Pedong

Pedong (pop. 19,000 est.) is a town in Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal, located at .

Geography

Pedong lies 20 km east of Kalimpong on the way to Lava at an altitude of 1,240 metres (4.071 feet). The town, which is located on a ridge, commands a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan mountains. The town is divided into two parts, Upper Pedong and Lower Pedong. Pedong lies on the historic Silk Road that connects India to Lhasa via the Jelepla Pass.

Places

Near Pedong are the ruins of Damsang Gadi, a historical fort built in 1690 by the Lepchas. It was at the centre of the long-standing feud with the Dukpas of Bhutan. Later, it was used to ward off the forces of the British East India Company. After the Anglo-Bhutan War of 1864, the fort fell into decay. Another highlight of the town is the Cross Hill, placed by priest Auguste Desgodins in 1882 on his way to Tibet. It is considered to have miraculous powers and is a pilgrimage site for the local Christians. St. George's School is one of the famous boarding schools in the region. There are also many nursery schools in this town. The villages near Pedong include Sakyong, Kasyong, Dalep, Kagey, Upper Menchu and Lower Menchu. Pedong monastery, established in 1837, is another place for tourists to visit. Several short treks originate from Pedong leading to Damsang Gadi and to Tinchuley, a fabulous viewpoint offering the closest view of the Himalayas obtainable from the area.

Accommodation

Pedong is an upcoming tourist hub. A number of tourist lodges and restaurants are being established to meet the demand of the tourists who visit this place twice in the year, once during spring and again during autumn.

Travel

Pedong can be reached from Siliguri via Kalimpong with a 3-hour drive covering 100 km.

Flora and Fauna

Pedong is rich in avifauna. Various species of Himalayan and lowland birds can be seen around Pedong.

Pedong Birding Trip