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The mountains don’t always have the most predictable weather, as anyone who has visited them will know. Even if you check every forecast and plan your trip around the ideal weather, you may still wake up to dense clouds obscuring the views you have travelled hundreds of kilometres to see. That’s exactly how I got to Pelling.
The mountains had completely vanished behind a layer of mist on my first morning. I could hardly make out the surrounding hills, much less the Kanchenjunga that is so talked about. I briefly questioned whether I had arrived at the ideal moment. Fortunately, I maintained my patience.
Pelling reminded me of why it’s one of Sikkim’s most rewarding hill destinations every time the clouds parted.
Waiting became part of the experience of Pelling
I continued to check outside every few minutes at first. Still cloudy. Ten minutes later? Still cloudy. Then, almost without warning, the mist slowly began to lift. One mountain peak appeared. Then another.
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The third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga, appeared above the clouds in a few minutes, its outline covered in snow. It was more like witnessing nature gradually unveil a work of art while sightseeing.
Every morning in Pelling felt different
I quickly realised that each morning was unique. Some started with bright blue skies, while others began in complete fog and then gradually cleared. Sometimes the mountains stayed hidden until breakfast, and on other days they appeared the moment I opened the curtains. When you are staying in one of the hotels in Pelling with mountain views, you know exactly what I mean. What added to the unpredictability was the excitement. Instead of wishing for ideal weather, I started to relish every clear moment when it arrived.
The view was worth every bit of patience
When the skies became absolutely clear, everything seemed more crisp. The snow-capped summits seemed to be incredibly close. The verdant valleys below were expansive and stretched in every direction. Prayer flags fluttered in the mountain breeze, and sunlight gradually filled the trees around Pelling.
I could see why so many tourists advise staying for at least a few days. I might not have seen the mountains at all if I had only spent one night here.
The attractions in Pelling were beautiful, even in the mist
It’s interesting that despite the clouds everywhere, I continued to explore. It was almost supernatural to cross the Pelling Skywalk toward the massive Chenrezig Statue as the mist whirled around the hills. The peaceful Pemayangtse Monastery seemed even more serene under an overcast sky, while the remains of Rabdentse, the old capital of the Kingdom of Sikkim, seemed to belong in another age. Every attraction seemed to change every time the weather did.
Staying with a mountain view made all the difference
Looking back, I’m glad I chose one of the hotels in Pelling with a view of the surrounding hills. It was fascinating to watch the clouds move through the valleys, and the fact that the mountains were hidden did not change that. When the skies finally cleared, I just stepped out onto the balcony, and there was one of the best views of the Himalayas right in front of me. Sometimes, the best viewpoint is your hotel room.
Evenings in Pelling had their own kind of beauty
Everyone knows about Pelling’s mornings, but I feel evenings are equally mesmerising. As the sun descended behind the mountains, the lowlands slowly filled with mist again. The magnificent mountain views of the day gave way to a tranquil backdrop as village lights began to shine one by one over the hillsides. It served as a reminder that not all breathtaking beauty requires flawless visibility. Sometimes the clouds have their own charm.
Final thoughts
Pelling is renowned for its scenic scenery, old monasteries, tranquil mountain surroundings, and breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga. However, the scenery wasn’t the only thing that stayed with me. It was the feeling of continuously seeing one of the most magnificent Himalayan views as the clouds slowly separated.
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You shouldn’t let a cloudy forecast or a foggy morning stop you from planning your trip. Stay an extra day if you can, as Pelling’s mountains have a lovely habit of rewarding patience.
