Pelling is a small hill town in the district of West Sikkim, India. Pelling is nestled at an altitude of 2,150Â m (7,200Â feet). The town is located at a distance of 10Â km from the district headquarters of Geyzing and 36km from Gangtok. A regular bus service connects the two towns. However, with the influx of tourists, the region is undergoing a metamorphosis, with the roads being repaired and hotels being set up.
Location and surroundings
The Himalayas and the Kanchenjanga may be viewed at close quarters from Pelling. Pelling also forms the base from where trekkers and other peripatetic adventurers undertake the strenuous and arduous treks in West Sikkim. The land around Pelling is still a virgin territory and is bathed with alpine vegetation, with numerous waterfalls lining the hillside. In the months of winter, Pelling is sometimes covered with a blanket of snow.
Pelling is 115Â km from the state capital Gangtok and about 135Â km from Siliguri, the nearest railhead and airport. Regular jeeps connect Pelling to the towns of Jorethang, Kalimpong and Namchi. The nearest airport is Bagdogra airport.
Most of the people of Pelling are Buddhists and speak the Sikkimese language. Other languages spoken are Nepali, Hindi, and English.
Tourist Attractions
Places to visit in and around Pelling include the local monasteries, rock garden, waterfall, the holy rock of Rani Dhunga, the imposing double-pronged Kanchenjungha Falls, the archaic quaint Singshore Bridge, the Changey Waterfalls, and the Khecheopalri Lake holy to Buddhists.
Pemayangtse Monastery - It was built in 1705 located in Pemayangtse (2Â km from Pelling). The Buddhist monastery was founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. Built as a three storied structure, the monastery depicts paintings on its walls and statues of saints and Rinpoches, deified in various floors.
Darap Village - A small village about 7Â km on the way to Yuksam. It is mostly occupied by the Limboo tribe including small population of other communities as well.
Rimbi Waterfall - Situated 5Â km from Darap en route to Khecheopalri. It is the oldest in west Sikkim being constructed in early 70s during the reign of the last Sikkimese King. The state government has developed the Sewaro Rock Garden here which is complete with rocks, pathways, pools, manicured gardens etc.
Kanchenjunga Falls - Further 18Â km from Rimbi River and about 28 km from Pelling. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sikkim and is normally active throughout the year.
Changey Waterfall - 10Â km from Pelling.
Sanga Choeling Monastery - Situated on a ridge above Pelling and overlooking the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. Built in 1697 AD, it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in the State.
Other locations close to Pelling are Yuksom, Rinchenpong, Dzongri and Hee Burmiok.
Pelling Helipad
Pelling has a helipad ground though there is no regular air service. Helicopters can connect Pelling with Gangtok on request.
Education Institutes
Government Senior Secondary School.
Founder
The founder of Pelling was a man called Freddie (Pelling) who arrived there during the time of the empire. He organised protection for the townspeople who lived under threat from raiders coming from the north who stole minerals from the mines there. Since then Freddie has become a local hero and each year there is a parade through the town commemorating him, and celebrating the changes he made. As a token of their thanks they even renamed the village after him.
References
External links
- Pelling travel guide from Wikivoyage