Nomad Saikat
Sikkim the beauty of north east India can surely be referred to as the Beauty Queen when it comes to beauty of nature. The state is one of the most beautiful spots with a lot to offer to its tourists. You can find beautiful monasteries, waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints to enjoy here. Amongst all these the tourism department is always taking extra care to attract more tourists here. Furthermore newer additions are introduced for the tourists here. One such attractive point here is the Glass Skywalk Pelling.
The Glass Skywalk Pelling is one of the most attractive destinations for the tourists. It attracts a considerable number of tourists who love the experience here. If you are visiting Sikkim then you must visit the Skywalk Pelling. In this article I will mention everything about the Sikkim Skywalk Pelling. It would be a helpful read for you if you are planning a trip there. So keep on reading about Skywalk Pelling West Sikkim and enrich yourself.
Skywalk Pelling
Overview of Skywalk Pelling
Glass Skywalk Pelling is basically a glass bridge. It is the first ever glass skywalk in India located in Northwest Sikkim. Skywalk pelling height is 7200 feet that makes it even more alluring. From up above it lets a person peek through down several thousand feet. It feels like you are up in the air soaking into the beauty around. Furthermore this Glass Skywalk Pelling is not for fainthearted at all. It can be a spine chilling experience to be at such a height. People with vertigo are not advised to visit here. Skywalk Pelling is a glass bridge. And while walking on it you would be able to see the area down. This transparent glass bridge is made of transparent glass and is suspended in air.
Talking about safety, all sorts of safety measures had been taken while building this skywalk. A 4 ft thick transparent glass is used for the making of this glass bridge. A breathtaking 360 degree view is possible from the Skywalk Pelling. On a clear day you can enjoy the views of the mighty Kanchenjunga as well. Furthermore this Skywalk Pelling is a much newer addition. It was inaugurated on November 1, 2018. From then this has become one of the major sightseeing spots in Sikkim. The thrill and excitement to reach at such an elevation and enjoy the breathtaking view is a major attraction for tourists.
What’s more?
The views are one of the major reasons for the popularity of this location. You can enjoy clear views of lush greenery, waterfalls along with monasteries from here. Also one of the main attractions here is the Chenrezig Statue. This is basically a Buddhist site of pilgrimage. Even though the Skywalk Pelling has been added most recently, the statue is older than that. Previously this was the major attraction of this spot. But at present combined attractions of Skywalk Pelling and the statue attracts the tourists in huge numbers. Also the Teesta and the Rangit rivers also flow by the location. Furthermore, this adds to the beauty of this location.
Skywalk Pelling timing: The timings are from 9 am to 6 pm on all days
Skywalk Pelling entry fee: Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreigners.
How to reach Skywalk Pelling:
By air
If you are flying by air then the nearest airport to reach the skywalk Pelling is Bagdogra Airport. From there the Skywalk Pelling is about 138 km. Furthermore it would take you around 5 hours to reach there from the airport.
By train
The New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) is the nearest railway station. This is about 132 km away from the Pelling Skywalk. In around 5 hours you can reach the Skywalk Pelling from the station. The Gangtok Railway Station is another nearby railway station. It is located around 125 km away and you can reach Skywalk Pelling in about 4 hours from there.
By road
You can also travel here by road. The most economical option would be to reach Geyzing, which is the largest town of the district. From there you can take a cab or car or shared ride to reach Skywalk Pelling in 6 hours. From Siliguri also private vehicles are available. You can drive through from there to reach the Skywalk Pelling in about 4 hours. Bus services are not very frequent here. But buses going towards Dentam can drop you off nearby. And from there you can even walk to reach the Skywalk.
Best time to visit
Pelling is a year round destination. During every season you will be able to enjoy a different side to the location. The spring season from March to April is considered a good time to visit here. Also summer is a good time to visit here as well. Furthermore summers are not very hot in Pelling so the weather remains pleasant. Skywalk Pelling temperature during summers ranges from 12 degrees to 20 degrees.
However the monsoon season from July to middle of September is not considered a good time to visit here. Due to heavy rain there are chances of landslides here as well. So try to avoid those months.
Furthermore the autumn season from end of September to November is one of the peak seasons to visit the Skywalk Pelling. During this time Pelling experiences a comfortable weather. The temperature during this time ranges from 8 degrees to 20 degrees. Also this is the time when the sky is most clear and without fog. So you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views from this Skywalk as well. Even the mighty Kanchenjunga is also seen from the skywalk during this time. You can definitely consider visiting during this time.
The winters are really cool in Pelling from December to February. Temperature during this time ranges between 3 degrees to 14 degrees. Some areas also receive snowfall during this time. However the sky can be foggy during this time, so you might miss out on the views at this time. So do plan your visit accordingly.
Major Tourist attractions near Skywalk Pelling
Chenrezig Statue
This is undoubtedly the major attraction near the Skywalk Pelling. It is a statue of Lord Buddha and an important part of Buddhist pilgrimage. Furthermore this statue is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. This statue is referred to as one of the manifestations of Lord Buddha’s compassion. It is a massive statue with a height of 137 feet. For the Buddhist specifically this statue holds a lot of significance. Even for tourists this is a major attraction because of its massive height. The foundation stone of this statue was laid in the year 2009 by the Dalai Lama. It was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Kumar Chamling.
To reach the statue you will have to climb up the stairs. The place offers breathtaking views of the surrounding as well. With the chanting of Buddhist hymns the place feels surreal. It is an amazing feeling to enjoy a blissful experience. Furthermore photography and videography is not allowed on the premises. That would also let you have some time to be with yourself. So make sure you are taking full advantage of the beauty of this location with your eyes open. After all you can only capture all the beauty here with your eyes.
Sanghak Choeling Monastery
Located 3.5 km away from the Skywalk Pelling you will find this beautiful monastery. It is however one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim. This monastery was established in 1642 by Lama Lhatsun Chempo. With beautiful Buddhist artifacts, sculptures and paintings this is a beautiful location to delve into the history. For history buffs it would be really interesting to visit here. However a small trek is required to reach the monastery. Amidst hilly terrain and lush greenery the surrounding looks gorgeous here. On a regular basis a lot of Buddhist devotees visit here. Also it is a popular tourist spot as well.
Even though this is an ancient monastery it has gone through some renovations as well. Currently the walls of the monastery look shiny and new. Furthermore the whole compound looks beautiful with white flags everywhere. You can also find some old black stupas here with shiny golden tips. These are the older structures of this monastery that have passed the test of time. This monastery is also known as Sanga Choeling Monastery. Sanga Choeling means Island of Esoteric Learning. It seems that this Buddhist Monastery focuses on learning. It is an appealing spot that you need to visit here.
Khecheipalri Lake
Located only 1 km away from the Skywalk Pelling, this lake is a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Perched on the hill of Khechepali this lake is referred as the Wish Fulfilling Lake. This is the reason why this spot is frequented by tourists as well. Furthermore it is believed that the lake is blessed with hidden treasure by Guru Padmasambhava. This in turn results in the mystic aura of this lake. The ambience here is serene and beautiful. So if you are visiting the Skywalk Pelling make sure you are also visiting the lake as well.
Wrapping Up!
Now that you have all the information about Skywalk Pelling Sikkim I don’t think you should delay your visit anymore. If you are planning your trip to Sikkim make sure you are including the Sikkim Skywalk Pelling in your itinerary. This beautiful location is packed with a lot of punches for the visitors. I am sure you will be able to enjoy a gorgeous view from here that will have your heart. Furthermore not every location can have a skywalk. So when you have it in Sikkim don’t miss out on visiting the Skywalk Pelling. Let me know if this article on Sikkim Skywalk Pelling is helpful for you. And let me know when you are planning a trip there.
