Where to stay in Pelling: the short guide
Pelling is a small hill town in West Sikkim, strung along a ridge famous for its close-up views of Kanchenjunga. It is usually divided into Upper and Lower Pelling. Upper Pelling has most of the view-facing hotels, the helipad and the best Kanchenjunga vistas, and is the popular choice for the scenery. Lower Pelling is a little more spread out, with some hotels and easier road access.
For a quieter, more local stay, homestays sit near Pemayangtse Monastery and the Rabdentse ruins, a short way from the main strip. Pelling works best as a base for the West Sikkim sights, so pick a view-facing room if the mountains are your priority.
Best areas to stay in Pelling
Upper Pelling
Most of the view-facing hotels and the best Kanchenjunga vistas, near the helipad. The popular choice for the scenery.
Lower Pelling
A little more spread out, with some hotels and easier road access.
Near Pemayangtse and Rabdentse
Quieter homestays near the monastery and the old palace ruins.
Towards Yuksom
Stays on the way to Yuksom, the base for the Dzongri and Goecha La treks.
Getting to Pelling: Bagdogra airport, NJP railway and road routes
The practical gateway is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), about 150 km away, roughly four to five hours by road. Sikkim’s own Pakyong Airport is geographically closer but has very limited commercial flights, so confirm availability before relying on it.
The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri, about 135 km away, with trains from across India. From NJP or Bagdogra, shared jeeps and private cabs climb to Pelling through the West Sikkim hills.
Pelling connects by road with Gangtok, Darjeeling and Yuksom, and shared jeeps are the usual way to get around the region. Indian visitors do not need a permit for Pelling, but carry photo ID.
Find the right kind of hotel in Pelling
Kanchenjunga-view hotels
View-facing rooms in Upper Pelling angled for the mountain on clear days.
Mid-range hotels
Comfortable hotels across Upper and Lower Pelling with easy access to the sights.
Homestays near the monasteries
Quiet, local stays near Pemayangtse and Rabdentse.
Budget guesthouses
Simple rooms in Lower Pelling and along the strip.
Couple-friendly stays
Most hotels accept couples with valid photo ID for both guests. Check the property policy before booking.
Resorts and premium stays
A few upscale hotels and resorts with the best viewpoints.
Hotels for every budget in Pelling
Budget guesthouses and homestays
Lower Pelling and near the monasteries. Simple rooms; cheapest off season.
Mid-range view hotels
Comfortable Upper Pelling hotels, many with Kanchenjunga views.
Premium resorts
A small number of upscale stays with the best viewpoints and amenities.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Kanchenjunga views: Sunrise over the world’s third-highest peak from Upper Pelling.
- Pemayangtse Monastery: One of Sikkim’s oldest and most important monasteries.
- Rabdentse ruins: The ruins of Sikkim’s former royal capital, a short walk through forest.
- Skywalk and Chenrezig statue: The glass skywalk and giant statue at Sanga Choeling.
- Khecheopalri Lake: A sacred, tranquil lake a short drive away.
- Kanchenjunga and Rimbi Falls: Scenic waterfalls near the Pelling–Yuksom road.
- Sanga Choeling Monastery: A hilltop monastery reached by a short uphill walk.
- Day trip to Yuksom: The historic first capital and trekking base of West Sikkim.
When to visit Pelling
| March to May | Spring with clear skies, rhododendrons and pleasant days. A peak period for views. |
|---|---|
| October to December | Crisp, clear post-monsoon weather with the best mountain visibility. |
| June to September | Monsoon brings cloud, rain and a risk of landslides on the hill roads. |
Good to know before you book
- The mountain views are the whole point, so book a view-facing room in Upper Pelling and hope for a clear morning.
- Clouds often roll in by late morning, so plan Kanchenjunga viewing for sunrise.
- Monsoon landslides can disrupt the roads from Bagdogra and NJP, so allow buffer time if you visit then.
- The town is strung along the hillside, so check how far your hotel is from the viewpoints and jeep stand.
See live prices for Pelling
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in PellingFrequently asked questions
Where should I stay in Pelling?
Upper Pelling for the best Kanchenjunga views and most view-facing hotels, Lower Pelling for easier road access, or near Pemayangtse for a quieter homestay.
What is the nearest airport to Pelling?
Bagdogra (IXB), about 150 km away, is the practical gateway. Sikkim’s Pakyong Airport is closer but has very limited flights.
What is the nearest railway station to Pelling?
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) near Siliguri, about 135 km away, with trains from across India.
How many days do you need in Pelling?
Two to three days covers the views, the monasteries, the skywalk and a lake or waterfall.
Do Indians need a permit for Pelling?
No permit is needed for Pelling itself, but carry a photo ID. Some areas of Sikkim do require permits.
When is the best time to visit Pelling for Kanchenjunga views?
March to May and October to December, when skies are clearest; the monsoon often hides the peak.