Aquiet resort town, Pedong is ideal for tourists seeking solitude. But it will also satisfy those looking for adventure. About 23 km north-east of Kalimpong, where West Bengal, Sikkim and Bhutan meet, Pedong, situated at a height of 5,100 ft, is yet unspoilt by the ravages of tourism. The hamlet offers a panoramic view of Kanchenjunga to the north-west and the ranges in Bhutan to the east.

Many rewarding walks and trekking trails originate at Pedong. It is generally more enjoyable to venture into the forests than to trek the hills on the Darjeeling side. The village is a paradise for bird-watchers. Some rare species of Himalayan birds can be seen here.

Those not ornithologically inclined can go for walks along paths fringed with oak, pine and birch.

The shifting hues of the snow in the sunlight will take your breath away. The turquoise sky and mountains covered in snow inspire many to click or paint for hours. Pedong came into prominence after the end of the Anglo-Bhutan war. For close to 150 years before that, the area was the epicentre of Bhutanese administration.

Damsang, a Bhutanese fort now in ruins, is located just outside Pedong. Another must-visit is the Pedong monastery, constructed in 1837. A Roman Catholic Mission was established here in 1882 by a French priest named Father Desgodins.

Of the numerous beautiful walking trails around the hamlet, the road to Tinchuley deserves special mention.

At the Cheetah Rearing Centre, near the forest office, you have the opportunity to see how young cheetahs are reared and equipped to live in their natural habitat as adults. Three-and-a-half km from Pedong, Tinchuley offers a spectacular view of the Sikkim Himalayas, Kassang Valley and Cinchona Plantation. It is being developed as a tourist spot.

You may trek to the nearby places of interest or hire a jeep. Nature-lovers should not miss Rikkissum, also known as Rissisum, at a height of 6,410 ft. It is only a six-km drive from Pedong. A terrific view of Rishi Valley in Sikkim is the other attraction of Rikkissum.

Ramithey is about six-and-a-half km from Pedong. You will have to drive through a thick, dark forest to get there. Apart from Kanchenjunga, one can see the Teesta snaking down the highlands from Ramithey. Damsang fort, the seat of the last Lepcha king Gayboo Achok, is seven km from Pedong. This place, too, offers a view of Kanchenjunga and other peaks.

Silent Valley is on the road that leads to Rikkissum. There was a lake here once, but it has now dried up. One can get a glimpse of Green Valley as well as Cinchona Plantation from here. The other important tourist destinations are Cross Hill Point and Eco-tourism Village.

There are several tourist spots close to Pedong. Darjeeling is about 75 km away, while Gangtok and Siliguri are about 85 km from Pedong. Lava is 25 km and Lolegaon 38 km from the hamlet.

How to get there:

The nearest airport is Bagdogra. Indian Airlines has regular flights and Jet Airways has daily departures from Kolkata. Hired taxis and buses are available at the airport for Kalimpong. Jeeps are available from Kalimpong to Pedong at regular intervals. Buses leave Siliguri twice a day for Pedong. It is also connected with Darjeeling and Gangtok by road. Jeeps are available for local sightseeing.

Where to stay:

Hotel rooms are available at reasonable rates. However, the facilities on offer are basic. Damsung Guest House is a good option. It offers rooms with attached bath.

For reservation contact: Tourist Office at 4, Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata


The Telegraph