Sikkim Glass Bridge

Glass Skywalk, Pelling, West Sikkim Overview

The Glass Skywalk in Pelling offers a thrilling view of the surrounding mountains and the Chenrezig statue, which is one of the tallest statues of Lord Buddha in Sikkim. It is a popular tourist attraction due to its breathtaking views and the experience of walking on a transparent platform, offering a feeling of walking in the air above the exquisitely beautiful valley. This Glass Skywalk is the first of its kind built in India.

The Skywalk overlooks the picturesque town of Pelling in Northeast Sikkim. This astonishing structure is built at a height of 7200 feet, and allows tourists to look down several thousand feet in the air, from the peak to the very bottom of mountains. The Glass Skywalk adventure is definitely not for the fainthearted. Even the people with vertigo are recommended not to try this feat as walking on transparent glass at such incredulous heights can be bone-chilling for many.

This Pelling skywalk is designed to be a transparent foot-over bridge made out of glass that hangs suspended hundreds of feet up in the air. The amazing architectural piece was inaugurated in November 2018. Since then the skywalk has become a major tourist attraction offering infinite thrill and peace seamlessly blended together in one excursion. There are several attractions that can be viewed from over the bridge including waterfalls, lush forests and monasteries. It is located adjacent to the marvellous statue of Chenrezig, which is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site. The skywalk overlooks the magnificent Kanchenjunga, as well as the Teesta and Rangit rivers, which flow alongside adding another dimension to the serenity of the place.

Suggested Read : Sikkim tour packages

Best Time to Visit Glass Skywalk, Pelling, Sikkim

The best time to visit the Glass Skywalk in Pelling, West Sikkim is during the following seasons.

March to May — Spring/Summer Season

At this time, the weather remains ideal with pleasant temperatures, ranging between 10°C to 25°C. The scenic beauty is at its best. The skies are generally clear, making it an ideal time to view the Kanchenjunga range and enjoy the surrounding greenery in full bloom. This season offers a comfortable climate for sightseeing and outdoor activities without being too cold or too warm.

September to November — Autumn Season

At this time the weather is crisp and clear with temperatures between 7°C and 20°C.
Post-monsoon skies offer crystal-clear views of the mountains, making it one of the best times for photography and experiencing the natural beauty of the Himalayas. The clear skies and cool, pleasant weather make this period perfect for walking on the skywalk and enjoying the panoramic views of the valley and mountains.

Suggested Read : Sikkim honeymoon packages

When to Avoid Visiting Glass Skywalk, Pelling, Sikkim

• Monsoon Season (months from June to August): Heavy rainfall and frequent landslides make traveling risky. The cloudy skies also limit visibility, blocking the scenic views from the skywalk.
• Winter (months from December to February): Although winter can offer clear skies, the temperatures drop significantly and reach as low as 2°C. Hence the intense cold might be uncomfortable for some visitors.

For the best experience, spring and autumn are recommended, as the pleasant weather and clear skies enhance the overall visit and add beauty and joy to your Sikkim travel memories.

Suggested Read : Tourism of sikkim

How to Reach Glass Skywalk, Pelling, Sikkim

• By Road: Pelling is well-connected by road to Gangtok located at a distance of 130 km and Siliguri which is about 135 km away. Private cabs and shared taxis are commonly available.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport that is around 160 km away.
• By Rail: The closest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) in Siliguri.

The Glass Skywalk in Pelling is an exciting addition to the thrill of the region’s already very popular tourism fanfare, offering adventure, scenic beauty and spiritual significance in one destination.

Suggested Read : 33 things to do in sikkim

Glass Skywalk in Pelling, West Sikkim, Unique Tourist Attraction

This Skywalk is India’s first transparent skywalk, located near the gigantic Chenrezig Statue that is known for being the tallest statue of Chenrezig, in Pelling. This statue is a true manifestation of Buddha’s compassion. The Skywalk also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges and the serene valleys below. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 7,200 feet, and is part of the larger complex that includes the Chenrezig statue and a pilgrimage site.

Suggested Read : Places to visit in sikkim

Unique Feature Pelling Glass Skywalk

The skywalk has a transparent glass floor, giving visitors the sensation of walking on air as they look down at the valley and landscape below.

The view from the skywalk includes the majestic Kanchenjunga range and the lush greenery of the surrounding valleys.

Adjacent to the skywalk is the towering 137 feet tall statue of Chenrezig, which is part of the spiritual and cultural significance of the site. The surrounding park area also has prayer wheels and a beautiful garden that can be visited as a part of the day trip to the Glass Skywalk.

Suggested Read : Pelling tourism

Best Way to Enjoy Sikkim Glass Skywalk

Many of you will be visiting such a unique tourist destination and having a new experience altogether for the first time. Hence it is important to set your expectations and know how to deal with the discomfort if at all you feel some. To make the most of your visit to the Glass Skywalk in Pelling, Sikkim, some tips and suggestions for the best experience might help in your visit.

Visit Early in the Morning

The morning hours provide the clearest views of the surrounding Himalayan range, especially Kanchenjunga, as clouds often roll in by late afternoon. You’ll also encounter fewer tourists, making the experience more serene. Plan the itinerary in such a way that you start the trip early enough to catch the stunning sunrise over the mountains.

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

As the skywalk is made of glass, it is best to wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the Chenrezig Statue complex and the nearby garden areas. This involves a bit of walking and you should feel comfortable.

Explore the Chenrezig Statue and Surroundings

The Glass Skywalk is located near the 137-foot tall Chenrezig statue, one of the tallest in the world. Take time to walk around the complex, spin the prayer wheels and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Also, the Skywalk offers excellent photo opportunities of both the valley below and the statue, so make sure to bring your camera.

Plan Skywalk Trip During Clear Weather

Before visiting, check the weather forecast to ensure clear skies for the best views. Fog or clouds will sadly obscure the views of the mountains and the valley and ruin the enjoyment and satisfaction of the entire trip. The best seasons to visit are spring that stretches from March to May and autumn that covers from September to November. During this time the weather is mild and skies remain clear.

Photography

The transparent glass floor and surrounding landscapes offer incredible photoshoot opportunities. Stand on the glass, look down to the valley or take wide shots of the Kanchenjunga range. Get clicked amply to make some memorable moments remain etched into your lives forever. Capture the scene of standing on glass with the valley below and the towering Chenrezig statue behind. Get photos that seemingly will make you stand on thin air metres above the deep serene Sikkim valleys and forests.

Combine Skywalk Trip with Nearby Attractions

• Rabdentse Ruins are just a short drive from the skywalk, these historical ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient kingdom of Sikkim.
• Pemayangtse Monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, can be combined with Glass Skywalk visit. This serene and beautiful site is a must-visit for all Sikkim tourists and travellers.
• Sanga Choeling Monastery is a short trek from the Skywalk that will take you to this monastery. It offers mesmerizing views of the mountains and valley.
• Then comes the Khecheopalri Lake about 28 km or 1-1.5 hour’s drive from the Glass Skywalk. This is a sacred lake revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, and is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene and spiritual setting. It is said that the lake’s surface is always clean because birds pick up every leaf that falls into it.
• The Rimbi Waterfalls at a distance of about 12 km from the Glass Skywalk presents stunning waterfalls surrounded by picturesque forests and hills, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation. The water flows down into the Rimbi River, which is also used for fishing. It is ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful spot to relax.
• Kanchenjunga Falls lies at a distance of around 25 km which is 1-hour drive from the Glass Skywalk. This is a powerful and majestic waterfall, it’s one of the most popular tourist spots in Pelling. The falls are best seen after the monsoon season, but they’re still impressive throughout the year.
• The Sewaro Rock Garden falls within a range of around 12 km from the Glass Skywalk. This beautiful garden with streams, rivers and well-maintained flower beds is a popular picnic spot for locals and tourists alike. It is ideal for peaceful riverside walks beside the Rimbi River.
• Darap Village lies at a distance of around 8 km from the Glass Skywalk. This small, picturesque village is home to the Limboo community and offers an immersive cultural experience. You can stay at local homestays, interact with the villagers, and learn about traditional Sikkimese life.
• Enjoy the rural charm of Sikkim with traditional food, local crafts and a peaceful village atmosphere.
• Tashiding Monastery is at a distance of 40 km from the Glass Skywalk. It is another significant Buddhist site in Sikkim. The monastery is known for its holy water festival called Bhumchu. The location is very scenic, surrounded by forests and hills and are ideal spiritual experience and a beautiful, serene environment.

Stay Overnight in Pelling

Pelling has some great hotels that offer scintillating views of Kanchenjunga. Staying overnight allows you to explore the Glass Skywalk early and visit the other nearby attractions without rushing. Also, you can plan for a few more tourist attractions of Pelling to have a complete picture of Pelling beauty. Staying in local hotels or homestays will definitely give you a more poignant picture and exposure to the local culture and tradition of Pelling and Sikkim as a whole.

Respect Local Customs

Be mindful to follow the do’s and don’ts of the destination you are visiting, especially because the area around the skywalk and the Chenrezig statue is considered a sacred place. Keeping the sentiments and the local customs in mind, when near the prayer wheels and statue, your conduct and attire should be decent and in sync with the practices and rituals of the place.

Take a Relaxing Break

The nearby cafés or rest stops are special attractions to satiate your craving for local food and also to catch some fantastic panoramic views from these strategic viewpoints. Here you can relax and enjoy refreshments while gazing at the silence and beauty of the mountains.

Travel Smart and Light

Since Pelling is a small town, public transportation is limited. Hiring a private cab from Gangtok or Darjeeling is the easiest and most comfortable way to reach the Glass Skywalk. Also some prior planning of the itinerary will help you avoid temporary setbacks and disappointments of missing out on these pure beauteous excursions.

It should be remembered that roads can become slippery, and landslides are common during the monsoon season stretching from the months of June to August. Traveling during the dry seasons will definitely ensure a better and hassle-free visiting experience.

Make the most of your visit to the Glass Skywalk and enjoy the beauty and serenity of Pelling, Sikkim to gather some moments of your lifetime.