|  Pedong
Straddling a ridge between Kalimpong and Lava,
Pedong is a small quiet and peaceful town nestled at a comfortable
elevation of 4500ft, which ensures a pleasant climate round
the year.
Surrounded by pine forests on rolling hill
slopes Pedong commands some magnificent views of snow ranges
of Mount Kanchenjunga. In the early 1800s Pedong was an important
business center that fell on the ancient silk route connecting
Tibet with India through the Jelep La Pass. Being a peaceful
location amidst the natural environ Pedong is
an ideal offbeat destination in Kalimpong hills. Although ranked
among the lesser known destinations from tourism point of view
Pedong has everything that a tourist needs apart from modern
luxury. The pristine landscape dominated by greater Himalayan
ranges, long river valleys, unbroken forest tracts, colourful
ethnic people in picturesque villages, old monasteries, short
nature and village treks, myths and legends - Pedong is not
devoid of tourist attractions.
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 and to Tinchuley,
a fabulous view point offering the closest snow view obtainable
from the area. A 300-year-old ruin hidden under dense forests
covers at Damsangudi still holds memories of the reigns of Lepcha
Kingdom.
Accessibility :
Pedong can be reached from Siliguri
via Kalimpong with a 3 hrs drive
covering 100kms.
Hotel accommodation in Pedong
Being a small place there is not much option of good hotels
in Pedong.
A small privet hotel 'Damsang Resorts' offers few rooms with
basic facilities. |
