spiritual · Pelling, Pelling
Sanga Choeling climb and the Skywalk
Sanga Choeling sits on the ridge above Pelling. The path leaves the upper end of Pelling and climbs through forest for about 40 minutes; ask your hotel to point out the start. It is steep in places and slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip and carry water. The name is usually translated as 'island of the secret mantra teachings', and the monastery belongs to the Nyingma school. Fires have damaged it several times and it has been rebuilt, but it still keeps clay statues from the 17th century.
Just below the monastery stands the newer Chenrezig (Avalokiteśvara) statue, 137 feet tall, reached by the Pelling Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway out over the slope. The statue and Skywalk opened in November 2018 and are now one of Pelling's busiest stops. Entry for the Skywalk is about ₹50–100, indicative, 2026. Go before 10 am to beat the tour vehicles. On a hazy day the statue is still worth the visit, but the mountain view will be gone.
We suggest walking up to the monastery first, then dropping down to the statue and Skywalk. If the climb is too much for someone in your group, a taxi can reach the statue complex by road. On clear mornings the ridge gives a wide view of the Kangchenjunga range, Pelling below and the Rabdentse forest beyond. Keep your voice low near the monastery; monks live and study here. Leave a small donation if you go inside; it helps with upkeep.
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How difficult is the walk to Sanga Choeling
It is a steep forest climb of about 40 minutes from Upper Pelling, with uneven steps and some muddy patches after rain. Fit walkers manage it easily; older travellers should take it slowly or use a taxi to the Chenrezig statue complex instead. Wear shoes with grip, carry water and avoid the climb in heavy monsoon rain.
What is the Pelling Skywalk ticket price
Entry to the Skywalk and the Chenrezig statue complex is about ₹50–100 per person, indicative, 2026. The glass-floored walkway leads out to the 137-foot statue next to Sanga Choeling Monastery. Fees and opening hours can change, and the walkway may close in bad weather, so check current status before you travel.
Is the Pelling Skywalk worth visiting
Yes, if you combine it with Sanga Choeling. The Skywalk itself is a short glass walkway to a very large Chenrezig statue, opened in 2018, and it gets crowded late morning. The real reward is the old monastery above and the ridge view of the Kangchenjunga range on a clear day. Go early for both.
