Pedong (pop. 19,000 est.) is a town in Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal, located at 270900N 883700E / 27.15N 88.6167E / 27.15; 88.6167. Pedong lies 20 km east of Kalimpong on the way to Lava at an altitude of 1,240metres (4.071feet). The town, which is located on a ridge, commands a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga and the Himalayan mountains. The town is divided into two parts, Upper Pedong and Lower Pedong. Pedong lies on the historic Silk Road that connects India to Lhasa via the Jelepla Pass. Near Pedong are the ruins of Damsang Gadi, a historical fort built in 1690 by the Lepchas. It was at the centre of the long-standing feud with the Dukpas of Bhutan. Later, it was used to ward off the forces of the British East India Company. After the Anglo-Bhutan War of 1864, the fort fell into decay. Another highlight of the town is the Cross Hill, placed by priest Auguste Desgodins in 1882 on his way to Tibet. It is considered to have miraculous powers...
