Yuksom and Pelling in 2 Days: Dubdi Monastery, Kanchenjunga Falls and Rabdentse (2026)
A two-day West Sikkim plan from Pelling: Rabdentse and Pemayangtse, the drive to Yuksom past Kanchenjunga Falls and Khecheopalri Lake, and the walk up to Dubdi, Sikkim's oldest monastery.
Pelling is where most people stay in West Sikkim, for the views of Kanchenjunga and the Pelling Skywalk. Yuksom, 38 km on, is where Sikkim began: its first king was crowned here in 1642, and the hill above holds what is traditionally called the state's oldest monastery. Two days is enough to see the best of both.
Distances
| From | To | Distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gangtok | Pelling | about 125 km | 5 hrs |
| Pelling | Rabdentse | about 3 km | 10 min |
| Pelling | Kanchenjunga Falls | about 24 km | 45 min–1 hr |
| Kanchenjunga Falls | Yuksom | about 10 km | 20–30 min |
| Yuksom | Dubdi Monastery | about 1.2 km on foot | 45 min–1 hr up |
Day 1: Pelling
- Sunrise: watch Kanchenjunga turn pink from your hotel or the helipad area.
- Morning: Pemayangtse Monastery, one of Sikkim's most important, before the tour groups.
- Late morning: Rabdentse Ruins, the capital from 1670 to 1814, reached by a 10–30 minute forest walk. Carry leech socks in the wet months.
- Afternoon: the Pelling Skywalk and the Chenrezig statue at Sanga Choeling.
See all our things to do in Pelling.
Day 2: Yuksom
- 8am: leave Pelling. Detour to Khecheopalri Lake, the sacred wishing lake in the forest.
- 10am: stop at Kanchenjunga Falls, a 100 ft waterfall about 50 steps up from the road.
- 11am: reach Yuksom. Walk up the stone path to Dubdi Monastery, usually dated to 1701, through forest and prayer flags. A rough road gets to within about 400 m of the top if the walk is too much.
- Afternoon: the Norbugang coronation throne, where Phuntsog Namgyal was crowned the first Chogyal in 1642, and Kathok Lake nearby.
- Night: stay in Yuksom, or drive back to Pelling.
Where to stay
- Pelling has the most hotels, many with Kanchenjunga views.
- Yuksom has homestays and small lodges, quieter and cheaper; good if you're starting a trek.
Best time
- October–December: clearest views of Kanchenjunga.
- March–May: rhododendrons and warm days.
- June–September: rain, leeches and slips on the Yuksom road.
Getting there
From Gangtok, take our Gangtok to Pelling cab (about 5 hours). From NJP or Bagdogra it's about 5–6 hours direct to Pelling. Many people combine this with Ravangla and Temi Tea Garden on the way; see our offbeat Sikkim itineraries.
Tips
- Start Day 2 early; the walk to Dubdi is cooler and the monastery quieter in the morning.
- Walk around monasteries clockwise and ask before taking photos inside.
- Carry cash for homestays and small shops in Yuksom.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Dubdi Monastery
- Lonely Planet: Dubdi Gompa
- Wikipedia: Rabdentse
- Ministry of Tourism: Kanchenjunga waterfalls
- Outlook Traveller: Yuksom
Timings, fees and permit rules change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
Helpful Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Yuksom from Pelling?
About 38 km, roughly 1.5 hours by road.
Is two days enough for Pelling and Yuksom?
Yes for the main sights. Add a day if you want to stay in Yuksom or walk further on the Goecha La trail.
How long is the walk to Dubdi Monastery?
About 1.2 km on a stepped path, 45 minutes to an hour up and about half that down.
Do I need a permit for Yuksom?
Not for Indian citizens visiting Yuksom and Dubdi. Treks into Khangchendzonga National Park need permits.
What is the Norbugang coronation throne?
The stone seat at Yuksom where Phuntsog Namgyal was crowned the first Chogyal of Sikkim in 1642.
Can I see Kanchenjunga from Pelling?
Yes, on clear mornings, best from October to December.
Plan This Journey
Turn this Pelling guide into a trip that fits your pace
If this guide is part of the kind of holiday you want, Breeziah can help shape the route, travel flow and stay style around your dates, comfort level and destination priorities.