Damsung Fort, Pedong - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 7 km from Pedong Bus Stand, Damsang Fort is an ancient fort situated at Sillery Gaon area of Pedong town in Kalimpong district of West Bengal. It is the only fort in the entire Darjeeling district and among the top places to visit in Pedong.

Damsung fort, also known as Damsang Gudi is a historical fort built in 1690 by Lepchas. The last Lepcha king Gyabo Achyok used to run his kingdom from this fort. Although the fort was mainly meant to defend attacks from the Bhutanese, this fort has witnessed a long ethnic war between Lepchas and Bhutias during 17th century AD. The fort was later used to defend attacks from British East India Company. Following the Anglo-Bhutan war in 1864, the fort was taken over by the British.

The fort is in ruins today where tourists can only see the ruins of a stable where horses used to drink water and the water source where the queen used to have her bath. The local Lepcha community has formed an association to preserve the ruins and do necessary renovation of the fort. Located at a hilltop, the unique location allows beautiful view of the hills and the plains.

Every year the Lepcha community here celebrates the birth anniversary of the King at the fort in December. The popular fair 'Chaitey Mela' is also held over 3 days every year within the premises of the fort during Ram Navami (April).

Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM