Photo spot in Pelling
Khecheopalri Lake
Pelling, Sikkim
A sacred forest lake revered by Buddhists and Hindus, believed to be wish-fulfilling — its calm surface kept spotless by birds that remove any fallen leaf, ringed by prayer flags.
Best time
Morning, when the water is still and the walkway is empty; a bright overcast day for even light under the trees.
Best angle
Stand at the start of the wooden walkway and take a photo along it towards the water, with the prayer flags on either side and the forest behind.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
Daylight hours
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Khecheopalri Lake
Morning, when the water is still and the walkway is empty; a bright overcast day for even light under the trees. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Khecheopalri Lake
Stand at the start of the wooden walkway and take a photo along it towards the water, with the prayer flags on either side and the forest behind. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the lakeside platform
By the prayer flags
Outfit guide
What to wear at Khecheopalri Lake
For photos at Khecheopalri Lake, maroon, cream and forest green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Pelling.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Pelling.
Eat nearby
Food near Khecheopalri Lake
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for gundruk soup nearby.
Special dishes to try
Search food by craving
Good to know
Local tips
Ask your driver about the road past Rimbi before you leave, as it was damaged by landslides in September 2026.
Go in the morning, when the water is still and the walkway is quiet.
Do not throw anything into the lake, including coins or food.
Walk clockwise around the prayer wheels and keep your voice low on the walkway.
Carry snacks and water, as there are only small tea stalls near the car park.
Wear shoes with grip, as the wooden walkway can be wet and slippery.
Combine the trip with Yuksom if the road is open, as it lies on the same route.
The wishing lake
Khecheopalri is a small, still lake in the forest at about 1,700 metres, around 34 km north-west of Pelling. Buddhists and Hindus both treat it as holy and believe it grants wishes. Its local name, Sho Dzo Sho, is usually translated as "oh lady, sit here". From the hills above, the lake is said to have the shape of a footprint, taken to be that of Tara, of Guru Rinpoche, or of Shiva.
Why the water is so clean
The lake is known for having no leaves on its surface. Local belief says birds pick up every leaf that falls. The water is used only for rites, and the Sikkim government protects the lake as a place of worship. There is no swimming or boating.
At the lake
From the car park, a short, flat path lined with prayer flags leads to a wooden walkway over the water. Pilgrims turn prayer wheels, light butter lamps and make offerings at the end of it. Lepcha villages sit around the lake, and a small monastery stands on the hill above. Walk slowly and keep your voice down.
Getting there
The drive from Pelling takes around one and a half to two hours and goes past Darap and Rimbi. Many people combine it with Yuksom, the first capital of Sikkim, on the same day.
The road in 2026
This road is prone to landslides. In early September 2026 a landslide at Rimbi damaged the Pelling to Yuksom road, and a second, larger slide hit Rimbi village later that month. A temporary route was expected within days, but a full rebuild was expected to take months. Ask your hotel or driver about the current state of the road before you set out.
Best time
Come in the morning, before tour groups arrive and while the water is still. The forest makes the lake dim, so bright overcast days are fine here.
Questions
Khecheopalri Lake — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Khecheopalri Lake?
Morning, when the water is still and the walkway is empty; a bright overcast day for even light under the trees. Stand at the start of the wooden walkway and take a photo along it towards the water, with the prayer flags on either side and the forest behind.
Is there an entry fee at Khecheopalri Lake?
Entry to Khecheopalri Lake is free.
What are the opening hours of Khecheopalri Lake?
Khecheopalri Lake keeps daylight hours.
What should I wear at Khecheopalri Lake?
Maroon, cream and forest green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Khecheopalri Lake get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, when the water is still and the walkway is empty; a bright overcast day for even light under the trees.
What food should I try near Khecheopalri Lake?
Try gundruk soup at spots close by.
Why are there no leaves on Khecheopalri Lake?
Local belief holds that birds pick up any leaf that falls onto the water. The lake is also cleaned and protected by the local community as a place of worship.
How far is Khecheopalri Lake from Pelling?
About 34 km by road, usually a drive of one and a half to two hours on a winding hill road. Landslides can add time or close the road in the rains.
Can I swim or take a boat on the lake?
No. The lake is sacred and protected as a place of worship. Its water is kept for rites, and swimming and boating are not allowed.
Is the lake holy to Hindus as well?
Yes. Many Hindus believe Shiva meditated in a cave above the lake, and he is worshipped here on Nag Panchami.