Pelling

Pelling
State: Sikkim
District: West Sikkim
Elevation: 2,150 m (7,050 ft)
Languages: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Mangar, Sherpa, Tamang and Sunwar
Time zone: IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN: 737113
Telephone code: 03595
Vehicle registration: SK
Best time to visit: September to May

Pelling is a town in the district of West Sikkim, India. Pelling is nestled at an altitude of 2,150 m (7,200 feet). The town is located at a distance of 10 km from the district headquarters of Geyzing. A regular bus service connects the two towns. However with the influx of tourists, the region is undergoing a metamorphosis, with the roads being repaired and hotels being set up.

The Himalayas and the Kanchenjanga may be viewed at close quarters from Pelling. Pelling also forms the base from where trekkers and other peripatetic adventurers undertake the strenuous and arduous treks in West Sikkim. The land around Pelling is still a virgin territory and is bathed with alpine vegetation, with numerous waterfalls lining the hillside. In the months of winter, Pelling is sometimes covered with a blanket of snow.

Pelling is 115 km from the state capital Gangtok and about 135 km from Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. Regular jeeps connect Pelling to the towns of Jorethang, Kalimpong and Namchi. The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport.

Most of the people of Pelling are Buddhists and speak the Sikkimese language. Other languages spoken are Nepali, Hindi, and English.

How to Reach

by train

The New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station is the closest railhead at a distance of 152 kilometres from Pelling. Trains from across the country connect the NJP station to major cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Taxis are readily available for hire outside the railway station. However, if you want to travel by a shared cab, go to Siliguri, 6 kilometres away, and from there take a shared cab to Pelling.

by bus

Pelling is easily accessible by all weather metalled roads. Other than buses operated by the state transport department, there are shared and private cabs available from all major towns and cities in the region. Pelling is well connected to Gangtok, Siliguri and Darjeeling by road. The road from Siliguri to Pelling is quite steep and hence it’s advisable to travel by car or Sumo rather than a bus.

by air

The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, 160 kilometres away. The airport is connected to all major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata by regular flights. From the Bagdogra Airport, hire a private cab or board a shared taxi (available from Siliguri) to reach Pelling.

What to See

Buddha Park, Ravangla

Changey Falls

Chardham, Namchi

kanchenjunga

khecheopalri lake

Pemayangtse Monastery

Rabdentse Ruins

Sanga Choeling Monastery

Singshore Bridge

Sky Walk

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