15 Best Places to Visit in Pelling (Grouped by Sightseeing Loop)
Most lists of Pelling attractions are just that — lists. But local drivers don’t take you to sights in random order; they run fixed loops. Planning your days the same way saves hours. Here are Pelling’s 15 best places, grouped by loop, with the practical details you need.
The four loops
- Loop B – Heritage & Skywalk (half day): Pemayangtse, Rabdentse, Skywalk, Sanga Choeling, helipad.
- Loop A – West valley & sacred lake (half–full day): Darap, Rimbi, Rock Garden, Khecheopalri, Kanchenjunga Falls.
- Loop C – High ridge & canyon (half day): Singshore Bridge, Changey Falls, Dentam.
- Loop D – Yuksom & Tashiding (full day).
Loop B: Heritage & Skywalk (close to town)
1. Pelling Skywalk & Chenrezig Statue
A glass-floored walkway leads to a 137-ft statue of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) on the hill above Sanga Choeling. Go early for the clearest views. Entry is about ₹50 per person. Full Skywalk guide.
2. Pemayangtse Monastery
Founded in 1705, Pemayangtse is one of Sikkim’s oldest and most important Nyingma monasteries, about 2 km from Upper Pelling. Its top floor holds an extraordinary carved wooden model of Guru Rinpoche’s heavenly palace. Open roughly 8 am–5 pm; small entry fee. Pemayangtse & Rabdentse guide.
3. Rabdentse Ruins
The ruins of Sikkim’s second capital (1670–1814), reached by a pleasant forest walk of about 20–30 minutes from the gate. Free entry; lovely at sunset.
4. Sanga Choeling Monastery
Founded in 1697 on the ridge above Pelling, it’s a steep uphill walk but rewards you with quiet and wide views.
5. Pelling Helipad ground
The town’s free viewpoint — come for sunrise and sunset over the range.
Loop A: West valley & sacred lake
6. Darap village
A multi-community village 7–8 km from Pelling, known for homestays, cardamom fields and friendly walks.
7. Rimbi Waterfall & River
About 10–12 km from Pelling; a roadside waterfall and riverbank stop, best after the monsoon.
8. Sewaro Rock Garden
Landscaped gardens and pools on the Rimbi river road; a favourite family picnic spot.
9. Khecheopalri Lake
The sacred “wishing lake”, around 25–30 km from Pelling at about 1,700 m. A short walk from the parking leads to the prayer-flag-lined jetty. No entry fee; please keep silent and don’t disturb the water. Lake & falls guide.
10. Kanchenjunga Falls
A tall, powerful waterfall roughly 25–28 km from Pelling, reached by around 100 steps from the road.

Loop C: High ridge & canyon
11. Singshore Bridge
About 25 km from Pelling towards Uttarey, this long suspension bridge spans a deep gorge and is often called one of the highest in Asia.
12. Changey Waterfall
A tall cascade on the road towards Dentam, easily combined with Singshore.
13. Dentam valley
Terraced farms, a quiet bazaar and a cheese-making tradition; great for a slow afternoon.
Loop D: Yuksom & Tashiding
14. Yuksom
Sikkim’s first capital (1642) and the start of the Dzongri–Goechala trek, with Dubdi Monastery and the Norbugang Coronation Throne. Day trips guide.
15. Tashiding Monastery
A sacred hilltop monastery between the Rathong Chu and Rangit rivers, famous for the Bhumchu holy-water festival.
How to plan your days
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (arrival) | Helipad sunset; early dinner. |
| Day 2 | Morning Loop A (West Loop); afternoon rest. |
| Day 3 | Sunrise from your room; Loop B (heritage & Skywalk). |
| Day 4 (optional) | Loop C or Loop D. |
For timings and stops hour by hour, see our 3-day Pelling itinerary. Official sightseeing taxi fares are in our taxi rates guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top places to visit in Pelling?
The Pelling Skywalk and Chenrezig statue, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Sanga Choeling, Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga Falls, Rimbi Waterfall and Singshore Bridge.
How many days do you need to see Pelling?
Two full days cover the heritage loop and the West Loop. Add a third day for Singshore Bridge or Yuksom.
Which places in Pelling are free to visit?
The helipad viewpoint, Rabdentse Ruins, Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga Falls and Rimbi Waterfall are generally free. The Skywalk and Pemayangtse have small entry fees.
Can I visit Pelling sights without a taxi?
The heritage sights near Upper Pelling (Pemayangtse, Rabdentse, Skywalk, Sanga Choeling) can be walked by fit travellers. The lake, falls and Singshore need a vehicle.
Where to stay

Upper Pelling
Norbu Ghang Retreat & Spa
Panoramic Kanchenjunga view
One of the largest properties in Pelling, on the Upper Pelling ridge with wide, unobstructed Kanchenjunga views and a spa.

Upper Pelling
Retreat Crassula Ovata
Kanchenjunga-view rooms
Upper Pelling hotel opposite the Skywalk ropeway, with mountain-facing balcony rooms in its higher categories.

Upper Pelling
Pemaling Residency
Kanchenjunga-view rooms
Small, family-run hotel near the old helipad in Upper Pelling, known for warm hosting and home-style food.
Have another question? See our Pelling FAQ with 65 answers on permits, fees, weather, taxis and more.


