Pelling Hotel Simvo

PELLING

Pelling is a small town nestled in the Western part of Sikkim, India. Pelling forms the second largest tourism hub in Sikkim. Pelling is situated at an elevation of about 7200 feet (2150 meter). Pelling offers the best possible views of Mt. Kanchenjunga range along with Mt. Pandim, Mt. Kabru, Mt. Kumbakarna, Mt. Siniolchu, Mt. Kokthang, Mt. Rathong and other peaks in a single frame. Once in the past Pelling was considered as an offbit locations of West Sikkim, covered with thick alpine vegetation and dense jungle. But gradually with the passage of time and emergence of road connectivity and numerous hotels, resorts and homestays, Pelling became one of the hot tourist destinations. But till date many outskirts of Pelling are still remains virgin in its form with huge abundance of greenery and wildlife. Being situated in western part of Sikkim, Pelling also forms as a base for many arduous trekking routes those stretches upto south and interior of West Sikkim. Till date Pelling attracts most of the tourists in while their visit to either south, west or North Sikkim due to richness of wildlife, picturesque landscapes, views of mountains, short trek routes, lakes and streams and waterfalls, and above all the an eye catching view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. During the month of winter Pelling receives snowfall and the whole region gets covered with thick layers of snow. Pelling is spread and divided into three parts Upper Pelling, Middle Pelling and Lower Pelling. For tourists those who love to trek can avail the trekking route from Lower Pelling to Upper Pelling helipad ground via Middle Pelling. The helipad ground of Upper Pelling is one of the major tourists attraction and most of the hotels are located surrounding this helipad ground as it is the best location for magnificent view.  Pelling is mainly inhabited by the Buddhists and Hindus. The locals of Pelling are mainly Bhutia, Lepcha and Sherpa. The main source of livelihood of the locals at Pelling is tourism, but presently other source of livelihood has also added to the mainstream economy. Every year during the month of December Pelling hosts Kanchenjunga Festival that promotes sporting activities like river rafting, trekking, mountain biking, local sight tours, traditional sports and bird watching. With the rich abundance of floras, wildlife, historical architectures today Pelling stands as one of the main tourists hot spot in Sikkim.

Around Pelling:
Around Pelling there are many points of tourist interest among which Yuksum is very famous for trekkers and is about 31 kilometer from Pelling. On the way to Pelling from Yuksum, Famrong Waterfalls near Tashiding Monastery is worth watching. Tashiding Monastery is placed on a small hilltop above Rangeet River. Dubdi Monastery is also worth visiting built around 1701. Being one of the main crowd pullers of Sikkim, Pelling has a close proximity to Rinchenpong, Hee- Bermiok, Kaluk, Uttarey, Gangtok, Okhrey, Hilley and Varsey Rhododendron sanctuary, Namchi, Rabangla, and Borong. Rimbi Waterfall is another point of tourist interest located 5 km from Darap village constructed around early 70s. Darap Village is at a distance of about 6 kilometer from Pelling. Bermiok is around 35 km from Pelling. Around Pelling one can visit Uttarey village via Dentam valley and Kallez Khola at a distance of about 1 hour located on the other side of Singshore Bridge.  

Local Watchable:
Singshore Bridge: From Pelling around 26 km is the famous archaic quaint of Singshore Bridge lies at elevation of about 6500 feet, height of 100 meter and about 240 meter in length. On the other side of Sinshore bridge lays Uttarey Village. Sinshore Bridge is the second highest suspension bridge in Asia and the highest in Sikkim. Near the Sinshore Bridge, one can visit the famous Dentam Valley and the Dentam Market (Bazar).  

Pemayangtse Monastery: The famous Pemayangtse Monastery dates back to around 300 years old. Located within 2 km from Pelling. The monastery was built for “pure monks” (ta-tshang) meaning “monks of pure Tibetan lineage”. Pemayangtse Monastery at Pelling was originally built around 17th century, this monastery is known all over Asia and houses a huge collection of sculptures, manuscripts, wall paintings depicting Tibetan designs. Planned, designed and founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1705. The three storied building of the monastery was designed by the architecture of the Fresco and Thanka art. The prayer hall of Pemayangtse Monastery is spread on an area of about 1500 sq foot and there is a wooden carved statue of Guru Padmasambahva, built by Sherdap Rimpoche. 

Khecheopalri Lake: Khecheopalri Lake, originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven of Padmasambhav). From the main town of Pelling around 34 km is the famous Khechoepalri Lake considered one of the sacred lakes for the Buddhists and the Hindus as well. Khecheopalri Lake, ensconced in the midst of the Khechoedpaldri hill, which is also considered a sacred hill. The lake is guarded by dense greenery from all sides, but the water is crystal clear. It is believed birds are not permitted or even a single leaf do not floats on the water. 

Rabdentse Ruins: Rabdentse was the second state capital of the Chogial King around the year 1670 to 1814. The Archeological Survey of India declared Rabdentse Ruins as a National Treasure. The way to Rabdentse Ruins from Pelling is a trekking trail through the dense wilderness; the path was carved with flat stones. Archeologists from Archeological Survey of India have unearthed many historical evidences from Rabdentse Ruins. The Pemiyanshi Monastery at Pelling lies very close to Rabdentse Ruins.  

Sanga Choeling Monastery: Above Pelling on a ridge top one will get see the Sanga Choeling Monastery built in the year 1697 around 17th century old. The Sanga Choeling Monastery lies within 3 km from the main town of Pelling. But one needs to avail from route by trekking. Sanga Choeling Monastery is the second oldest monastery in Sikkim and was by Lahatsan Chenpo. The trek route from Pelling upto the monastery is worth rewarding as one can get a clear bird’s eye view of entire Pelling along with surrounding mountain peaks and stunning view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The Sanga Choeling Monastery lies among tranquility and serene ambiance at an elevation of about 9000 feet. 

Kanchenjunga Waterfalls: One of the beautiful waterfalls of Pelling is the Kanchenjunga Waterfalls. Located around 28 km from Pelling. Normally it remains active throughout the year. 

Changey Waterfall: Changey Waterfalls is another point of tourist interest. From Pelling at a distance of about 10 kilometer is Changey waterfall, situated just beside the main road. Changey waterfall is coming down from height of about 200 feet. 

Pelling Sky Walk: A recent gigantic structure at Pelling is the Sky Walk, which is around 6 to 7 km on the way to Dentam. There are two ways to reach the Sky Walk, one is the hiking route and another is using the staircase. Near the Sky Walk there is a statue of Chenrezing that measures about 137 feet tall. The Pelling Sky Walk is made of glass and iron structure and tickets are available from the entrance itself. 

How to Reach:
By Train: The nearest rail head from Pelling is NJP railway station which is around 140 km. Several trains are available from Kolkata along other major cities those reaches upto NJP railway station. From NJP railway station by shared car or reserved car around 5 hours of journey will reach Pelling via Geyzing. 
By Bus: Bus services are also available from Siliguri S.N.T. Bus stand those reaches upto Pelling via NH31. Bus services are also available from other nearby destination from Pelling like Gangtok and Rabangla. Pelling is around 115 km from Gangtok and 52 km from Rabangla.
By Air: Previously the nearest Airport was Bagdogra which is about 79 km from Pelling. Car services are available from Bagdogra Airport. But recently Pakyong Airport at Sikkim is open for tourists near Gangtok. From Pakyong Airport via Gangtok one can easily reach Pelling.  

Birding at Pelling:
As Pelling is situated in West Sikkim and being close proximity to few wildlife sanctuaries it has a wide collection of Himalayn birds. Due to the wilderness and moist climate in the outskirts of Pelling, it is home to some of the native Himalayan birds like Bar Throated Minla, Blue Fronted Redstart, Green Backed Tit, Rufous Sibia, Streaksed Laughing Thrush, Fire Tailed Sunbird, Long Tailed Minivet, Black Bulbul, Large Niltava, Flycatchers, Barn Sallow, Ashy- Throated Warbler, Stripe Throated Yuhina, Blue Whistling Thrush, Himalayan Buzzard, Mallard, Great Crested Grede, Himalayan Buzzard, Hawk Cuckoo, Fire Throated Flycatcher, Great Barbet, Rusty Fronted Barwing, Grey Bushchat, Crested Serpent Eagle, Green Magpie, White Crested Laughing Thrush, Hill Myna, Chestnut Bellied Rock Thrush, Himalayan Black Bird, Jungle Fowl and many more. During the winter season, Pelling becomes an ideal destination for bird watchers and landscape photographers. 

Best time of Visit:
Though Pelling can visited throughout the year, but it better to avoid the monsoon (mid June to mid September). Winter is ideal for bird watching and landscape photography as the weather remains clear. Summer at Pelling is quite charming and worth enjoying.