Khecheopalri Lake in Pelling is a sacred spot for Hindus and Buddhists. The name has been derived from Khecheopalri Hill, where it is located. This lake is a part of the Buddhist pilgrimage circuit and is often considered a ‘wish-fulfilling lake.’ An interesting thing about this lake is that a bird picks up every leaf that falls on it; therefore, you might not find a single leaf floating in it. At a short distance from Khecheopalri Lake in Pelling lies the famous Khangchendzonga National Park, which is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pelling. Located at 38,710ft, the Khecheopalri Lake is the highest in Sikkim.
Khecheopalri Lake History
Sikkim’s Khecheopalri Lake is associated with various legends. A Hindu deity, Shiva, and the Buddhist goddess Tara are said to have blessed the lake. On Nag Panchmi day, many devotees visit the Dupukney Cave, believed to be the former meditation spot of Lord Shiva. Also, pilgrims have been drawn to Khecheopalri Lake for its sacred and wish-fulfilling powers. The Lepcha people, the indigenous community of Sikkim, also regard it as a holy site. As a symbol of harmony between nature and spirituality, Khecheopalri Lake has served as a place of worship and meditation for centuries, drawing visitors from around the globe.
Many festivals are celebrated around Khecheopalri Lake spot, like the Maghe Purne (March/April) and Chho-Tsho (October). You can plan a visit to the lake with our Pelling tour packages, which are customizable to suit the needs of every tourist. Contact our travel experts for information and to book a tour with us!
Best Time Khecheopalri Lake Pelling
Winter (October to February) is the best time to visit Pelling Lake. During this period, you will have the best experience of the enthralling natural beauty of the lake and its nearby surroundings.
How to Reach Khecheopalri Lake Pelling
Being a popular tourist attraction in Pelling, Khecheopalri Lake Sikkim is easily accessible by all three modes of transportation.
By Air: The closest airport to Khecheopalri Lake is Bagdogra Airport which is approximately 140 km away. From the airport, you can take a cab, taxi, or bus to the lake.
By Road: Many interstate tourist buses can take you there, or you can drive if you’ve reserved a cab. By car, you can enjoy beautiful countryside landscapes, villages, and farms.
- From Gangtok: 154 km via NH 10.
- From Siliguri: 155 km via NH 10
From Darjeeling: 95 km via Nayabazar Legship Reshi Road.
By Rail: Getting to Khecheopalri Lake by train is also convenient. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, about 138 km away. You can either take a taxi from the station or take a local bus.
Khecheopalri Lake Pelling is one of the most important aspects of tourism in the Northeast. Being located at such a height, the view, refreshing environment, and surrounding natural beauty make it one of the best destinations for a vacation. You can plan a holiday by browsing our Pelling Tour Packages and choosing the most suitable one. On top of that, each tour package is customizable.
