Monasteries · Khecheopalri
Up to Khecheopalri village and its gompa
Leave the lake behind and walk up to Khecheopalri village on the ridge, with its small gompa, terraced fields and views over the valley. It shows you the farming life that sustains the lake's caretakers, and it is where most homestays are.
Most visitors see only the lake and the tea stalls. Above them, on the ridge, is Khecheopalri village, where the families who look after the lake live and farm. Ask at the parking area for the footpath up; it climbs steadily through forest and fields, and takes most people 45 minutes to an hour. You can also drive up by the road, but walking gives you the changing views back over the lake bowl and across the valley.
The village gompa is small and simple, a working prayer hall for the local Buddhist community rather than a showpiece. It may be locked outside prayer times; if someone is there, ask before you enter, take off your shoes and walk clockwise. Around it are prayer flags, chortens and the terraced fields of maize, millet and vegetables, with large cardamom in the shaded, damper patches. From the ridge, on a clear day, you can see far across West Sikkim.
This walk is best combined with a homestay night, so you are not rushing back to a car. Late afternoon is good for the light and for seeing farm work wind down; morning is better for birds and clear views. Carry water and a rain jacket, wear shoes with grip, and ask before photographing people or homes. If you are walking down to the lake afterwards, do it before dusk, as the forest path is unlit.
Cost: Free · donation welcome
Questions people ask
Good to know
How far is Khecheopalri village from the lake?
The village sits on the ridge above the lake. On foot it takes about 45 minutes to an hour uphill on a forest and field path, and less coming down. A road also reaches the village, so you can drive up and walk down. Ask locally for the path, as it is not well signposted.
Is Khecheopalri gompa open to visitors?
It is a small village monastery used by the local community, not a staffed tourist site. The hall may be locked outside prayer times. If a monk or caretaker is present, ask politely before entering, take off your shoes and follow their guidance on photographs. A small donation is welcome.
Are there homestays in Khecheopalri village?
Yes, a few simple family homestays operate in the village and near the lake, charging about ₹1,500–2,500 per person with dinner and breakfast. Facilities are basic and nights are cold in winter. Book through a Pelling hotel or agent, or ask at the lake parking area on arrival outside the busy weeks of October and May.
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