Pedong and the Sangchen Dorjee monastery
Pedong is a small market town on the old trade route to Tibet, a short drive below Sillery Gaon. Its oldest building is the Sangchen Dorjee monastery, built in the early eighteenth century when Bhutan ruled the Kalimpong hills. Its wall paintings and quiet courtyard are worth a slow look.
Pedong also has a bazaar where villagers shop, a few momo stalls and views towards Sikkim across the valley. It is a natural stop on the way to or from Sillery Gaon.
Dress modestly in the monastery, remove shoes before entering and ask before taking photographs.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How old is the Sangchen Dorjee monastery?
It was built during Bhutanese rule over the Kalimpong hills and is usually dated to the early eighteenth century, around 1706, making it one of the oldest monasteries in the district. Accounts of the exact year vary. Ask the caretaker monk for its story when you visit.
Is Pedong worth a stop?
Yes, especially on the way to Sillery Gaon or the Old Silk Route. Pedong has the old monastery, a small bazaar and views over the valley towards Sikkim. You can see it in an hour or two. It also has basic lodges if Sillery Gaon is full.
How far is Pedong from Sillery Gaon?
Pedong is a few kilometres below Sillery Gaon, about 20–30 minutes by jeep on a narrow road. Most visitors pass through on the way in or out. Shared jeeps run from Kalimpong to Pedong; local jeeps cover the last stretch up to Sillery.
Also in Sillery Gaon
More hours to plan around
