Pedong

Places to Visit in Pedong

Pedong, even though an offbeat settlement can be a great choice for the holidaymakers as it is surrounded by some of the finest tourist spots.

Pedong Monastery

Apart from natural beauty and the breathtaking panoramic vista of Kanchenjunga, Pedong Monastery is a beautiful Buddhist religious site here. Also known as Sangchen Dorjee Monastery, it is treated as a holy site mostly by the Bhutanese Buddhists. Made in the year 1873 by Bhutan's king, the various paintings of the monastery and the pictorial landscape keep attracting people from all around the globe. It provides tremendous historical insight into the history and culture of this place. The Sangchen Dorjee Gumba also has some amazing fresco paintings on the inner walls of the main chamber depicting Tantric Buddhism.

Rikkisum

Located at one of the best vantage points Rikkisum consists of the ruins of an old British bungalow constructed in 1902 to serve as a halting point for the British travelers when on their way to Tibet in the old days. But because of its vantage point, it provides a fantastic sunrise point alongside a very long Himalayan range with Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Sillery Gaon

Not more than 10 km from this village, Sillerygaon is a pictorial hilly settlement. At an elevation of 6000 feet above sea level, Sillerygaon offers a delightful holiday experience to its visitors. The view of Kanchenjunga is quite soothing from here. Apart from this, the surrounding lush greenery is the natural habitat of many Himalayan birds. The melodious chirping of various birds and their sighting makes the place a great haven for bird enthusiasts.

Ramitey Viewpoint

Merely 3 km away from Sillerygaon and 17 km from Pedong, Ramitey is known for its highly elevated viewpoint. The viewpoint has an average altitude of 6400 feet above sea level and offers a bewitching panoramic view of the hills and the world's third-highest peak Kanchenjunga. Moreover, this place also offers the longest view of the river Teesta. Nearly fourteen bends of the river at a glance. This place offers the best view of the Teesta flowing.

Damsang Fort

Damsang Fort is merely 2 minutes of walking distance away. The fort is one of the oldest in Darjeeling as well as in the entire West Bengal. The fort was made during the 17th century when several wars between Bhutanese and Lepchas. The Lepcha people built it to defend their province. However, the British Army during their invasion completely destroyed the fort. The ruins are still there and to observe it, history enthusiasts, as well as travelers, flock here every year in large numbers.

Cross Hill

Cross Hill is just 30 minutes walking distance away. In the year 1882, a French missionary Father named Augustine Desgodins erected the cross here while traveling to Nathula Pass to promote Christianity. Nestled beside Reshi Road, Augustine Desgodins erected the cross here with the belief that the missing missionaries who previously travel to Tibet would return again. There is also a Catholic Mission and a Chapel established here by father Desgodins. Apart from these attractions, from Cross Hill travelers can capture a scenic panoramic view of the surrounding, Tibet as well the border of China.

Tinchuley Viewpoint

Approximately 6 km away from this village, Tinchuley Viewpoint is another prominent tourist spot. The viewpoint is popular among the tourists due to offering an all-embracing view of Kanchenjunga, Nathu la, Jelep la Pass, and also the hills of Sikkim. This magnificent viewpoint also offers a breathtaking view of Kashyem village along with its thick wooded forests, and terraced paddy fields.

Hotels and Homestays

There are no hotels in Pedong as it is a remote settlement. However, homestays and resorts are available that offer a great staying experience. The cozy rooms and most of the latest amenities are there in these accommodations. The hotel and homestay booking service of North Bengal Tourism offers a wide range of staying options at a never imagined pocket-friendly price.

Getting There

By Train: The major nearby railway station is NJP (New Jalpaiguri Junction). Several trains are available every day to this station from most of the railway stations of Bengal. The distance between NJP to Pedong is 91 km via NH 10.

By Air: Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri is the maiden airport nearby. Domestic as well as international flights run through these airports every day. So, taking a flight to this airport will not be a problem at all. The distance from Bagdogra Airport to Pedong is 97 km via NH 10.

By Road: To reach the village by road via Kalimpong, travelers can get a hired car from a trusted car rental agency like Himalayan Wheels upon reaching Bagdogra Airport or NJP. Cars are also available to hire from Siliguri, the most happening town in the region. The Distance between Siliguri to Pedong is 88 km via NH 10.

Best Time to Visit Pedong

The best season to make a trip to Pedong is from October to March. This time the weather is pleasant. If you are looking for something new, something different, something authentic then Pedong is the place to be. This is a place with a very beautiful blend of history, culture, and nature wherein a traveler can have a truly genuine experience.