India's First Glass Mountain Skywalk at 2,195 Metres
Perched high upon an exposed mountain spur at an elevation of 2,195 metres (7,200 feet) opposite the town of Pelling, the Pelling Skywalk represents a pioneering feat of architectural innovation in the Eastern Himalaya. Inaugurated in late 2018, it holds the celebrated distinction of being India's very first glass-bottomed mountain skywalk. Cantilevered daringly over sheer forested precipices, the transparent walkway extends outward from the mountain ridge, allowing visitors to experience the thrilling sensation of walking directly on air above an alpine abyss.
The skywalk structure is engineered to withstand extreme seismic loads and high Himalayan wind velocities. It utilizes multi-layered laminated tempered glass panels set into a reinforced steel framework, offering complete structural stability combined with crystal-clear optical transparency. From this floating glass terrace, the ground drops away vertically, revealing the emerald canopies of temperate oak and fir trees far below.
To prevent scratching and maintain optical transparency on the tempered glass walkway panels, all visitors must remove their outdoor footwear at the entrance pavilion and wear the provided soft fabric shoe covers (or walk in socks). An admission fee of ₹50 per person applies. The skywalk is open daily from 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM.
The Colossal 137-Foot Gilded Statue of Chenrezig
The glass skywalk serves as the grand ceremonial approach to a monumental spiritual colossus: the breathtaking 137-foot-tall (42 metres) statue of Bodhisattva Chenrezig (Avalokiteshwara), the supreme Buddhist embodiment of infinite compassion. Consecrated by high Tibetan lamas, the gilded statue is one of the tallest depictions of Chenrezig anywhere on earth, portraying the deity with multiple arms holding sacred Buddhist emblems—the lotus, the wish-fulfilling jewel, the rosary, and the bow of wisdom.
The statue is flanked by two monumental flights of ceremonial stone stairways lined with hundreds of gilded brass prayer wheels. At the base of the colossus lies a lavishly decorated multi-level temple hall housing sacred thangkas, intricate mandalas, and altars dedicated to Tara and Guru Padmasambhava. The compassionate, serene countenance of Chenrezig gazes benevolently across the valleys of Sikkim, symbolizing eternal protection for all sentient beings.
Unobstructed Panoramas of Mount Kanchenjunga
The ridge location of the Pelling Skywalk affords one of the most comprehensive and awe-inspiring mountain panoramas in the entire Eastern Himalaya. Looking north and northwest, visitors are treated to an uninterrupted, front-row view of the entire Kanchenjunga range, with Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) dominating the horizon alongside its companion sentinels—Mount Pandim (6,691 m), Mount Kabru (7,412 m), Mount Simvo, and Mount Narsing.
During the early morning hours, as the first rays of dawn strike the jagged icefields of Kanchenjunga, the snow turns from pale lilac to radiant gold and brilliant white. The glass skywalk provides an unparalleled platform for panoramic photography, with the modern architectural lines of the transparent bridge contrasting dramatically against the ancient, timeless beauty of the glaciated Himalayan summits.
Looking directly downward through the transparent glass floor reveals a sheer cliff face dropping hundreds of feet into the valley below, which can induce sudden dizziness or vertigo in acrophobic visitors. Hold the stainless-steel balustrades firmly, walk slowly, and be mindful of strong, gusty winds that sweep across the exposed ridge in the afternoon.
Integration with the Sacred Pelling Monastic Circuit
The Chenrezig complex forms an essential link in the celebrated Pelling spiritual circuit, which connects the three major Buddhist pilgrimage sites of West Sikkim: Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, and the Sangachoeling Monastery (one of Sikkim's oldest gompas, perched on the highest crest directly above the skywalk).
A well-maintained walking trail leads from the skywalk complex up through fragrant pine and rhododendron woods to the hilltop sanctuary of Sangachoeling. Pilgrims and cultural travelers often combine all three sites into a comprehensive full-day heritage pilgrimage, experiencing ancient stone ruins, centuries-old monastic traditions, and modern Himalayan devotional architecture within a single breathtaking geographical corridor.
Visiting Logistics, Timing and Photography Recommendations
The Pelling Skywalk is located approximately 2.5 kilometres from the center of upper Pelling and is easily accessible by private taxi, shared jeep, or an invigorating 30-minute uphill walk along a paved mountain road. The site operates daily from 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM. To avoid crowds and experience optimal mountain clarity, visitors are strongly advised to arrive between 08:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
Ample parking, souvenir stalls selling Tibetan handicrafts, and clean public facilities are available at the base plaza. Photography is permitted throughout the skywalk and outdoor temple courtyards, though visitors should take care when using tripods on the glass panels. The evening illumination of the colossal Chenrezig statue, with golden spotlights casting a warm celestial glow against the darkening mountain sky, provides another spectacular visual highlight.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pelling Skywalk and how high is it?
The Pelling Skywalk is India's first glass mountain skywalk, located at an elevation of 2,195 meters (7,200 feet) on a ridge overlooking Pelling in West Sikkim. It cantilevers over a steep forested valley leading up to a 137-foot statue of Chenrezig.
What is the height of the Chenrezig statue at the Pelling Skywalk?
The colossal gilded statue of Bodhisattva Chenrezig (Avalokiteshwara) stands 137 feet (42 meters) tall, making it one of the largest statues of the Bodhisattva of Compassion in the world.
What are the entry ticket prices and opening hours for the Pelling Skywalk?
The skywalk is open daily from 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM. The admission fee is ₹50 per person for Indian nationals, which includes access to the glass walkway and the Chenrezig temple complex.
What footwear is allowed on the glass skywalk?
To protect the transparent glass floor from scratches, visitors must remove their shoes at the entrance and put on soft protective fabric shoe covers (provided on-site) or walk across in their socks.
How far is the Pelling Skywalk from Pelling town center?
The skywalk is located approximately 2.5 kilometers from upper Pelling. It can be reached in about 10 minutes by car or via a 30-minute uphill walking trail through pine woods.
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