Pelling Helipad viewpoint for sunrise over Kanchenjunga
A short, accessible viewpoint at the town’s helipad offering panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range at sunrise. Popular with photographers and early-morning sightseers, the flat open space provides unobstructed eastern views and is easily reachable from central Pelling.
Location
Pelling Helipad Viewpoint, Pelling, India
Duration
1–3 hours (arrive 45–60 minutes before sunrise; stay through early morning)
Best Time to Visit
October to December and March to May for the clearest sunrise views; December–February can also offer crisp, clear mornings though colder.
Pricing
Free entry to the helipad viewpoint. Transport (jeep/taxi) from Pelling: INR 100–400 one-way depending on season; local guide/photography assistance extra (INR 300–800). Note: prices approximate and vary with season.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Stunning sunrise silhouettes of the Kanchenjunga range
Panoramic views across layered Himalayan ridges
Excellent photo opportunities with foregrounds of prayer flags and rhododendron-clad slopes
Easy accessibility from Pelling town (short drive)
Peaceful early-morning atmosphere with local birdsong
Itinerary
Depart from your hotel in Pelling to the helipad viewpoint
Leave 45–60 minutes before scheduled sunrise to secure a good spot and account for road conditions.
Watch and photograph the sunrise over Kanchenjunga
Best light is during first 20–30 minutes; use tripod and bracket exposures for HDR if photographing.
Explore immediate surroundings, capture panoramic shots, enjoy tea/breakfast
Local vendors or guesthouses may offer hot tea/biscuits; otherwise carry snacks and a thermos.
Return to Pelling town for further sightseeing (Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins) or rest
Roads can warm up and be busier later; mornings are the calmest time to visit.
Safety Requirements
Dress in warm layers — pre-dawn temperatures can be several degrees below daytime values
Carry a headlamp or flashlight for the pre-dawn walk/drive
Be cautious on wet or icy surfaces during winter; wear steady footwear
Keep a charged mobile phone and tell your hotel/guide your plans
Check local weather the evening before — cloud cover can obscure the view
Tips
Arrive early (45–60 minutes before sunrise) to choose a composition and avoid crowds
Bring a tripod, wide-angle and telephoto lenses for varied perspectives
Keep spare batteries warm (cold reduces battery life) and carry memory cards
Respect local signs and any restricted areas around the helipad
Consider hiring a local driver who knows the best parking/drop-off spots
Avoid monsoon months (June–September) — heavy clouds and rain usually block the view
If you want drone footage, verify local regulations and obtain permissions in advance
Combine the visit with other nearby attractions in Pelling for a full-day itinerary
