From a sleepy picturesque hamlet comprising a few houses till as late as 1996, Pelling has seen a rapid transformation as one of the most prominent tourist destinations — preferred due to its strategic location, soothing climate and the magnificient and closest view of the panoramic Mt Khangchendzonga along with Kabru, Kabur, Rathong, Talung, Pandim, Narsing Kumbakarna, etc.

Situated 6,240 ft above mean sea level (msl), and some 140 km from railhead Siliguri and 150 km from Bagdogra airport, Pelling is the focal point for a host of destinations like the Pemayangtse Monastery, the Sanga Choeling Monastery, the holy Khecheodpalri Lake, the Rabdentse Palace ruins, Yoksam, Tadshiding, Dzongri, etc. Although efforts are on to promote Pelling as an all season tourist destination, the best time to visit is between March and June or from September to February.

“Recent inclusion of Yambung at 12,000 ft above msl with several natural lakes, snowfall and the beautiful Singalila Range completes the tourism circuit of west Sikkim, namely Monastic tour, natural beauties/trails, trekking, adventure and snow tourism,” says Thsering Wangdi, general secretary of Pelling Tourism Development Association (PTDA), and owner of one of the oldest standard hotels of Pelling, ‘Garuda’ which is quite famous among the foreign tourists.

The name ‘Pelling’ is derived from Lama Pema Lingpa, who meditated near the helipad of present day Pelling where the main attractions include the Pemayangtse Monastery, considered and revered as a cardinal monastery of the Nyngmapa Sect of Mahayana Buddhists. Situated on a hilltop about 3 km from the towncentre, it was first built by the venerable Lhatsun Chenpo. Besides having immense treasure texts, idols, thankas, frescos, the highlight of the monstery is the eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava (also known and revered as Guru Rinpoche) and the ‘Sangtoed Palri’, the exquisite copper coloured heavenly abode carved out of single piece of wood adore the top floor.

Close to the ruins of Rabdentse Palace, built as the second capital of Sikkim in late 17th century by the second Chogyal, now under the Archeological Survey of India, lies a bird sanctuary for the potential ornithologist and the entire area is covered with pristine forests and blissful silence. The Sangay Choeling Monastery, built in 1697AD and considered one of the oldest, perched on a steep hilltop, is about a 40-minute medium to rigorous trek. The monastery has several invaluable treasure texts and idols of Bodhisattavas.

Khecheodpalri lake, revered as a holy lake by the Bhuddhists and the Hindus alike, is situated in a dense forest between Gyalshing and Yoksum. It is considered a wish fulfilling lake and legend has it that not a single fallen leaf ever floats on the crystal clear but still waters of the lake, a mythical bird would come and clear the water. The lake resembles the shape of a lady’s footprint and according to legends, it is the footprint of Goddess Tara as per Buddhist texts.

There are numerous breathtaking waterfalls in and around Pelling, particularly worth mentioning would be the Khangchendzonga, Changey and the Phamrong waterfalls. Pelling is also a hotspot for trekkers to the Singalila range and the trek via Dzongri, Yuksam to Geochala is fascinating. Also treks like the base camp-Boktak-Laxmi Pokhari Garakut, Phalut-Singalila-Chiwabhanjang trek, the Hilley-Versey-Chiwabhanjang trek can be undertaken.

With the concept of ‘Buddhist Circuit’ now in place and the proposed inclusion of Sikkim in it, the devout can opt for a monastic entourage covering both Buddhist holy sites, monastries, caves and Hindu temples.

Soumik Dutta