Pelling - A holiday destination and has best package tour for travellers

Pelling is a famous tourist destinationa and sleepy town cosily tucked in between the hills of West Sikkim district. This little town gives you a closer and better look at the Kanchenjunga than any other place around it. Mist, snowcapped mountains and greenery is what a tourist can expect here.

Pelling is still unspoilt, unlike other popular hill stations. It is a wonder how this beautiful place has gone unnoticed for a very long time now. Besides, its natural vegetation and surroundings make it an ideal summer getaway.

Pelling has much more than just snow-capped mountains to offer to the tourists. Waterfalls, monasteries and jungles around it makes one look forward for some peace and serenity. And to those who are looking for hardcore trekking, Pelling is a heaven. So during summer whether you are
looking to just relax or go on a strenuous trek, just head towards Pelling.

SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS

Pelling is home to the oldest and most important monasteries of Sikkim. Pemayangtse Monastery (Nyingma-pa sect) founded in 1705, has a beautiful collection of wall paintings and sculptures. In January-February Cham, a dance festival is performed here. The second oldest monastery of Sikkim, Sangachoeling Monastery can be reached by a 45-minute walk up the wooded slopes.

After Pemayangtse Monastery, the Sangocheoling Monastery is one of the oldest gompas in Sikkim. It was built in 1697. Considered sacred by the followers of the Nyingmapa sect, the Sangachoeling Monastery is situated atop a high ridge. It takes around 45 minutes to reach Sangachoeling Monastery from Pelling.

Khecheopalri lake, hidden in thick forest cover, is considered one of the sacred lakes by the Buddhists and the Hindus. Some believe it is the footprint of Goddess Tara. The first capital of Sikkim Yuksam, the Dubdi Monastery on a hill top above Yuksam, Sangay Waterfall (10 km), Rabdentse Ruins, and Singshore Bridge at Uttarey (25 kms), the highest bridge in Sikkim are other places to visit. Do not miss the Kanchenjunga waterfalls (one hour away).

Located about 25 km from Pemayangtse, the Singshore hanging bridge is an engineering feat made possible by connecting two hills. A trip to the bridge is worth it just for the spectacular views it offers of green hillsides and beautiful waterfalls. It can be reached after a 20-minute drive from Uttare. There are many beautiful handicrafts to choose from for avid shoppers: hand woven woollen carpets with traditional motifs, shawls in Lepcha weaves, blankets and exquisitely carved choktse (tables), etc.

Pelling offers attractive walks; a trekkers’ hut is provided by the Tourism Department at Khecheopalri lake. A 20-minute drive from Pelling is Uttarey, a base camp for adventure tourism in the Singalila range trail.

TRAVELLER’S REVIEW

The town is a small one, divided into three parts. Upper Pelling, middle Pelling and Lower Pelling.. But these are all within a distance of 1-3 Km max. There is not much to explore in Pelling but the fact that it’s the most suitable place to have a glance at the mighty Kanchenjunga. The mesmerising golden peaks of Himalayas are absolutely stunning.Though the peaks are visible only for an hour or so in the wee hours of the mornings, still it’s worth it.

Generally all types of food is available, Bengali cuisine easily made and most opted for, apart from chicken and rice. For shopping, there is lots of ethnic stuff like Chinese fans, wall hangings, Fengshui materials. Carry lots of warm clothes for winter season. For those having motion sickness and nausea, have tablets in advance.There are plenty of winding roads from Siliguri to reach Pelling.

QUICK FACTS

State: Sikkim District: West Sikkim Languages spoken: Sikkimese, Nepali, Hindi and English Climate: Summer 10 to 28 C. Winter -5 to 16 C

GETTING THERE

Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (124 km)
Nearest Rail Station: New Jalpaiguri (125 km), Siliguri (114 km)
Main Highway: NH 31-A
Best time to visit: September to May

TOURISM INFO

Government of Sikkim Department of Tourism M G Marg, Gangtok

WHERE TO STAY
There are 21 hotels in Pelling.The tariffs range from as low as Rs. 850 onwards

TRAVELLERS’ QUERY

We would like to know which is a nice place to stay in the tariff range of Rs 3,000 per day.We are 3 adults.The place should also be close to the place of main activity in Pelling and preferably as we reach Pelling from
Gangtok.

We had visited Pelling last year.The hotel we had booked was Tashi Ghang Resorts. This resort belongs to the brother of well-known yesteryear’s actor, Danny Denzongpa. This is situated just midway to the Pelling town.
The resort is strategically located without any hotels around and one can enjoy a panoramic view of the valley below. It is very clean resort with a host of amenities i.e. library, souvenir shop, badminton court, dining hall, good room service, helpful and friendly staff. But the most beautiful part is the view from the rooms. It is really breathtaking.

Kanchenjunga and its chain of peaks are visible from your room if you demand such a room facing the snow peaks. Remember one thing. Kanchenjunga itself and adjoining peaks are not seen throughout the day as they are far away and also due to fog and clouds. Once you book a room facing the peaks, remember to put a morning alarm in your mobile for 4:30 am. keep your window curtains open. Once you are awake and wash your face and see out of your window, the view of the mighty and majestic Kanchenjunga will take your breath away. By around 05:15 to 05:30 am, the snow peaks turn a golden shade due to the sun. Believe me, I had my handycam ready along with the still camera, and I was continuously shooting God’s magnificent creation for nearly one and a half hours. It is up to you which hotel to book,but do insist on a room facing the snow peaks.