtse and its wooden heaven
Visit Pemayangtse, founded in 1705 by Lhatsun Chempo and one of Sikkim's most important monasteries. Climb to the top f…
Entry ₹20–100
Photo: Pankaj.biswas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Pelling · 1.5–2 hours
Walk to the ruins of Rabdentse
Walk about 2 km through forest to the ruins of Rabdentse, Sikkim's royal capital from 1670 to 1814. Low stone walls, ch…
Entry ₹25–100
Photo: Kothanda Srinivasan · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Pelling · Half day
Khecheopalri, the wish-fulfilling lake
Drive about 25 km to Khecheopalri, a quiet lake in a forest bowl at around 1,700 m, held sacred by Buddhists and Hindus…
Taxi ₹2,000–3,000 return; small entry fee
Real prices
What things cost in Pelling
ItemIndicative 2026
Shared jeep seat, Gangtok–Gyalshing/Pelling₹350–550
Private taxi, NJP or Bagdogra–Pelling₹4,500–6,000 one way
Day sightseeing taxi around Pelling₹2,500–4,000 per vehicle
Pemayangtse monastery entry₹20–100
Skywalk entry₹50–100
Plate of momos or thukpa₹80–180
Local prices change with season and fuel costs. Check current status before you travel.
Getting there
How to reach Pelling
Air
Bagdogra Airport is about 140 km away, 5–6 hours by road via Jorethang and Legship. Pakyong Airport near Gangtok has had only limited flights; check current status before you travel.
Rail
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the nearest major railway station. Shared jeeps run from Siliguri to Jorethang and Gyalshing, from where local jeeps go up to Pelling, about 10 km.
Road
From Gangtok, shared jeeps leave the Vajra stand for Gyalshing and Pelling, 5–6 hours. Private cars take 5–6 hours via Ravangla and Legship or via Singtam and Rabongla. Landslides are common in the monsoon; check current status before you travel.
Where to stay
Sleeping in Pelling
Saver: simple hotels in lower Pelling and Gyalshing offer doubles from about ₹1,500–2,500; ask for a north-facing room. Comfort: The Chumbi Mountain Retreat in upper Pelling is a well-run mid-range resort with Kangchenjunga views. Signature: the Elgin Mount Pandim, a heritage hotel on the ridge just below Pemayangtse monastery, is the town's classic stay.
Photo: Santanu Paul · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Mid
Resort · Pelling
The Chumbi Mountain Retreat
A mid-range resort in upper Pelling with rooms facing Kangchenjunga, a restaurant and gardens. A comfortable base …
₹6,000–11,000 a night for a double (indicative)
Photo: flowcomm · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Luxury
Heritage hotel · Pelling
The Elgin Mount Pandim
A heritage hotel on the ridge just below Pemayangtse monastery, facing Kangchenjunga and Mount Pandim. Gardens, pe…
₹12,000–22,000 a night for a double with meals (indicative)
Trips that stop here
See Pelling on a trip
Photo: IamBumba · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Comfort
Sikkim · 6 nights · sleeps to 2,150 m
Sikkim monasteries and ridges, 6 nights
Private car with driver
From, per person₹52,000Mar – May · Oct – Dec
Photo: IamBumba · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Saver
Sikkim · 6 nights · sleeps to 2,150 m
Sikkim west by shared jeep, 6 nights
Shared jeeps and local taxis
From, per person₹17,500Mar – May · Oct – Dec
Photo: IamBumba · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Signature
Sikkim · 6 nights · sleeps to 3,753 m
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Sikkim heritage hotels, 6 nights
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Questions
Pelling, answered
How do I reach Pelling from Bagdogra or NJP?
Pelling is about 140 km from Bagdogra and NJP, 5–6 hours by road via Jorethang and Legship. Shared jeeps go from Siliguri to Jorethang or Gyalshing, then local jeeps to Pelling. A private taxi costs about ₹4,500–6,000.
What is the best time to visit Pelling?
October to December for the clearest Kangchenjunga views, and March to May for flowers and pleasant weather. June to September is monsoon, with cloud and landslides. January and February are cold but often clear.
How many days are enough in Pelling?
Two nights cover the Kangchenjunga sunrise, Pemayangtse, Rabdentse, Sanga Choeling and the skywalk. A third night lets you add Khecheopalri and the waterfalls, or continue to Yuksom.
Do I need a permit for Pelling?
Indian nationals do not need a permit for Pelling. Foreign nationals need the Sikkim Restricted Area Permit, which covers Pelling. Check current status before you travel.
Can I see Kangchenjunga from Pelling?
Yes, on clear days, especially at sunrise from October to December. In spring, haze often hides the peaks by mid-morning, and in the monsoon they may stay hidden for days.
Is Pelling good for families?
Yes. Roads are good by mountain standards, most sights are short drives apart, and the altitude of about 2,150 m is comfortable. Choose a hotel with a view and heating in winter.
How far is Pelling from Gangtok?
About 115–130 km depending on the route, 5–6 hours by road via Ravangla or Singtam. Shared jeeps run from Gangtok to Gyalshing and Pelling.
Is there mobile network and ATM in Pelling?
Yes, Pelling and Gyalshing have mobile networks and ATMs. Signal weakens around Khecheopalri and Yuksom. Carry cash for day trips.
Is Pelling good for a honeymoon?
Yes. Rooms facing Kangchenjunga, quiet monasteries, forest walks and day trips make it popular with couples. Book north-facing rooms ahead in October and November.