Located on a 2,085m high ridge, this is one of the most popular monasteries in Pelling, dating back to 17th century. Initially set up by a Buddhist sage in 1705 as hermitage it later grew into famous Pemayangtse Monastery under Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Excellent murals brighten this ancient shrine’s walls and ceiling and there is a wooden model of a heavenly palace as revealed in a dream to the founder of this monastery, Lhatsun Chempo. The magnificence of the interior is sublimely supplemented by the excellence of the Himalayas outside, with peace and tranquillity all around.

Located in a picturesque setting, Pelling Skywalk is a transparent foot-over bridge made out of glass and is suspended hundreds of feet in the air. Credited as India’s first ever skywalk this was inaugurated in November 2018 and also located adjacent to magnificent statue of Chenrezig or Buddha of compassion, which in itself is a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site. The serenity of place is augmented by magnificent view of Mt. Kanchenjunga, as well as Teesta and Rengeet rivers, flowing alongside.

Located about 1.6km from Skywalk at a height of 135 feet above valley floor, the Chenrezig Statue is one of the world’s tallest statues of Buddha which is considered to be a manifestation of Buddha’s compassion. Being an important Buddhist site, it was consecrated by the Dalai Lama himself. One can reach to statue platform through stairs and from top enjoy the fascinating view of the valley, amidst meditative chants of monks and bustling skywalk nearby.

Now in ruins, it was the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim after Yuksom and till the year 1814 A.D., the King of Sikkim had ruled the state from this place. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across deep valley to the mystic heights of Kanchenjunga ranges is something to be cherished and etched in memory.

This lake is considered as one of the sacred lakes of this state both by Buddhist and Hindus. The lake remains hidden in the rich forest cover. It is believed that birds do not permit even a single leaf to float on the lake surface.

Regarded as one of the oldest monasteries in the North-East of India, this holy shrine was established in 17th century by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. Situated besides the Himalayas and amidst thick forest, the monastery is accessible only by foot through a hilly track of 4 kilometres. Being one of the prime holy places amongst pilgrims and devotees, lamas recite hymns at this monastery on the tenth day of every month according to the Tibetan calendar. Pilgrimage to Sanga Choeling Monastery is undertaken by many Buddhist devotees as part of a religious and heritage circuit encompassing Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse ruins, Khecheopalri Lake, Norbugang Chorten, Dubdi Monastery, Yuksom, and Tashiding Monastery.

Situated only about 8km away from Pelling on the way to Khecheopalri lake and Yuksom, at an altitude of 1,600m, Darap is one of the most charming villages in Sikkim. The village folks, known as ‘Limboos’ have preserved their rich culture and traditions since ages and particularly famous for their hospitality. Apart from experiencing authentic village life by visiting traditional village houses, the visit here also provides opportunity of trekking, nature walk, bird watching and visiting caves at Kanchenjunga National Park. 

At a distance of 5km from Darap village and 12km from Pelling, Rimbi Waterfall is a scenic site and formed over Rimbi river. Located close to waterfall is one of the oldest hydro power stations in Sikkim, established during early 70’s and major source of power to West Sikkim.

Originating from Mt. Kanchenjunga, these cascades are perennial in nature and one of the largest waterfalls in Sikkim, in the midst of snow-clad mountains and thick forests.

It is the tallest bridge in Sikkim with a length of 240m and 100m in height, offering breath-taking base view of enormous vegetation. Along with the gushing sound of waterfalls, the river running over uneven rocks, this one of the oldest bridges in the world connecting two hills offer panoramic vistas and a thrilling experience.  

Sewaro Rock Garden is a natural hermitage established by Sikkim Tourism Department and has become one of the state’s most prominent tourist attractions. The winding paths exploring the lush green landscapes enriched with flower beds, chirping of birds, rich vegetation and gushing water of Teesta rivers present here wonderful ambience to admire nature’s beauty.

At 36 km from Pemayangtse is the holiest shrine of Sikkim at Tashiding, also known as Chogyal Lakhang. Tashiding stands on top of a thickly wooded hill and is a day’s trek from Pemayangtse. Every spring, thousands of devout Buddhist trek to Tashiding to participate in a festival and sip the sacred water from an ancient stone jar, miraculously, never runs dry.

Located 33km from Pelling, this was the first capital of Sikkim, where according to the historical records, the first Chogyal of the Kingdom of Sikkim was consecrated in 1641 A.D. by three learned lamas. The evidence of the consecration ceremony is still intact at Norbugang Chorten in the form of stone seats and a footprint of the Head Lama on a stone. Since the history of the state began from this place, this area now considered sacred by the people of Sikkim.

A four-hour drive from Pelling takes one to the picturesque village of Soreng, surrounded by lush green hills. The area is famous for the wide variety of flowers and bird species. A trip to Jhandi Danra is highly recommended for nature lovers.

Soreng is one of the three gateways to the Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary. Sandwiched between the Singalila National Park in the south and Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve in the north, this small 104-sq-km sanctuary is at an altitude of 10,000 ft. and supports a wide variety of biodiversity. The main attraction of the sanctuary is the rhododendron which blooms in April-May.

The headquarters of the West district, Gyalshing, which means the King’s Garden, is believed to have once been the royal gardens attached to the Palace at Rabdentse, Sikkim’s capital till the late 18th century. Today it is a bustling town and the main transit point to various destinations of the region. Close by is Rabdentse as well as Pemayangste, Sikkim’s premier monastery. Opposite Gyalshing bazaar is the longest and believed to be the holiest, Mendang or Holy Wall, constructed by the third king, Chogyal Chador Namgyal.

The Gyalshing bazar is said to have been established under the initiative of the monk body of Pemayangtyse monastery for the shopping comfort of the monks and public residing in the villages around Pemayangtse. Today the market is well equipped with shops of all kind, multipurpose community hall, library, post office, banks, police stations, restaurant, lodges, internet centers and football ground.

Biksthang, situated in West Sikkim, is a pristine hamlet popularly known as Chechen and Mangalbaray. Surrounded by Lofty Mountains, Luxuriant forest and just about 119 km away from the capital city Gangtok, Biksthang offers a jaw-dropping view of the mountain peaks and Serenity of nature which make it a worth visiting offbeat destination