Damsang Fort

Damsang Fort is a ruined historic hill fort located near Pedong in Kalimpong district, West Bengal, on a hilltop overlooking the Pedong valley. Built in 1690 by Lepcha king Gyabo Achuk, it later came under Bhutanese control and was a site of conflict during the Anglo-Bhutan War of 1864. Today only stone walls and ruins remain, set amid dense forest, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas including Kanchenjunga and serving as a trekking destination.

Visitors can expect a short uphill trek through forested trail to reach ruined stone walls and remains of the fort on a hilltop. The site has no intact buildings, only moss-covered ruins and ramparts surrounded by dense forest. The hilltop offers panoramic views of Pedong, Kalimpong hills, and on clear days the Kanchenjunga range. The area is quiet and natural, suitable for sightseeing, photography and nature walks.

Built in 1690 by Lepcha king Gyabo Achuk to defend against Bhutanese incursions and to serve as a residence and defensive stronghold. Later occupied by Bhutanese forces and used as an outpost. The fort was a focal point during the Anglo-Bhutan War (Duar War) in 1864 when British forces captured it. Now in ruins, it remains the only fort built by the Lepcha people and represents the region's pre-colonial history.

Represents Lepcha heritage and traditional hill fort architecture using local stone. Associated with the indigenous Lepcha community of the Darjeeling-Kalimpong Himalayas and later Bhutanese cultural influence. The site is valued locally as a historic landmark and is often visited along with nearby monasteries and viewpoints.