Some of your traveling experiences will always be with you forever – etched in your memory as a painting that you can always come back to. One of those special moments is to witness the sunrise at Tiger hill in Darjeeling. Tiger Hill at 8,400 feet is the place where tourists assemble in the early morning hours before daylight, cloaked in woolens and await the great spectacle of nature. And as the gleam of the sun-rays touches the snow-covered peaks of the Kanchenjunga, and causes them to become bright hues of gold and pink, you know why this is thought to be an experience of a lifetime.
The best part? It has never been harder to plan your trip to Darjeeling. You can cross this magical element off your travel list with a quick flight booking to Bagdogra and a scenic drive. And as cheap flights become a reality, a gorgeous Himalayan sunrise no longer has to be a distant fantasy.
The Magic of Tiger Hill
Tiger hill is not just a mere sight, it is a feeling. The panorama spans the grand Kanchenjunga range to, on a clear day, the far off Mount Everest. Every minute the whole scene alters, dark blues give way to burning oranges and, finally, the golden light of a new day enters the world.
The general ooh of long-distance passengers when the mountains come into glare is one gasp you will not forget. The Himalayas seem to be giving you a show of their own.
How to Reach Tiger Hill
There is an adventure in reaching Tiger Hill. Visitors begin their trip at Darjeeling town at around 3:30 to 4:00 am in order to see the sunrise. There are easily accessible shared jeeps as well as taxis.
To reach Darjeeling:
Air: Bagdogra, approximately 70 km is the closest airport. Planning is easy with many flights daily between Bagdogra and other cities such as Kolkata, Delhi, and Guwahati. You can book your flight ticket early to get a flight deal.
Via rail: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), and it is well connected throughout India.
What to Expect at Tiger Hill
The Experience: Get there earlier than dawn, get a good spot and wait. It awaits the moment when the horizon is gradually lightening.
Weather: It is cold even in summer. Bring warm clothing, some gloves and a thermos of tea.
Tiger Hill: Tiger hill is a very popular place in crowds. You can come during the off season or weekdays when there is not a lot of traffic.
View Tower: This tower has a viewing tower, with various storeys, but the open grounds around it can be more wondrous.
Beyond the Sunrise
Tiger Hill is much more than the sunrise, although that is the primary attraction:
Walks in the mornings As soon as the sun comes up, walk the hills around. The new Alpine air is refreshing.
Photography: It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or you are just using your phone, the way the light plays upon the peaks, every shot will be frame-worthy.
Local Chai and Snacks: You can get even more comfortable with vendors who sell hot momos and steaming cups of tea.
Best Time to Visit
October-December, March-April are the months that could best give you a glimpse of the Kanchenjunga range at its best, with the skies clear and thus the highest likelihood of seeing the range. Monsoons usually include clouds and mist but also introduce their own exotic beauty.
Tips for Travelers
Reserve your transportation: Jeeps can book very fast, especially during high season.
Get yourself up on time: The sun does not wait for anyone, and you will need to get up by 3:30 am.
Watch the weather: The weather could be cloudy and obscure the view, so prepare in advance.
Keep close: Hotels will be near Tiger hill to reduce your early morning drive.
Why It’s a Memory Forever.
Not every journey will leave you with an experience to last forever. And watching the first light of day pouring down upon the great Himalayas, is one of those things that leaves itself engraved in your soul. It is so humbling, lovely and memorable.
Therefore, in this Darjeeling getaway, you have to ensure that you include this magical sunrise in your schedule. Having an abundance of flights to Bagdogra and easy access to flights to Darjeeling, the only things you need is a flight ticket and a bit of wanderlust. Even the most basic of travels, such as getting up before dawn and watching the sun come up over the Himalayas, can turn out to be the best memories of your life.