West Sikkim · Overnight hub · homestays only
Khecheopalri Lake
The sacred wish-fulfilling lake where birds keep the water free of leaves.
32 photos · Wikimedia Commons contributors. Click any photo to open the gallery.
- Altitude 6,000 ft
- From Gangtok 150 km · 6.5 hrs
- Best months October–May
- Stay Overnight hub · homestays only
1. Why visit Khecheopalri Lake and what to expect
Khecheopalri is a footprint-shaped lake 28 km from Pelling, sacred to Buddhists and Hindus, approached through a prayer-flag forest to a wooden pier. It is a sightseeing stop on the Pelling circuit or a peaceful homestay night in the village above the lake.
Top sights
- Khecheopalri sacred lake and prayer pier
- Khecheopalri Monastery
- Lepcha prayer-flag forest walk
- Dupukney cave trail
- Maghe Purne festival (March/April)
2. Getting there and where you sleep
| Altitude | 6,000 ft |
|---|---|
| From Gangtok | 150 km · 6.5 hrs |
| Stay | Overnight hub · homestays only |
| Checkpost / timing rule | No permit; small lake entry ticket. Remove footwear on the prayer pier. |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | Safe to visit |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Open |
Mountain roads in Sikkim average 20–28 km/h. Google Maps times are optimistic; use ours.
3. Permit, ID and medical checklist
4. Where to stay in Khecheopalri Lake
3 properties from ₹1,400 to ₹1,608 per night for two.
Sonam Homestay - Khecheopalri Lake
Homestay · Khecheopalri Busty, West Sikkim 737113
- Hot Water
- Organic Meals
- Peaceful Forest Setting
₹1,400 / night ≈ ₹700 per person, twin share
Khecheopalri Sanctuary Home Stay
Lakeside Homestay · Near Khecheopalri Lake Gate, West Sikkim 737113
- 5-min walk to Sacred Lake
- Home-Cooked Lepcha & Nepali Meals
₹1,500 / night ≈ ₹750 per person, twin share
Khi Gha Thang Retreat (Naku-Khecheopalri Road)
3-Star Retreat · Naku, Pelling-Khecheopalri Road, West Sikkim 737113
- Free Breakfast
- Private Balcony
- Large Parking
- Restaurant
₹1,608 / night ≈ ₹804 per person, twin share
Khecheopalri Lake FAQs
Can I stay near Khecheopalri Lake?
Yes, in eco-homestays 5 minutes from the lake such as Khecheopalri Sanctuary Home Stay or Sonam Homestay, around ₹1,400–₹1,600 a night.
Why is Khecheopalri called the wish-fulfilling lake?
Local belief holds that prayers made at the lake are granted, and that birds pick every fallen leaf off its surface, keeping it mirror-clear.
Keep exploring
