Culture and history · Pedong
Cross Hill and the missionaries of the Tibet road
Climb to Cross Hill, where the French missionary Auguste Desgodins raised a cross in 1882 to remember those who died or disappeared trying to reach Tibet. Views over the Rishi valley and a quiet chapter of the trade road's story.
In the 19th century Tibet was closed to most outsiders, and Catholic missionaries of the Paris Foreign Missions spent decades on its borders, trying to enter from China and from India. Several died or vanished on the way. Pedong, on the trade road to Jelep La, was as close as many of them could get.
In 1882 Fr Auguste Desgodins, a French missionary who had spent years on the Tibetan frontier, set up a Catholic mission at Pedong and raised a cross on the hill above the town as a memorial to those who had died or disappeared trying to reach Tibet. Cross Hill is still a pilgrimage site for local Catholics, and the Catholic presence in Pedong dates from that mission.
The climb is short. At the top, the view runs over the Rishi valley and the border into Sikkim, along the line the caravans took. Be respectful: it is a religious site. Combine it with Sangchen Dorjee monastery and Damsang fort for a half day.
Cost: Free
Questions people ask
Good to know
What is Cross Hill in Pedong?
Cross Hill is a hilltop above Pedong where the French missionary Fr Auguste Desgodins raised a cross in 1882 as a memorial to missionaries who died or disappeared trying to reach Tibet. It is a pilgrimage site for local Catholics and a viewpoint over the Rishi valley.
Why were missionaries in Pedong?
Pedong was on the trade road from Kalimpong to Tibet over Jelep La. In the 19th century Tibet was closed to foreigners, so Catholic missionaries of the Paris Foreign Missions settled at border points like Pedong, hoping to enter. Fr Desgodins set up the Pedong mission in 1882.
How long does Cross Hill take?
About an hour including the short climb and time at the top. It is close to Pedong town and can be combined with Sangchen Dorjee monastery and Damsang fort in a half-day trip of about 3–4 hours.
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