Pelling, Indian Himalayas, India

Breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga and its foothills literally fill the windows of the Elgin Mountain Pandim at Pemayangste, West Sikkim’s most luxurious hotel.

Former summer retreat of the state’s royal family, the building is a pukka heritage property, set amid oak forest on a hilltop near the village’s historic, 300-hundred-year-old Buddhist monastery.

Polished wood floors, Tibetan carpets, intricately carved choktse tables and traditional Sikkimese portraits create a warm feel to the interiors. And the welcome is genuinely friendly – new arrivals are greeted with prayer shawls and hot drinks.

Our opinion

Fab views and good first class facilities make this a very good base to visit the Pemayangste monastery.