Pelling in 3 days: what to see, in what order

A glass-floored walkway on the hill above Pelling that leads to a very tall statue of Chenrezig, the Buddha of compassion. From the top you look out over the valley and, on a clear day, at Kanchenjunga.

Tip: There is a ticket and a long flight of steps up from the parking. The old Sangachoeling Monastery is further up the same hill on foot. It can close in heavy monsoon rain.

One of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim, on a ridge just outside Pelling. The top floor holds a large, finely carved wooden model of Guru Rinpoche's heavenly palace.

Tip: There is a small entry fee (about Rs 20). Photos are not allowed inside the prayer hall. Rabdentse is a few minutes down the same road.

The stone ruins of Sikkim's old royal capital, in a forest just below Pemayangtse. You walk through the trees past a small pond to the palace walls and chortens, with wide views of the hills.

Tip: The cab stops at the gate. It is about a 30 minute walk each way on a forest path, so wear good shoes. Entry is free.

A waterfall in the forest west of Pelling, quieter than the falls on the Yuksom road. It is not to be confused with the Changey Falls near Lava in West Bengal.

Tip: The last part is a walk of about 20 minutes from the road, so allow an hour in all. Paths are slippery after rain.

A small Limbu village of farms, fields and old houses, a short drive from Pelling. It is a quiet place to walk and see village life, and many homes take guests.

Tip: Be polite and ask before photographing people or homes. A homestay tea is the easiest way to meet a family.

A waterfall right beside the road to Khecheopalri, with the Rimbi river below it. It is a short photo stop, and there are orange orchards in the area.

Tip: It is free and only a few steps from the road. In the dry months, from about February to April, it is thin.

A small lake in the forest that Buddhists and Hindus hold sacred. People call it the wishing lake. A wooden walkway with prayer wheels leads to the water's edge, and it is very calm.

Tip: From the car park it is a short, easy walk. Expect a small fee (about Rs 20 to 30) and keep your voice low: it is a place of prayer.

A small pond in Yuksom with prayer flags around it, a few minutes from the coronation throne. It is linked to the same story of the first king's crowning.

Tip: It is a short stop. Do not expect a big lake: it is small and can look dull in the dry months.

A stone throne in a quiet park in Yuksom, where the first king of Sikkim was crowned. There is a large chorten and a large old tree beside it.

Tip: Entry is free. Yuksom is a small village, so lunch is easy to find on the main street nearby.

A tall waterfall that drops in stages through the forest, on the road between Pelling and Yuksom. It is one of the most visited stops in West Sikkim.

Tip: It is about 100 steps up from the parking, and the rocks near the water are slippery. Expect a small fee (about Rs 20).

One of Sikkim's holiest monasteries, on a hilltop between two rivers. The grounds are full of chortens and stones carved with prayers, and it hosts the Bhumchu festival each year.

Tip: Parking is limited and the last part is a steep walk with steps. Entry is free.

A large park at Ravangla with a giant statue of the Buddha facing the snow peaks. There are gardens, a walkway round the statue and a small museum inside its base.

Tip: Tickets are about Rs 50 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreign visitors. Ravangla is colder than Pelling, so carry a jacket.