Top Things to Do in Pelling: Skywalk, Monasteries & Rabdentse Ruins

Introduction to Pelling: West Sikkim's Panoramic Gateway

Perched on a high ridge at an altitude of 2,150 metres (7,050 feet) in West Sikkim, Pelling is renowned for delivering some of the closest and most uninterrupted views of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m) and its surrounding Himalayan amphitheatre. Once an unassuming forest settlement, Pelling has evolved into West Sikkim's cultural and adventure hub, providing travelers with a base to explore sacred centuries-old Tibetan monasteries, preserved royal ruins, high-altitude wishing lakes, and vertiginous mountain skywalks. Reaching this hill station via the scenic Teesta and Rangit river valleys is an adventure in itself, detailed extensively in our guide on how to reach Pelling from Gangtok and Bagdogra.

Unlike commercialized hill stations, Pelling retains a tranquil, spiritual character. It lies directly on the sacred pilgrimage circuit that connects historic royal centers like Yuksom with remote Buddhist retreats across the state. Whether you are gazing at snow plumes whipping off Kanchenjunga at dawn or exploring secluded forest paths that wind past ancient stone stupas, Pelling rewards mindful exploration. Below is a curated, detailed guide to the top things to do in and around Pelling.

1. Walk the Glass Skywalk at the Colossal Chenrezig Statue

Located in Upper Pelling at an altitude of 7,200 feet, the Pelling Skywalk is India's first glass skybridge, inaugurated alongside the colossal 137-foot-tall statue of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion. A grand flight of stairs flanked by golden prayer wheels leads to the towering statue, which radiates peace across the valley.

The cantilevered glass skywalk extends outwards into open air, suspended high above a deep gorge. Walking along the transparent reinforced glass panels offers a thrilling sensation of stepping on thin air while gazing directly at the glistening south face of Kanchenjunga, Mount Pandim, and Kabru. The site is best visited early in the morning between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM before afternoon cloud cover rolls across the peaks.

• Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
• Entry Fee: ₹50 per person for Indian nationals; nominal shoe deposit fee.
• Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens (16-24mm) positioned from the base of the glass pathway to capture the dramatic perspective of the Chenrezig statue crowned by Himalayan snow peaks.

2. Explore the 300-Year-Old Pemayangtse Monastery

Founded in 1705 by Lama Lhatsun Chempo, Pemayangtse Monastery ("Perfect Sublime Lotus") is one of Sikkim's oldest and most prestigious Nyingma Buddhist monasteries. Historically, only Ta-tshang (pure celibate monks of Bhutia lineage) were admitted to this elite sanctuary. The monastery sits at an elevation of 2,085 metres, commanding sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Inside the three-storey gompa, antique wall frescoes, silk thangkas, and statues of Guru Padmasambhava line the prayer halls. The crown jewel of Pemayangtse is housed on the top floor: the Sangtokpalri (Zandogpalri), an intricate, seven-tiered painted wooden model depicting Guru Rinpoche's celestial heavenly abode. Hand-carved entirely out of wood over a span of five years by the late master craftsman Dungzin Rinpoche without a single nail, this masterpiece is regarded as one of the greatest sacred art treasures in the Eastern Himalayas.

3. Walk Through the Sacred Forest to Rabdentse Royal Ruins

Hidden inside a dense temperate forest of chestnut, birch, and oak trees draped in hanging moss lies Rabdentse, the second royal capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 until it was sacked by invading Gurkha forces in 1814. To reach the ruins, visitors take a peaceful 1.5-kilometre stone-paved walkway through the Rabdentse sacred forest, a premier birdwatching corridor known for sightings of scarlet minivets, laughingthrushes, and sunbirds.

The archaeological site reveals the fortified stone foundations of the Chogyal's royal palace, the marble-paved inner courtyards, and the sacred Namphogang where the Chogyal sat on a three-tier stone throne to deliver justice. Nearby stand three ancient stone stupas (Chortens) where the royal family performed daily prayers against the dramatic backdrop of deep valleys and towering Himalayan summits. For those intrigued by Sikkim's deep royal heritage, continuing onward to Yuksom's Norbugang Coronation Throne completes the historic trail.

4. Seek Blessings at Khecheopalri Sacred Lake

Located 31 kilometres northwest of Pelling, Khecheopalri Lake (6,000 feet) is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Sikkim, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Known as the "Wishing Lake," local belief holds that the lake's footprint-like contour represents the footprint of the Goddess Tara (or Guru Padmasambhava).

The lake is nestled inside an untouched virgin subtropical forest. A bamboo and wooden jetty lined with fluttering prayer flags extends to the lake shore, where pilgrims light butter lamps and feed carp. Remarkably, the water surface remains perpetually immaculate—legend holds that forest birds promptly pick up any fallen leaves that land on the lake's holy surface. For an elevated aerial view of the footprint shape, take the 20-minute uphill hike along the stone trail to the Khecheopalri Viewpoint and cave hermitage above the lake.

5. Witness Kanchenjunga Falls and Rimbi Orange Garden

En route from Pelling to Khecheopalri Lake, the mountain road passes several cascading waterfalls fed by glacial meltwater from high Himalayan ridgelines:

• Kanchenjunga Falls: A roaring perennial waterfall that plunges through sheer granite rock amphitheaters into a turquoise plunge pool. A short flight of steps leads to a viewing deck where refreshing glacial mist fills the gorge. Small rustic stalls nearby serve piping hot momos and organic Sikkim tea.
• Rimbi Orange Garden: Situated along the banks of the Rimbi River, this picturesque horticultural park features flowering fruit orchards, cardamom plantations, and shaded riverside paths. Visitors can sample fresh orange juice, purchase local mountain honey, and relax beside the rushing mountain stream.
• Rimbi Waterfalls & Karchen Power Project: Just above the river bridge, Rimbi Waterfalls provides a scenic stop where Sikkim's earliest hydel power facility was commissioned.

6. Cross the Singshore Suspension Bridge & Visit Changey Falls

Spanning a dizzying 198 metres in length across a deep river gorge, Singshore Bridge is the highest suspension bridge in Sikkim and one of the highest in Asia. Located approximately 25 kilometres from Pelling near Uttarey, walking across the bridge delivers an exhilarating adrenaline rush as wind gusts whip through the gorge beneath your feet.

On your return journey towards Pelling, stop at Changey Waterfall, a two-tiered 300-metre cascade that tumbles down vertical green cliffs beside the Pelling-Dentam highway. Trekkers planning extended high-altitude journeys into the Kanchenjunga National Park can compare these lower valley landscapes with the alpine passes featured on the legendary Goechala trek and Dzongri ridge route.

7. Hike to Sangachoeling Monastery

Perched on a lofty forest ridge directly opposite Pemayangtse, Sangachoeling Monastery was built in 1697 and holds the title of the oldest functioning monastery in Sikkim. Unlike Pemayangtse, which is accessible by vehicle, reaching Sangachoeling requires a scenic 45-minute uphill trek (approximately 3 km) through fragrant pine and rhododendron woods starting from the helipad area in Upper Pelling.

The monastery's whitewashed stone sanctuary contains rare centuries-old clay sculptures and tantric murals. Because it is accessible only on foot, Sangachoeling experiences minimal crowds, offering a deeply contemplative atmosphere with panoramic views of the Rangit river basin and the southern ridges towards Borong in South Sikkim.

Best Time to Visit Pelling

Pelling has two distinct peak travel seasons:

• Autumn (October to December): The absolute best time for mountain vistas. Post-monsoon skies are crystal clear, providing breathtaking, cloud-free morning views of Kanchenjunga, Kabru, and Mount Pandim. Daytime temperatures hover comfortably around 12°C to 18°C.
• Spring (March to May): Rhododendrons, magnolias, and wild orchids burst into bloom across the hillsides. The weather is pleasantly warm (15°C to 22°C), ideal for sightseeing and nature walks.
• Winter (January to February): Crisp, frosty mornings with night temperatures dropping close to 0°C. Excellent for snow lovers and quiet cultural retreats.
• Monsoon (June to September): Heavy torrential rainfall can cause landslides along mountain roads; recommended only for offbeat travelers exploring misty green landscapes.

Practical Travel Tips for Pelling

• Inner Line Permits (ILP): Foreign nationals require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Sikkim, easily obtained at Rangpo or Melli checkposts. Restricted Area Permits (RAP) are required for specific onward border zones.
• Local Transport: Pelling is divided into Upper Pelling, Middle Pelling, and Lower Pelling. Upper Pelling offers the most unobstructed sunrise views of Kanchenjunga. Hire private or shared Mahindra Boleros from the local taxi stand for sightseeing circuits.
• Cuisine: Try authentic Sikkimese dishes including hot thukpa, pork gyathuk, tingmo (steamed bread), fermented gundruk soup, and locally brewed millet beer (tongba) served in traditional wooden bamboo casks with warm water refills.

Conclusion

From the serene stone stupas of Rabdentse and the sacred shores of Khecheopalri Lake to the modern thrill of the Chenrezig glass skywalk, Pelling is the defining crown of West Sikkim. Whether you are using it as an acclimatization stop before embarking on deep wilderness treks in the Eastern Himalayas or savoring a relaxed mountain holiday, Pelling leaves an indelible impression on every traveler. For travelers seeking further hidden tribal hamlets in Sikkim, explore our guide to the Dzongu Lepcha Reserve.