Pedong

Pedong is one of the oldest towns of hilly region at an altitude of 1200mt located 20km east from the main town Kalimpong. Surrounded by the pine forest Pedong offers some of the magnificent view of the surrounding hills. Pedong has some significant historical importance since it used to be a major transit hub on the ancient silk route that connected Tibet with India through the Jelep La Pass. The town is divided into two parts, Upper Pedong and Lower Pedong. Pedong derives its name from a Pine Tree which is 30mts in height and 200 yrs old and located in the heart of the town. In Bhutanese language "Pe" means Pine and "Dong" stands for Tree, i.e. Place of Pine Trees.

Pedong is a popular destination among domestic tourists. However, a good number of foreign tourists are also lured by the strange charisma of Pedong. With the touch of history Pedong is also very rich in avifauna and therefore is a "must visit" for passionate bird watchers. In the recent years there has been considerable increase in bird population both in numbers and species due to increasing forest cover near the town and the increasing awareness regarding the ecosystem amongst the locals. Variety of insects and butterflies are also major attractions for scientific community who explore these areas to understand the unique bio diversity of Himalayan region. Apart from being rich in flora and fauna Pedong also offers its visitor with some astounding site with religious value like Pedong Monastery, it is considered a scared place for the Bhutanese Buddhist since the king of Bhutan constructed it in 1873. Pedong Monastery houses some of the rare and decade old painting. Sangchen Dorji Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Pedong and its surrounding areas. Established in and around the early 1700AD it provides tremendous historical insight into the history and culture of Pedong during the ancient era. The best season to make a trip to Pedong is from October to March when the weather is soothing.

Dwell in a town which still holds reminisce of the glorious era when the Silk route was still in use while inflating the lungs with the woody aroma of pine trees surrounding the area. Pedong has ensnared the heart of many travelers with its rich history, terraced fields and thick deciduous forest it is a picturesque town with its own charisma where so many travelers has fallen in love with its simplicity.