In this guide
West Sikkim trades Gangtok's bustle for big mountain views and deep history. Pelling, its main base, wakes up to a wall of Kanchenjunga (the world's third-highest peak) on clear mornings, and gathers several of Sikkim's most important sights within easy reach.
Pelling Skywalk and the Chenrezig statue
Pelling's headline attraction is India's first glass skywalk (opened 2018), a transparent walkway at around 2,195 m leading to a 137 ft (42 m) statue of Chenrezig (the bodhisattva of compassion) — said to be the tallest such statue in the world. On a clear day the Himalayan panorama through the glass floor is unforgettable.
Monasteries and the royal ruins
- Pemayangtse Monastery — one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim (Nyingma order), with a famous multi-tiered wooden sculpture inside.
- Rabdentse ruins — the atmospheric remains of Sikkim's second royal capital, reached by a short forest walk (an ASI-protected site).
- Sanga Choling Monastery — one of Sikkim's oldest, on a ridge above Pelling.
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Plan My Trip →Khecheopalri Lake and more
A short drive away, Khecheopalri Lake is a serene, forest-ringed sacred "wishing lake" revered by Buddhists and Hindus (leaves are said never to rest on its surface). Add the Kanchenjunga Falls and the Sewaro rock garden, and West Sikkim easily fills a couple of days.
Best time to visit
March to May (rhododendrons and clear peak views) and October to early December (crisp, dry skies) are best — mornings offer the clearest Kanchenjunga views. The monsoon risks landslides and cloud.
How to reach
Pelling is reached by road from Bagdogra airport / New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railhead in West Bengal, or from Gangtok. Shared and private jeeps run the mountain routes.
Where to stay
Pelling has plenty of hotels and guesthouses, many angled for the sunrise Kanchenjunga view — worth requesting a mountain-facing room.
Costs (indicative)
Affordable to mid-range; the skywalk and monasteries have small entry fees. A shared or private jeep covers the scattered sights.
Responsible travel
Khecheopalri is sacred — don't litter, swim or disturb the water. Respect monastery rules and the Rabdentse heritage site, stay on trails, and support local homestays and guides.
FAQ
What is the Pelling Skywalk?
India's first glass skywalk — a transparent walkway leading to a giant Chenrezig statue, with panoramic Himalayan and Kanchenjunga views.
When can you see Kanchenjunga from Pelling?
Best on clear early mornings, especially in spring (March–May) and autumn (October–early December).
Written by PlanMyOffbeat Team
Independent, verification-first travel guides for offbeat trips.
