West Sikkim · Sikkim
Pelling
A ridge town facing Kanchenjunga, with Pemayangtse monastery, Rabdentse ruins and a glass skywalk.
Pelling is an easy hill destination in West Sikkim, Sikkim, reaching 2,150 m. The best time to go is March and April and October to December. Plan 3 to 4 days on the ground from Bagdogra / NJP and about ₹3,000 per person per day.
What to do in Pelling
The one thing not to miss
Pemayangtse Monastery
One of Sikkim's oldest, on a ridge facing Kanchenjunga.
- 2Rabdentse ruinsThe second capital of Sikkim, a short forest walk away.
- 3Khecheopalri LakeA sacred lake in the forest.
A sample plan: 4 days
Day 1
Bagdogra to Pelling
About 5–6 hours on the road. Check in and take a short walk to get your bearings.
Day 2
Pemayangtse Monastery · Rabdentse ruins
Details for each are under What to do, above.
Day 3
Khecheopalri Lake
A sacred lake in the forest.
Day 4
Pelling to Bagdogra
Leave after breakfast; hill roads are slower than the map suggests.
A starting point built from the things to do above. Move days around to suit your pace.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Why go
The closest big Kanchenjunga view from a comfortable hotel bed.
Why not
Clouds hide the peak for days at a time outside October–December and March–April.
Before you go
- Permits
- None for Indian citizens.
- Guide
- Not needed.
- Safety
- Roads from Siliguri are slow; plan a full day each way.
- Phone & internet
- Decent.
Permits, food and festivals in Sikkim →
These details haven't been field-verified yet. Confirm permits, road status and weather locally before you travel.
If something goes wrong
Main hospitals in Sikkim: Central Referral Hospital (Manipal), Tadong, Gangtok; STNM Hospital, Gangtok.
All emergency contacts for Sikkim →What to pack for Pelling
Worked out from its season, altitude and terrain. Tick things off as you pack; tap a name to find it in a shop.
Clothing
2 items
- Fleece or light sweater Evenings turn cold in the hills even in summer.
- Sun cap or hat Hours in open sun, with little shade above the tree line.
Footwear
1 item
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip Hill towns mean slopes, steps and wet stone.
For day outings
2 items
- Day pack, 20–30 litres For day outings: water, a layer, a camera.
- Water bottles, 2 litres in total Refill rather than buying plastic bottles.
Health and sun
3 items
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 The sun burns faster in the hills than in the plains.
- Small first-aid kit and your own medicines The nearest chemist may be hours away.
- Motion-sickness bands or tablets The approach roads are long and winding.
Documents and money
4 items
- Government photo ID and two photocopiesAsked for at hotels, check posts and permit counters.
- Enough cash for the whole tripATMs are scarce and often empty beyond the gateway town.
- Permits and registrationsNone for Indian citizens.
- Passport-size photos and photocopies of your IDPermit counters and check posts ask for them, and there is rarely a photocopier nearby. Carry four of each.
Phone and power
2 items
- Power bank Charging is limited, and cold drains batteries fast.
- A SIM that works thereDecent.
For what you're going for
2 items
- Light travel tripod For sunrise, night skies and long exposures.
- Spare memory card and camera battery Cold drains camera batteries; there is nowhere to buy spares.
Read before you go
1 item
- A guidebook for Sikkim Worth reading before you go, and it works without a signal.
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Homestays in Sikkim
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Getting there
The nearest gateway is Bagdogra / NJP.
Directions open in Google Maps with today's road time. In the mountains, add a third to whatever it says.
- Normal car?
- Yes, any car can make it.
By road
From
Bagdogra / NJP
- Distance
- about 135 km
- Drive time
- 5–6 hours
- Siliguri
- Melli
- Jorethang
- Legship
- Geyzing
- Pelling
From
Gangtok
- Distance
- about 115 km
- Drive time
- 4.5–5 hours
- Gangtok
- Singtam
- Ravangla
- Legship
- Geyzing
- Pelling
Buses and shared taxis. Fly to Bagdogra or take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), both next to Siliguri. Shared jeeps and taxis leave from there. Shared jeeps run to Geyzing, just below Pelling.
Pickups & drivers
From Bagdogra / NJP. Call or WhatsApp the driver directly.
No drivers listed for Pelling yet. Drive this route? List your cab.
Pelling: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Pelling?
The best months for Pelling are March and April and October to December. January and February and May are possible but not ideal. Snow is rare here.
How difficult is Pelling?
Pelling is rated easy. No trekking is needed, starting at 2,150 m and reaching 2,150 m.
How many days do you need for Pelling?
Plan 3 to 4 days on the ground, counted from Bagdogra / NJP. Add travel days to reach the gateway from your city.
How much does a trip to Pelling cost?
Expect about ₹3,000 per person per day for a mid-range trip (stay, food and local transport). That is roughly ₹12,000 for 4 days, before the cost of getting to Bagdogra / NJP.
How do you reach Pelling?
By road: from Bagdogra / NJP it is about 135 km, 5–6 hours (Siliguri → Melli → Jorethang → Legship → Geyzing → Pelling); from Gangtok it is about 115 km, 4.5–5 hours (Gangtok → Singtam → Ravangla → Legship → Geyzing → Pelling). Fly to Bagdogra or take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), both next to Siliguri. Shared jeeps and taxis leave from there. Shared jeeps run to Geyzing, just below Pelling. The nearest gateway is Bagdogra / NJP.
Do you need a permit or a guide for Pelling?
Permits: None for Indian citizens. Guide: Not needed.
Is Pelling suitable for children and senior citizens?
With children it is great; with seniors it is great. It is moderately busy in season. Roads from Siliguri are slow; plan a full day each way.
What should you pack for Pelling?
Pack fleece or light sweater, sun cap or hat, comfortable walking shoes with grip, day pack, 20–30 litres, water bottles, 2 litres in total, sunscreen, spf 50, small first-aid kit and your own medicines, motion-sickness bands or tablets, power bank. Also carry a government photo ID, enough cash and any permits. The full list is on this page.
Is there mobile network and internet at Pelling?
Decent.
Who should not go to Pelling?
Pelling suits most travellers, including children and senior citizens. The one drawback to know about: Clouds hide the peak for days at a time outside October–December and March–April.
Close to Pelling
Within about 35 km in a straight line. Hill roads are a good deal longer, so check the drive before you combine two.