Himalayan Pelling, Sikkim, India is the third largest mountain on the planet, which is hidden between India, Nepal Bhutan. You have to put on your list of “places to see before you die”, at the Himalayan Pelling, India. This wonder of nature is impregnated with a Buddhist past. And it has several monasteries and statues of Buddha throughout its territory. In that sense, you will meet very friendly people and environmentalists who will make your stay in India unforgettable.
Things to Do
Pelling is the best spot from which to see Khangehendzonga. The world’s third-highest mountain looms above the horizon, and no other vantage point affords such an exalted view. However, Pelling is a little hamlet that consists of only 2 streets. In fact, if you want to disconnect from the world this is the perfect place.
Tours
For this purpose, you can take a couple of days to visit the Khechopalri Lake, 30km from Pelling. Shared jeeps leave only at certain times, so the recommendation is to sleep on the lake. Because there are not many vehicles in the area and you will most likely not find transportation to return.
Similarly, you can do the hike via Yuksom if you want to leave the lake. Taking advantage of the fact that the road is downhill. And you can return the next day to Pelling. The most comfortable is to go on the asphalt following the road because the road is not marked and is confusing if you do not know it. But there are always local people who give clues to the shortcuts you can take. For this route, you must be prepared because you run the risk of spending the night on the road.
Also, you can hire a tour in the town that takes you to Khechopalri Lake and Kanchenjunga Falls. This waterfall is less than an hour via Yuksom. In fact, it is a very beautiful destination that you should not miss if you are visiting the area.
Monasteries
If you go on a tour of the monasteries, you can walk 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to Sanga Choeling. The second oldest monastery in the state was built in 1697. And is located along a rocky path, bordered by a parade of prayer flags waving in the wind.
Another monastery that you should not miss is the Pemayangtse Monastery. About 45 minutes walking, is this monastery that you can visit inside. If you go to “pray time” you can enter the room and see the harmony between architecture and nature.
How to get there
Departing from Delhi by plane, you can take a flight to Bagdogra, near Siliguri. Later, take a jeep to Darjeeling. However, you can find out if there are flights from Calcutta to Pakyong Airport, 30km from Gangtok (capital of Sikkim).
From Darjeeling by jeep, you have to take the one that goes in the direction of Gangtok or to Joretang. You must tell the driver that you have to get off right at the Check Post in Melli. Next, you will request/show the travel permit to Sikkim.
After that, you can go back to where the jeep left you and, take another vehicle to Pelling. Or you can also take a jeep to Joretang and go to the big jeeps station. It is a wide street where all the jeeps are parked. For instance, here you can find different routes at different times.
Also, prices are negotiable and arranged on an individual basis, but should be about $ 40- $ 50 for private transport from Dajeeling. $ 50- $ 60 from Siliguri.
When to go
Pelling is accessible year-round. But temperatures can drop to single digits in the heart of winter and most buildings have no central heating. September through May are the best seasons for Sikkim.
How long
The jeep from Darjeeling takes almost 2 hours to reach Melli. Once there, transportation to Jorethang takes 5 minutes to reach the jeeps station. Finally, to reach Pelling, you can take a direct jeep that takes 3 hours to arrive. Or if there are no vehicles to that route, you can reach Geysing and then grab another jeep towards Pelling.
Opening and Closing Hours
The entrance to Sikkim is not conditioned beyond that once you leave, you cannot return in 3 months.
Planning
Before traveling, you must take into account that it is necessary to process a permit to enter Sikkim. This is called “Restricted Area Permit” (RAP) and is free. It can be obtained through Indian Embassies abroad or through Foreigners Regional Registration Offices. It is better to process in Calcutta, Mumbai, and Darjeeling, or at the border post of Sikkim in Melli.
We recommend that you do so directly at the border post. It will not take you long and is less complicated than in the other offices. But if you are a highly cautious traveler, in Darjeeling you can do paperwork. You need to carry a photocopy of the passport and a couple of passport photos. Officers must give you a sealed form and seal your passport with permission. You must show this in the border area of Melli, and seal the entrance to Sikkim.
Inside Information
The best way to get around the Sikkim is by shared jeep. It is like a “bus” system but in 4 × 4 formats. As soon as you get there, to ask questions from where they leave and at what time. In that way, you can plan your own excursions.
And if you want to trek at different points on the slopes of the Himalayas. You must hire a trekking service in the villages. Because they are in charge of processing permits so you can go to different areas of northern Sikkim. Foreigners are prohibited from entering these mountains because of the proximity to the borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
History
Until recently (1975), Sikkim was an independent state of India. Whose borders had included Nepal and part of Bhutan and Tibet in some periods. In the 17th century, three Buddhist lamas gathered in the city of Yukson to begin the Kingdom of Sikkim. After many conflicts with neighboring countries, they joined with England to attack Nepal. In this way, the British side had a lot of influence on the development of the territory.
This was an autonomous state ruled by a monarchy. Until 1975, which was a referendum where the people voted to join India. Today, it is the only place in the world 100% free of agrochemicals and industrial fertilizers.
Websites
- www.elginhotels.com
- www.sikkiminfo.net
- www.sikkim.gov.in
- www.east-himalaya.com
Other Nearby Attractions
If you are in Sikkim, do not hesitate to visit its capital Gangtok. Some of the most emblematic places that cannot be left in the visit are:
The Rumtek Monastery
Do-Drul Chorten
The Enchey Monastery
The Tashi viewpoint
The local bazaar, Lal Bazaar
If you loved this article or found it useful, don’t forget to share it with your adventurous and travel-hacking friends! If you want more posts like this, follow us on Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter Facebook or Reddit and subscribe to our newsletter!