Culture and history · Pedong
Damsang, the Lepcha fort above Pedong
Walk to the ruins of Damsang Gadi, the 17th-century stronghold of the Lepcha chief Gaeboo Achyok, on a forested ridge above Pedong. Low stone walls, wide views and the founding story of Lepcha resistance.
Damsang is the most important historic site of the Lepcha people in the Kalimpong hills. In the second half of the 17th century, Gaeboo Achyok led a Lepcha principality from here and fought to keep the hills from the expanding kingdom of Bhutan, allying with Tibet. The fort, Damsang Gadi, is usually dated to 1690, though historians differ on the exact years of his rule. He was captured and executed, and Bhutan held the hills until 1865.
Lepcha lore says the fort was built with the help of spirits, who carried large, smooth round stones up from the Reshi river; take that as a cherished story. The fort was used again against the British East India Company, and fell into ruin after the Anglo-Bhutan war of 1864. Today you see low walls and scattered dressed stones among trees, on a ridge with views towards Sikkim.
A local car from Pedong to the nearest road point costs about ₹600–1,000 return, followed by a 15–30 minute walk on a forest path. You can also walk from Pedong, Sillery Gaon or Icchey Gaon with a guide. Do not climb on the walls. On 20 December, Lepchas gather here for Achyok's birth anniversary.
Cost: Free · car ₹600–1,000 return
Questions people ask
Good to know
Who built Damsang fort?
Damsang fort was the stronghold of the Lepcha chief Gaeboo Achyok, who ruled a principality based here in the late 17th century and fought Bhutanese expansion. It is usually dated to 1690. Lepcha lore says spirits helped carry its stones from the Reshi river.
How do I reach Damsang fort?
From Pedong, take a local car to the nearest road point, about ₹600–1,000 return, then walk 15–30 minutes on a forest path. It is about 6 km from Icchey Gaon, and a good half-day walk with a guide from Pedong or Sillery Gaon.
What is left of Damsang fort today?
Only ruins: low stone walls and scattered dressed stones on a forested hilltop. The fort fell to ruin after the Anglo-Bhutan war of 1864. Go for the history, the Lepcha story and the views, not for a standing castle.
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