Pelling, a scenic hill station in West Sikkim, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful destinations in India. Known for its stunning views of Kanchenjunga, ancient monasteries, and lush green valleys, Pelling is a paradise for nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and adventure enthusiasts.
Unlike Gangtok or Darjeeling, Pelling is less commercialized, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility. However, since Pelling does not have its own airport or railway station, reaching it requires a combination of air, train, and road travel.
This comprehensive travel guide covers all the ways to reach Pelling from major Indian cities, the best routes, travel times, and other essential travel details.
Where is Pelling Located?
Pelling is situated in West Sikkim, about 130 kilometers from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, and 135 kilometers from Siliguri, the nearest major city in West Bengal.
- State: Sikkim
- District: West Sikkim
- Nearest City: Gyalshing (10 kilometers)
- Altitude: Approximately 2,150 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level
Pelling is well-connected by road to Gangtok, Siliguri, and Darjeeling, but travelers from other parts of India must first reach a nearby airport or railway station before taking a road journey.
Best Ways to Reach Pelling from Major Cities
1. By Air – The Fastest Way to Reach Pelling
Since Pelling does not have an airport, the best option for air travel is to fly to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, which is the closest and most well-connected airport. From Bagdogra, travelers need to take a taxi or shared cab to Pelling.
Check out Itineraries for Sikkim tour:
- Gangtok 5-Day Itinerary: Best Places to Visit
- Gangtok & Pelling 5-Day Tour Plan
- 6-Day Gangtok, Lachen & Lachung Travel Guide
Nearest Airports to Pelling
| Airport Name | Location | Distance from Pelling | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bagdogra Airport (IXB) | Siliguri, West Bengal | 135 km | Well-connected with all major Indian cities |
| Pakyong Airport (PYG) | Gangtok, Sikkim | 110 km | Limited flights from Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati |
Flight Options from Major Indian Cities to Bagdogra
| City | Airlines | Duration | Average Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, SpiceJet | 2.5 hours | INR 5,000 – INR 10,000 |
| Mumbai | IndiGo, Vistara, GoFirst | 3 hours | INR 6,000 – INR 12,000 |
| Kolkata | IndiGo, Air Asia, SpiceJet | 1.5 hours | INR 3,500 – INR 7,500 |
| Bangalore | IndiGo, Vistara, Air Asia | 3.5 hours | INR 6,500 – INR 12,000 |
| Chennai | IndiGo, Vistara | 4 hours | INR 6,500 – INR 13,000 |
| Hyderabad | IndiGo, Air Asia | 3.5 hours | INR 6,000 – INR 11,000 |
How to Reach Pelling from Bagdogra Airport
Since Pelling does not have a direct airport, travelers must first reach Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal, the closest major airport, and then travel to Pelling via road. The road journey from Bagdogra to Pelling offers breathtaking views of the Teesta River, lush valleys, tea gardens, and snow-capped peaks, making it an enjoyable experience for travelers.
By Taxi – Best for Comfort and Convenience
- Availability: Private taxis are available right outside the Bagdogra Airport arrival terminal.
- Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
- Cost: INR 4,500 – INR 6,500 for a small car (Sedan/Hatchback), INR 6,500 – INR 8,500 for an SUV (Innova/Xylo).
- Booking Options:
- Prepaid taxi counters at Bagdogra Airport.
- Online cab booking services like Gozo Cabs, Savaari, and local travel agencies.
- Direct negotiations with local taxi drivers.
- Scenic Route:
- Bagdogra → Sevoke → Melli → Jorethang → Pelling (Most popular route, passing through the lush green hills of Darjeeling and Sikkim).
- Bagdogra → Kalimpong → Legship → Pelling (Longer but offers mesmerizing views of Kalimpong and the Teesta River).
Best for: Travelers who prefer a comfortable and private journey with stops at scenic viewpoints.
By Shared Jeep – Budget-Friendly Option
- Availability: Shared jeeps to Pelling are not directly available from the airport but can be found at Siliguri Bus Stand (Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminal), about 15 km from Bagdogra Airport.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours, including waiting time for the jeep to fill up.
- Cost: INR 500 – INR 800 per person.
- How to Reach Siliguri from Bagdogra:
- Prepaid taxi from Bagdogra to Siliguri (INR 300 – INR 500).
- Local auto-rickshaw from the airport (INR 100 – INR 200 per person).
- Scenic Route: Same as the taxi route, with a stop at Jorethang before reaching Pelling.
Best for: Budget travelers and solo backpackers who do not mind slightly longer travel times.
By Public Transport – Most Economical Option
- Step 1: Take a bus or shared jeep from Siliguri to Jorethang (4 to 5 hours, INR 300 – INR 500).
- Step 2: From Jorethang, take another shared jeep or taxi to Pelling (2 to 3 hours, INR 150 – INR 300).
- Step 3: Alternatively, buses operated by Sikkim National Transport (SNT) run between Jorethang and Pelling.
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers looking for the lowest-cost travel option, but this method takes longer due to multiple transfers.
2. By Train – A Budget-Friendly Option
The nearest major railway stations are New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Siliguri Junction (SGUJ) in West Bengal. Travelers must take a train to NJP or Siliguri and then travel by road to Pelling.
Also check: Indian Railways Ticket Booking: Everything You Need to Know
Nearest Railway Stations to Pelling
| Railway Station | Location | Distance from Pelling | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Jalpaiguri (NJP) | Siliguri, West Bengal | 135 km | Major station with trains from all over India |
| Siliguri Junction (SGUJ) | Siliguri, West Bengal | 135 km | Well-connected but fewer trains than NJP |
3. By Road – The Most Scenic Way to Reach Pelling
Pelling is well-connected by road to Gangtok, Siliguri, Darjeeling, and other nearby towns. Traveling by road offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, lush green valleys, and winding mountain roads.
Best Routes to Pelling from Major Cities
| City | Distance | Travel Time | Best Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangtok | 130 km | 4 – 5 hours | Gangtok → Ravangla → Pelling |
| Siliguri | 135 km | 5 – 6 hours | Siliguri → Jorethang → Pelling |
| Darjeeling | 75 km | 3 – 4 hours | Darjeeling → Geyzing → Pelling |
Scenic Routes to Take While Driving to Pelling
- Siliguri to Pelling via Jorethang: A lush green route with picturesque mountain landscapes, tea gardens, and waterfalls.
- Gangtok to Pelling via Ravangla: Offers mesmerizing views of Kanchenjunga, passes through charming towns and beautiful monasteries.
- Darjeeling to Pelling via Namchi: Known for its breathtaking valley views and a glimpse of the gigantic Buddha statue in Namchi.
Best Time to Visit Pelling
Pelling is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on weather conditions and the type of experience you seek.
March to June – Spring & Early Summer
- Weather: Pleasant temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing.
- What to Expect:
- Clear views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Lush greenery and blooming rhododendrons in the valleys.
- Perfect for trekking, monastery visits, and nature photography.
Best for: Tourists who want comfortable weather for sightseeing, trekking, and adventure sports.
September to November – Post-Monsoon & Autumn
- Weather: Cool and refreshing, with temperatures between 8°C to 18°C.
- What to Expect:
- Crystal-clear skies and panoramic mountain views.
- Festivals like Durga Puja, Diwali, and Losoong (Sikkimese New Year), providing a cultural experience.
- Excellent trekking conditions, especially for the Kanchenjunga National Park trails.
Best for: Trekking enthusiasts, photographers, and culture lovers.
December to February – Winter
- Weather: Cold, with temperatures dropping to -5°C in higher altitudes.
- What to Expect:
- Possible snowfall in nearby areas like Yuksom and Ravangla.
- Fewer tourists, making it a peaceful getaway.
- Ideal for cozy stays, meditation, and experiencing the winter charm of the Himalayas.
Best for: Travelers who enjoy winter landscapes and want to experience serene and less crowded surroundings.
July to August – Monsoon
- Weather: Heavy rainfall, frequent landslides, and temperatures around 15°C to 22°C.
- Why to Avoid:
- Risk of roadblocks due to landslides.
- Limited outdoor activities as many trails and roads become unsafe.
- Reduced visibility due to fog and mist.
Not recommended for travelers unless they specifically want to experience monsoon landscapes.
Main Attractions in Pelling
Pelling is home to ancient monasteries, breathtaking waterfalls, serene lakes, and thrilling adventure spots. Here are the must-visit attractions in Pelling:
Pemayangtse Monastery
- Significance: One of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim, belonging to the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
- What to See:
- Beautiful wall paintings, ancient relics, and sculptures.
- 360-degree views of the Himalayas from the monastery.
Rabdentse Ruins
- Significance: Remains of Sikkim’s second capital, offering historical and scenic value.
- What to See:
- Stone ruins of the palace with stunning views of Kanchenjunga.
- A short forest hike leading to the ruins, ideal for nature lovers.
Kanchenjunga Falls
- Significance: One of the biggest waterfalls in Sikkim, with water cascading from great heights.
- What to See:
- Crystal-clear water, ideal for photography.
- A short climb to the falls makes for a refreshing stop.
Sangachoeling Monastery
- Significance: One of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, dating back to the 17th century.
- What to See:
- A peaceful retreat for meditation and spiritual exploration.
- A short uphill trek to the monastery with breathtaking views.
Sky Walk Pelling
- Significance: India’s first glass skywalk, offering thrilling views.
- What to See:
- Walk above the valley and enjoy views of the Chenrezig statue.
- A perfect spot for adventure lovers and photographers.
Darap Village
- Significance: A traditional Sikkimese village, offering an authentic cultural experience.
- What to See:
- Interact with local villagers, experience their lifestyle, and stay in homestays.
- Ideal for rural tourism and peaceful nature walks.
Khecheopalri Lake
- Significance: A sacred lake believed to fulfill wishes, surrounded by thick forests.
- What to See:
- A serene spot for reflection, photography, and nature walks.
- Monasteries and prayer wheels surrounding the lake.
Pelling is a blend of history, culture, spirituality, and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the true essence of Sikkim.
Final Recommendations: Best Travel Option for Different Travelers
- For Quickest Travel: Flight to Bagdogra, then taxi to Pelling.
- For Budget Travelers: Train to NJP, then shared jeep to Pelling.
- For Adventure Lovers: Road trip from Gangtok or Darjeeling.
Pelling is a must-visit destination for its natural beauty, monasteries, and stunning Himalayan views. Plan your journey using the best travel option that suits your budget and schedule.
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