Major city · India
Pelling
Give Pelling 2 nights: base in Upper Pelling for the Kanchenjunga view, see the monastery and ruins on foot, and skip it if you want nightlife or a big town.
Pelling is a small ridge town in West Sikkim at about 1,900 m, built around the view of Kanchenjunga and a cluster of old monasteries. Two nights covers the sights on foot; three if you add the Rabdentse walk and a Darap village day. It is a quiet, cold, walk-heavy stop, not a resort town.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jun–Sep (monsoon, leeches and landslides), Jan–Feb (cold, but clear)
- Airports
- IXB · PYG
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Pelling112 ▾
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Pelling, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyPelling is quiet and low-crime, and the real risks are mountain roads, monsoon landslides, altitude on the first day and cash running out.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (police, fire, ambulance) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIXB Bagdogra (Siliguri) (Nearest airport, about 115–135 km (71–84 mi) by road; 4–5 h by shared jeep or private car, longer in the monsoon.).IXB Bagdogra (Siliguri) (Nearest airport, about 71–84 mi (115–135 km) by road; 4–5 h by shared jeep or private car, longer in the monsoon.).
- Getting aroundThe town is one 2 km (1.2 mi) road from Lower to Upper Pelling: walk it, or take a shared jeep for short hops.The town is one 1.2 mi (2 km) road from Lower to Upper Pelling: walk it, or take a shared jeep for short hops.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeTea or coffee₹20–60 (≈ under US$1)
- Street or quick mealThukpa or noodle soup₹100–180 (≈ US$2–3)
- Budget bedDorm or hostel bed, a night, per person₹400 (≈ US$5)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per room₹1,800 (≈ US$25)
- High-end bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per room₹4,000 (≈ US$50)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,500 (≈ US$18) · Mid ₹2,800 (≈ US$35) · High ₹5,000 (≈ US$60)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IXB Bagdogra (Siliguri) (Nearest airport, about 115–135 km (71–84 mi) by road; 4–5 h by shared jeep or private car, longer in the monsoon.) · PYG Pakyong (Gangtok) (About 125 km (78 mi) from Pelling; few flights, check schedules before relying on it.)IXB Bagdogra (Siliguri) (Nearest airport, about 71–84 mi (115–135 km) by road; 4–5 h by shared jeep or private car, longer in the monsoon.) · PYG Pakyong (Gangtok) (About 78 mi (125 km) from Pelling; few flights, check schedules before relying on it.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Feb
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Mar
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Jun
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jul
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Aug
Avoid
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Sep
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Nov
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)), coolest Jan (−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C) low), wettest Jul (22 rain days), driest Nov (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Pelling: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
4 rd
Feb
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
5 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
10 rd
May
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
14 rd
Jun
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
20 rd
Jul
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
22 rd
Aug
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
21 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
16 rd
Oct
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
6 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
3 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
3 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is one 2 km road from Lower to Upper Pelling: walk it, or take a shared jeep for short hops. Pemayangtse Monastery and Rabdentse Ruins are a 10–20 min walk from Upper Pelling. For Darap, Rimbi or Kechapalari Lake, hire a jeep or join a shared one from the Upper Pelling crossing.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Yuksom
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Shared jeep from the Upper Pelling crossing, about 1 h
Old capital, trailhead for Dzongri and Goecha La; a half day if you are not trekking.
Geyzing
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Shared jeep, about 30 min
The district transport hub and market; useful for onward jeeps, not a sight in itself.
Kechapalari Lake
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Shared jeep via Pelling, or hire a jeep
Sacred lake; the last stretch is a walk. Check the road before committing in the monsoon.
Rimbi
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Shared jeep or hired jeep
Riverside spot used for fishing; little else there.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Upper Pelling
Highest part of the 2 km (1.2 mi) ridge road; the Kanchenjunga view rooms and the pricier hotels. Walk to Pemayangtse and the helipad.Highest part of the 1.2 mi (2 km) ridge road; the Kanchenjunga view rooms and the pricier hotels. Walk to Pemayangtse and the helipad.
Middle Pelling
Between the two; near the State Bank of India, the tourist office and most restaurants. Good balance of price and access.
Lower Pelling
Cheapest rooms and the bus and jeep counters; mostly Indian tour groups, less view, more road noise.
Darap village
About 7 km (4.3 mi) out, homestays run by the Darap Eco-Tourism Committee; quiet, farming, no town facilities.About 4.3 mi (7 km) out, homestays run by the Darap Eco-Tourism Committee; quiet, farming, no town facilities.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,200–2,000 (≈ US$14–25) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹2,000–3,500 (≈ US$25–40) excl. bed
- High
- ₹3,500 (≈ US$40)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse double room1 × 2 nights × ₹1,800 | ₹3,600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ₹2,800 | ₹11,200 |
| Shared jeep Siliguri → Pelling, one way2 × ₹350 | ₹700 |
| Shared jeep Pelling → Gangtok, one way2 × ₹150 | ₹300 |
| Chenrezig skywalk entry2 × ₹50 · ₹20 for Sikkimese; statue visit free | ₹100 |
| Hired jeep, day trip to Darap or Rimbi1 × ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹1,840 |
| Trip total≈ ₹5,060 per person per day, bed included | ₹20,240≈ US$250 |
2026 estimate in rupees; flights and permits excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Thali or momo plate | ₹80–200 (≈ US$1–3) |
| Thukpa or noodle soup | ₹100–180 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Tongba (millet wine, bamboo cup) | ₹50 (≈ under US$1) |
| Tea or coffee | ₹20–60 (≈ under US$1) |
| Shared jeep, Pelling to Geyzing | ₹50–100 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Guesthouse double room, standard2026 estimate; halved in low season | ₹500–800 (≈ US$6–10) |
| Internet, per hour | ₹50 (≈ under US$1) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Altitude is 1,900 m and the ridge is steep: pace the first day and drink water.
- One bank and one ATM (State Bank of India) in Pelling, and it does not change foreign currency; it can run out of cash. Bring rupees from Gangtok or Siliguri.
- Monsoon (Jun–Sep) brings landslides and road closures on the Siliguri and Gangtok routes.
- Shop and taxi prices are tourist prices: agree the fare before you get in.
- Most Sikkim travel needs an inner-line permit for foreign visitors; check the current rule before you go.
Emergency numbers
- All services (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
Pocket card
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PellingPelling
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
यो ठेगानामा जानुहोस्To this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
Embassy
No embassies in Pelling; the US, UK and most others have embassies in New Delhi and consulates in Kolkata. Check the current list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Shared jeep Pelling → Gangtok: about ₹150 (≈ US$2), 4–5 h
- Shared jeep Pelling → Siliguri: about ₹150–350 (≈ US$2–4), 5–6 h
- Hired jeep Siliguri → Pelling: ₹3,000–4,000 (≈ US$35–50) per vehicle
Say or show
- धन्यवाद — Thank you (dhanyabad)
- कति हो? — How much is it? (kati ho)
- शौचालय कहाँ छ? — Where is the toilet? (shauchalaya kahan chha)
- यहीं रोक्नुहोस् — Please stop here (yahin roknuhos)
Carry ₹100 notes: small shops and jeeps rarely have change.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Pelling. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jun–Sep (monsoon, leeches and landslides), Jan–Feb (cold, but clear) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for IXB and PYG: last shared-jeep departures field-checked, private-car fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Upper Pelling, Pemayangtse and Rabdentse, the Chenrezig statue and skywalk, Darap.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Pemayangtse, Rabdentse, Chenrezig skywalk) and eat pages with last orders.
- Monsoon and landslide fixtures so gates A–D can go green.