Skywalk, Chenrezig and the climb to Sanga Choeling

The Chenrezig statue and Skywalk sit on the ridge below Sanga Choeling, a short drive from Upper Pelling. The statue of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, is 137 feet high, and the glass-floored walkway projects from the hillside towards it. Arrive soon after opening to avoid queues and tour groups.

From there, a steep path of steps and trail climbs through forest to Sanga Choeling Monastery. It takes 30–40 minutes at a steady pace. The monastery belongs to the Nyingma order, is dated to 1697 and has been rebuilt after fires; it keeps clay statues from the 17th century. Its name means 'island of the Guhyamantra teachings'.

Few visitors make the climb, so the courtyard is usually silent except for the wind in the prayer flags. The ridge looks across to Pemayangtse and, on clear days, Kangchenjunga. Take water, go slowly at 2,200 m, and come down the same way.