Pelling is a small town filled with beauty all around which is surprising for its magnitude. There are many places to visit in Sikkim that open doors for many things to do in Pelling. Pelling has something for everyone from adventure activities to spiritual retreats to mesmerizing walks through National Parks. Pelling offers opportunities to try your hands on a multitude of activities. The town is steadily converting into a quite famous tourist spot for various reasons be it the number of activities to do there and because of that inexpressible spellbound that cushions it everywhere you go in Pelling.
Best 8 Things to do in Pelling: Explore, Relax, and Rejuvenate
Pelling is widely famous for its outstanding adventurous activities and a visit to this small town would be a perfect addition to your Sikkim Vacation. Out of the countless things to do in Pelling, visiting monasteries is one of the must-do things. Buddhism stays intact in the entire state and that is entirely preserved by the monasteries in Pelling. Having said that, many of such monasteries accommodate the prosperity of earliest Buddhist treasures such as books, artifacts, paintings, and sculptures. Once you have visited these reflective establishments, you can explore the stunning natural water bodies, another joy for your visit in town. We have curated a list of things to do in Pelling for you, have a look to have a rejuvenating trip to Pelling:
- Reach New Heights: Rock Climbing in Yuksom
- Wild Adventures Await: Trekking and Wildlife Watching in Kanchenjunga National Park
- Conquer the Summit: Dzongri Trek
- Village Vibes: Hiking at Darap Village
- Breathtaking Views: Sightseeing at Singshore
- Experience the Festive Frenzy: Attend the Cham Festival at Pemayangtse Monastery
- Discover the Hidden Gem: Visit Ravangla
- Shop Local, Shop Love: Local Crafts and Food
1. Reach New Heights: Rock Climbing in Yuksom
Pelling, even after being a little town, has a lot to offer to its visitors and out of all the things to do in Pelling, Rock Climbing in Yuksom is one of those exciting activities that you should definitely try your hands on. The Yuksom trek is the starting point for Mount Kanchenjunga which is the world’s third highest peak. Climbing to this peak would be an exhilarating experience. Yuksom trek will take you through dense forests, wide-open meadows, past glacial rivers, and up into high mountain areas, all while giving you incredible views of Kanchenjunga. The difficulty level of this trek is high but once you have reached the top, it gives you the feeling of triumph and you’ll be struck by the breathtaking natural beauty. This trek is perfect for all adventure enthusiasts.
Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult
Best time to visit: March-May
Trekking Distance: Approximately 17 Kms
Trek Duration: 11-12 Days
Accommodations nearby: Limboo Homestay, Hotel Himsagar, Yuksam Pala’s Homestay, Hotel Viewpoint
Restaurants nearby: Snow Lion Restaurant, Tashi Restaurant, Mountain Cafe, Yuksom Kitchen, Hotel Tashigang Resort, Phamrong Waterfall Cafe, Lha-Ri-Sa Restaurant
Maximum Altitude: 1780 meters (5840 Feet)
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2. Wild Adventures Await: Trekking and Wildlife Watching in Kanchenjunga National Park
Kanchenjunga National Park is on the eastern side of the Himalayas in Sikkim spread over 2,035 sq. Km. To discover this beauty, you need to prepare yourself for adventure activities in Pelling and embark on a Goechala Trek. It is the 90 Kilometers trekking trail and an altitude of 15100 ft (about 4.6 km). It would take around 9 days to complete this trek and the difficulty level is between moderate to difficult, for that fitness is quite necessary. Once you have completed the trek, it would be worth it as you’ll get to discover the rich biodiversity. Kanchenjunga National Park strongly stands by the conservation and preservation of its rich biodiversity for the upcoming generations.
Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult
Best time to visit: March to May and September to Mid-December
Trekking Distance: 90 Kms
Trek Duration: 10 days
Accommodations nearby: Munlom Nature Resort, Log Cabin in the Woods, Lingthem Lyang Homestay, The Planter’s Home, The Nature’s Stay
Restaurants nearby: Yuma Restaurant, Dream Cafe, Darjeeling Cafe, Hotel Kasturi Restaurant, Nirvana Cafe, New Dish View Restaurant, Ganesha Family Restaurant
Maximum Altitude: 8586 m (28,169 ft.)
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3. Conquer the Summit: Dzongri Trek
Not all treks in Sikkim are difficult as here we talk about Dzongri Trek, one of the shortest high-altitude treks in Sikkim. This trek is one of the hidden gems in the north-eastern region of the country, one gets to discover the amazing beauty of stunning landscapes, exotic and rolling wildlife. Yuksom to Dzongri Trek is surely one of the most interesting treks and interesting activities in Pelling is basically an excursion that takes you close to nature. This trek is known as “Walking in Paradise” and once you have climbed this trek, you will agree with us.
Difficulty Level: Moderate-Difficult
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September-November
Trekking Distance: 50km
Trek Duration: 5 Days
Accommodations nearby: Hotel Red Palace, Limboo Homestay, Ejam Residency, Lovism Homestay, Dechenphu Retreat, Khecutari Camp
Restaurants nearby: Gurung Guest House, Snow Lion Cafe, Mountain View Restaurant, Himalayan Hut, Summit Cafe, The Trekker's Rest, Dzongri Tea House
Maximum Altitude: 4175.76 (13,700ft)
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4. Village Vibes: Hiking at Darap Village
Darap was recently explored as one of the places of interest in Pelling; its significance for retaining Flaura and fauna over the years. Located at a surface elevation of 1600 meters with temperatures ranging between –5 to 28 degrees. The residents of Darap Village are called Limbos ensure that their culture and traditions stay intact, and its stunning makes it even more beautiful. You have a lot of things to do in Darap Village like trekking, birdwatching, sightseeing, handicraft making, visiting the caves at Kanchenjunga National Park etc.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Best Time to Visit: March-May and September-November
Trekking Distance: 50km (about 31.07 mi)
Trek Duration: 4-5 Hours
Accommodations nearby: Daragaon Retreat, Darap Eco Retreat, Menchugang, Cherry Village Homestay, Cherry Village Homestay, Hotel Viewpoint, Wake in Himalayas
Restaurants nearby: Darap Homestay, Himalayan View Guest House, Darap Hilltop Cafe, Green Valley Restaurant, Orchid Retreat, Riverdale Cottage, Bamboo Grove Guest House
Maximum Altitude: 1600 meters (5249.3 Ft)
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5. Breathtaking Views: Sightseeing at Singshore
For Sightseeing, Singshore Suspension Bridge is perfect in Sikkim as it spans deep valley, awe-stroking views of lush forests and cascading waterfalls. For all adventure lovers and nature enthusiast, Singshore promises a memorable experience. It connects you with the beauty and grandeur of the Eastern Himalayas. Set out on a stroll on the longest suspension bridge and you’ll feel that you have been suspended high above the gorge. Set out on this incredible journey to enjoy the thrill and tranquility of this incredible location.
Address: Sikkim 737113
Best Time to Visit: March to May
Ideal for: Everyone
Nearby Attractions to Singshore: Pemayangtse Gompa, Rabdentse Ruins, Chenrezig Statue, Kanchenjunga Falls
Restaurants nearby: Singshore Homestay, Mountain View Cafe, Singshore Tea House, Valley View Restaurant, Riverside Retreat, Tranquil Cottage, Sunset View Lodge
Tips:
- Bring cameras to capture the natural beauty
- Park at a distance due to narrow road
- Do not litter your surroundings
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6. Experience the Festive Frenzy: Attend Cham Festival at Pemayangtse Monastery
The Cham Festival at Pemayangtse Monastery in Sikkim is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture and one of the interesting things to do in Pelling in May. Celebrated annually in February or March, it showcases the sacred Cham dance, a depiction of the struggle between good and evil. Monks and locals dressed in intricate costumes and masks perform to the rhythm of drums, cymbals, and trumpets. The festival is a spiritual experience, believed to bring peace, prosperity, and good fortune. Set against the nning backdrop of the Himalayas, it's a must-attend event for anyone interested in Sikkim's rich cultural heritage and traditions.
Address: Sikkim 737113
Best Time to Visit: March to May
Ideal for: Everyone
Nearby Attractions to Singshore: Pemayangtse Gompa, Rabdentse Ruins, Chenrezig Statue, Kanchenjunga Falls
Restaurants nearby: Monastery Cafe, Tranquility Tea House, Sacred Peaks Restaurant, Himalayan Retreat, Monastic View Guest House, Peaceful Haven Homestay, Serenity Cottage
Tips:
- Bring cameras to capture the natural beauty
- Park at a distance due to narrow road
- Do not litter your surroundings
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7. Discover the Hidden Gem: Visit Ravangla
Ravangla, a charming town in Sikkim, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green forests, it offers breathtaking views and serene ambiance. Visit the iconic Buddha Park, featuring a 130-foot-tall Buddha statue, and explore the historic Ravangla Monastery. Take a trek through the nearby hills, indulge in birdwatching, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Ravangla is an ideal place to visit in Sikkim for those seeking a peaceful and enriching experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
Address: Sikkim 737139
Best Time to Visit: April to June
Ideal for: Everyone
Nearby Attractions to Ravangla: Ravangla Retreat, Mountain View Inn, Himalayan Heights Hotel, Ravangla Hilltop Lodge, Tranquil Valley Guest House, Sunset Bliss Homestay, Green Valley Resort
Best Accommodations nearby: Hotel Lingmoo Residency, 9 Sense Group of Hotels, Divsai Retreat, Blue Duke Homestay
Tips:
- Bring cameras to capture the natural beauty
- Park at a distance due to narrow road
- Do not litter your surroundings
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8. Shop Local, Shop Love: Local Crafts and Food
Pelling has a multitude of markets and shops from where you can buy hand-curated gift items and other souvenirs and it is one of the fun things to do in Pelling. Most of the visitors of Sikkim ensures that they get their hands on woven Bamboo articles, multi-color woolen scarves, Tibetan accessories and carpets are also mostly bought. Local spices and produce like Oranges, Tea, and Walnuts and Cardamom are highly sold in Sikkim.
Shopping places in Pelling: Rinchenpong Bazaar, Rural Artisan Marketing Centre, Bermiok Bazaar
What to buy: Traditional costumes, local crafts and organic products such as walnuts, Tibetan tea and cardamom, Jewelry
Best Time to Visit: September to May
Tips:
- Don’t forget to negotiate
- Explore different shopping options
- Compare prices with other vendors as well
- Set a Budget for yourself
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In conclusion, Pelling is a hidden gem in Sikkim that's a must-visit for anyone exploring the region. With Things to do in Pelling, there's a lot to explore and enjoy. From stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range to peaceful moments at ancient monasteries, Pelling offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural richness. It's a place where you can find tranquility and discover new experiences. For those planning Sikkim Tour Packages, Pelling is a highlight worth including in your itinerary. So, don't miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the charm of Pelling and create unforgettable memories amidst the majestic landscapes of Sikkim.
Things to do in Pelling FAQ’s
The best way to explore Pelling is on foot or by hiring a local taxi. Walking allows you to soak in the scenic views and local culture, while taxis provide a convenient way to cover longer distances.
Pelling's must-visit attractions include the Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Sanga Choeling Monastery, and the iconic Kanchenjunga Waterfall.
Yes, Pelling offers several trekking routes for all levels, including the popular Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek and the Singalila Ridge Trek. Trekkers can enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas and explore scenic villages.
The best time to visit Pelling is from March to May and September to November when the weather is pleasant and clear, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
Yes, Pelling offers a range of shopping options, from local markets to shopping complexes, where you can find traditional Sikkimese handicrafts, souvenirs, and local products.
Pelling serves delicious local cuisine, including momos, thukpa, Gundruk, and Sikkimese dishes like Dal Bhat. Don't forget to try the local tea and coffee!
Yes, Pelling is an ideal base for day trips to nearby attractions like Yuksom, Tashiding, and Ravangla. You can also take a day trip to the nearby state of West Bengal.
Yes, Pelling offers adventure activities like paragliding, rock climbing, zip-lining, white-water rafting, and kayaking, providing thrill-seekers with plenty of options.
Yes, Pelling has several monasteries that offer accommodation to visitors, providing a unique insight into Buddhist culture and daily monastic life.
Yes, Pelling is generally regarded as a safe and welcoming destination for tourists. However, it's advisable to take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
