Gangtok to Pelling: The Ultimate Sikkim Road Trip Guide
Sikkim is a world of magic and majestic mountains. If you are traveling for the first time, a Gangtok to Pelling trip via a car is the perfect way to experience the heart. It is a journey that begins in a bustling city like Gangtok and culminates at a frozen peak in Pelling. The journey passes through green tea plantations, a huge Buddha statue, and a historical site. Our knowledge is incorporated into this travel guide. We have pooled research information that can enable you to have a happy journey.
Also Read: Best Time to Visit Sikkim
The distance from Gangtok to Pelling is 130 kilometers. Although it may sound small, driving through the mountains means it will take five to six hours. It is, however, not the best approach. The best way to enjoy this journey is by stopping through the beautiful places of Namchi and Ravangla. These are the best places to make this drive a day-long adventure. Starting the drive early, around 7:30 AM, is the best way to enjoy without feeling exhausted.
Stop 1: Temi Tea Garden
Approximately 55 km from Gangtok, you can find the Temi Tea Garden. This is the only tea garden in the whole state of Sikkim. The slopes of the hills are dotted with lush, vibrant green tea plantations that resemble a carpet laid down on the slopes. You can go for a walk among the tea plantations and observe the tea being plucked by the local people by hand. There is a tea stall near the entry point where one can taste the organic tea while gazing at the Himalayan Mountains. It is one of the most popular spots for taking pictures, with the cherry blossom trees in bloom, especially in the autumn season.
Stop 2: Namchi and the Siddheshwar
Next on the itinerary, after the tea garden visit, is Namchi. This place has the famous Siddheshwar Dham, which is also referred to as Chardham . This spiritual park stretches over a large area and sits on top of a hill. Here, you can find the largest statue of Lord Shiva standing at a height of 108 feet. This spiritual place also houses the miniaturized versions of the four most revered temples in the Indian subcontinent. Do not forget to remove your footwear as you enter the temples.
As you proceed towards Pelling, you are forced to halt at Ravangla. It is home to the renowned Buddha Park, commonly known as Tathagata Tsal. It boasts a 130-foot gold-hued Buddha statue. On a clear day, you can distinctly see the snowy ranges of Mt. Kanchenjunga standing in the background of the statue. It boasts beautiful gardens and a peaceful walkway. It is one of the most peaceful and beautiful corners in Sikkim. It opens every day and normally consumes about an hour.
Also Read: How to Get Sikkim Permit Requirements
Reaching Pelling: The Starting Point of Peak Adventures
At last, you will get to Pelling in West Sikkim. This is a popular place known for its majestic view of the Himalayan Range. When you wake up in the morning in Pelling, the first thing that greets your eyes is usually the sun rising on top of the white Himalayan Range. The most popular place in Pelling would be the Glass Skywalk. This is the country’s first glass skywalk, which is positioned on top of the trees.
Another place to add to your itinerary is the Pemayangtse Monastery. It is one of the oldest monasteries in this state, and it is also chock-full of old paintings. In the vicinity of this monastery, you can take a walk through a small forest and reach the Rabdentse Ruins. This is where you can see the remnants of what once was the old capital of Sikkim. The valley, as it can be seen from these ruins, is absolutely breathtaking. Another place to add to your list of destinations is the Kanchenjunga Falls.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
⦁ Roads and driver:
The roads in Sikkim are also mountain roads. These roads are at times narrow. Always hire a driver who knows the roads. These drivers are experts. They also ensure that you are not in danger.
⦁ Climate
Also, the climate in the mountains is such that it shifts suddenly. This also holds at times during the summer. Always carry a light jacket because the winds in Ravangla and Pelling are cold.
⦁ Rules
Sikkim is a very clean state, and they have very strict rules against littering. Please do not use plastic water bottles in the protected areas, and also dispose of your trash in the bins.
⦁ Cash
Although Gangtok has numerous ATMs, the smaller towns like Pelling and Ravangla may not always have a working cash dispenser. Always carry sufficient cash for entry fees as well as small meals.
⦁ Photos restrictions
Finally, do not take any photos without giving proper permissions to the local people and also the holy areas in the monasteries.
One of the things that you could do is spend your first day in Gangtok so that you can get accustomed to the climate there.
On your second day, you could do the long drive to Pelling with all of the mentioned halts.
On your third day, you could spend some time in Pelling, viewing places like the skywalk and waterfalls. In this way, you could get to see all of Sikkim without always being on a drive.
The people of Sikkim are always very helpful. They are friendly too. They will assist you with any questions you have regarding your route. The route from Gangtok to Pelling is not only a means to reach a destination. It is a trip to the very soul of nature and culture. From the aroma of the tea plantations to the golden light of the statues of Buddhist and Hindu lords, there is something magical in every kilometer. If you have an affinity for mountains and serenity, this trip would remain an unforgettable experience for you. Start packing your bags and get ready to touch the clouds.
At the end, you can also check out our next travel stories: North Sikkim Travel Guide
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