Day Trips from Pelling: Yuksom, Tashiding & More

Pelling is the gateway to West Sikkim, and some of the region’s most memorable places are an hour or two away. If you have a spare day — or want to stretch your trip into a full circuit — these are the side trips worth making.

Best side trips

Yuksom — Sikkim’s first capital (full day).
Tashiding — a sacred hilltop monastery (combine with Yuksom).
Rinchenpong & Kaluk — quiet villages with big Kanchenjunga views (half–full day or overnight).
Singshore Bridge & Uttarey — a dramatic gorge and border valley (half day).

Yuksom: where Sikkim began

About 35–40 km north of Pelling (roughly 1.5–2 hours), Yuksom is where Sikkim’s first Chogyal was crowned in 1642. It’s also the starting point for the famous Dzongri–Goechala trek.

Norbugang Coronation Throne — the stone throne where the first king was consecrated.
Dubdi Monastery — often described as Sikkim’s oldest monastery, reached by an uphill forest walk.
Kathok Lake — a small sacred lake in the village.
Phamrong Waterfall — a tall waterfall on the road to Yuksom.

Treks beyond Yuksom need permits — see our permit guide.

Tashiding Monastery

Set on a hilltop between the Rathong Chu and Rangit rivers, Tashiding is one of the holiest sites in Sikkim. It’s famous for the Bhumchu festival, when a sacred vase of water is opened and its level read as an omen for the year (usually around February–March). Combine Tashiding with Yuksom for a full-day loop.

West Sikkim’s monasteries make the most rewarding side trips.

Rinchenpong & Kaluk

Across the valley from Pelling, about an hour’s drive away, these neighbouring villages offer some of the most open views of the Kanchenjunga range in West Sikkim, with far fewer visitors. Highlights include Rinchenpong Monastery, the Resum Monastery trail and the historic “poison lake”. Many travellers stay a night here to catch sunrise. It’s also the approach to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, spectacular in spring.

Singshore Bridge, Uttarey & Dentam

About 25 km west of Pelling, Singshore Bridge spans a deep gorge and is often called one of the highest suspension bridges in Asia. Continue to the border valley of Uttarey for lakes and forest, or stop at Changey Waterfall and Dentam on the way back. The official notified taxi fare for the Pelling–Singshore trip is ₹1,300–2,000 depending on vehicle (see taxi rates).

Ravangla & Namchi (on the way to Gangtok)

If you’re heading on to Gangtok, stop at Buddha Park in Ravangla or the Char Dham complex in Namchi. Details in Gangtok to Pelling.

Side trips at a glance

Destination	Approx. time from Pelling	Best as
Yuksom (+ Tashiding)	1.5–2 hrs	Full day or overnight
Rinchenpong / Kaluk	about 1–1.5 hrs	Half day or overnight
Singshore Bridge	about 1–1.5 hrs	Half day
Uttarey	about 2 hrs	Full day
Ravangla / Namchi	2–3 hrs	En route to Gangtok

Times depend on road conditions; allow extra in the monsoon.

Building a West Sikkim circuit

For a slower trip: 2 nights in Pelling, 1 night in Yuksom, 1 night in Rinchenpong or Kaluk. Base yourself in Pelling first — browse Pelling hotels or village homestays — and see our places to visit guide for the sights close to town.