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20 kms from Kalimpongon
the way to Lava is Pedong. A small picturesque
hamlet situated on a ridge and surrounded by pine forests, Pedong commands
some magnificent views of snow ranges of Mount Kunchendzonga. It falls
on the ancient silk route that connected Tibet with India through the
Jelep La Pass. Pedong is an ideal place for the day visitors staying in
Kalimpong. Several short and thrilling treks originate from Pedong leading
to Damsangdugi fort- a historically important site that witnessed a long
ethnic war between Lepchas and Bhutias. A 300 year old ruin hidden by
dense forests at Damsangudi still holds memories of the reigns of Lepcha
Kingdom.
 Another
short trek from Pedong winds up to Tinchuley, another hidden beauty of
Kalimpong hills. The deep gorge and wide valley has prompted adventure
tourism activities like Para Gliding and Hang Gliding. Rikisum Top is
perhaps the most scenic location around Pedong. Situated on top of a dense
forested hill Rickisum provides a bird eye view of the surrounding mountains.
Around Pedong:
Dmsang Fort: Within a 15 min walking distance from Pedong the
Damsang Dzong was built in the year 1690 to stem any aggression by the
troops of the East India Co. and other hostile tribes as well. The fort
is in ruins after the Anglo-Bhutanese war of 1864. Apart from the Mystic
and Historic Interests one is also treated to a magnificent view of the
Himalayas and lush green valleys as this Dzong was built at a vantag point
for the Purpose of Administration purpose.
Cross Hill: It is a place of Pilgrimage for the
Christian Community this cross was placed as a landmark by father Augustine
Desgodins in the year 1882 when he was going into Tibet thru the Nathula
Pass for the Preachmg of Chritanity.
 Tin
Chuley View Point: A short 900m walk will take one to the Tin Chuley
Hill. There are lovely views of Kashyone village, thick wooded forests,
terraced fields brimming with green paddy. The Jelepla pass and Nathula
pass can be viewed at a very close range, as well as the entire Mt. Kanchenjunga
range, Sikkim and also a far as Gangtok town.
Sillery Goan: It is located at an altitude of
6000 ft, in the middle of the pine forests of Damsang. Wake up to the
sounds of birds chirping and a Glorious Golden Sunrise. The view of the
Mt. Kanchenjunga is simply breathtaking from here and can be seen very
close compared to any point in the region.
Ramitey: See the river Tista snaking in between
the Valleys and the Mighty Kanchenjunga looming majestically over it.
Is unquestionable the only place where one can view the Mountains and
the Teesta, also the longest view of the river.
 Rikkisum:
Situated on a hill top on the Pedong - Lava road, Rikkisum commands some
maginificent view of the snow ranges Kunchenjungha mountains. There is
an old Bungalow which was built by the British in the year 1902 simply
because this is easily the best view point of the Kalimpong sub-division
where you can see the entire Kanchenjunga range also Kalimpong, Darjeeling,
Gangtok, Pedong towns and all this is set amidst beautiful Pine Forests.
A picnic or Camping is recommended here.
Sangchhen Gumpa: This is a Bhutanese monastery
built in the year 1706. all the antique belonging to the Damsang Fort
are kept in this monastery after the fort was destroyed. The Chyaam dance
is performed during the Raninvmi festival.
Other places of interest are Raniban, Lepcha Heritage,
Lava, Reshyap, Loleygaon.
Recommended Activities in Pedong
Nature Walks, Treks, Fishing, River Picnicking, Rock Climbing, Bird watching,
Camping etc.
Accommodation in Pedong
Tourism has just began to flourish in Pedong, which is the main reason
that the place is able to maintain its serene landscape. Although there
is limited option of Modern hotels but staying in simple comfortable and
hospitable Damsamg Resorts can be a real experience. |