Kalimpong Offbeat Village | Pedong | At The Bend of The Old Silk Route

Today our destination is Pedong. Pedong i.e. this place surrounded by pine forest is about 300 years old. At that time there was a flourishing trade between China and Tibet with India.

This Pedong was a resting place for traders and a stable for their horses at the bent of the old Silk Route. Pedong is only 21 km away from Kalimpong and located on Kalimpong – Lava road

How to reach Pedong?

Coming from the Lava direction, turn right on the road. And if you come from Kalimpong, you must turn left, on the road of Pedong. You will reach Pedong from Kalimpong even if you go straight through Algara. This road is worse than the previous two roads. This ancient hill village is 9 km from this junction

What to see in Pedong?

There are two Pedongs here. Upper and lower. Here is the homestay at Miltontop viewpoint. The horizon is wide in front of the mountain ranges. They are of different shapes and colors. Most of them are in Sikkim. 340-degree view of Kanchenjunga is available from here.

But only if the sky is clear then it is possible to see such a range of Kanchenjunga. There is a love sign at the top of Homestay and Kanchenjunga is visible when taking photos from here.

The outdoor environment from this balcony is wonderful, Don’t want to go inside the house. Reshi River can be seen from above. The left side of this river is Sikkim and the right side is West Bengal. Pakhiyang Airport in Sikkim can be seen from here.

Where To Stay at Pedong?

Accommodation Meet Ganchenjunga Home Stay at Top View Point. As it is located at the top point, the view from here is spectacular.

Ganchenjungha Home Stay
9933012097
1200/- per head per person

There is a beautiful and organized restaurant. Wherever you sit, the view outside is great. You can eat here without staying here. That is, those who come to visit from outside can have lunch here. Lower Pedong is seen from above. Pedong is a thriving village in Kalimpong.

Nearest places to see in Pedong

A large range of Kanchenjunga can be seen from here if you come here except during monsoon. There is a small monastery in front of the homestay. It is usually closed. It is open only during special events.

The surrounding view from here is also amazing. In the afternoon, before the sunset, the color play of the hills begins. Nearby are Cross Hill, Sacred Heart Church, and Pedong Monastery.

Rishi River flows in front. And next to it is Rishi Khola. A very famous and beautiful place. It is very close to Pedong.

• Sacred Heart Church:

Sacred Heart Church is near Pedong Market and was built by Father Augustine. This church is centuries old. It was built in 1882.

This is the first church of Catholicism. It is open only on Sundays. A school is attached to the Church. A bungalow was built in 1901. This bungalow is impeccable.

• Pedong Market:

Exit the church to Pedong market. There are many shops here. Very good bakery items are also available here. You can taste it.

• Pedong Monastery:

The Sangchen Dorje Monastery also known as Pedong Monastery is our next destination. It is a Bhutanese monastery. When the Bhutanese ruled Pedong, It was built then. It is one of the oldest monasteries.

It is said that when Damsung Fort was destroyed, some of its belongings were brought here. The craftsmanship inside is superb. Those who visit Pedong will surely come here. It is very sacred to the Bhutanese.

• Cross Hill:

Pedong was divided into two parts for the convenience of administrative work. Upper and lower. It is the Indo-Tibetan trade route, in the Jelepa pass. Cross Hill is located in Lower Pedong. Looking ahead from this cross hill is Tibet.

History Behind Cross Hill:

Cross Hill was created by the French priest Father Augustine. Father Augustine came to India to preach Christianity. China and Tibet had a thriving trade with India at that time.

Father decided that he would go to Tibet for missionary purposes. At that time Buddhism flourished in Tibet. So no one agreed to take Father to Tibet.

Father remained in this Pedong. Some of Father’s companions stubbornly set foot on the old Silk Route to reach Tibet. None of them returned.

Father waited at this pending for their companions. This cross heel is made by him, facing Tibet.

Conclusion

Pedong at a height of 4100 ft is becoming one of the most desired destinations in the Eastern Himalayas. Pedong is a historical place with abundant natural beauty. Pine forests, lush green valleys, and an overview of  Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolchu beautify this place.

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