Complete travel guide for Darjeeling Tiger Hill Sunrise Visit l OurGuest

Sunrise at Tiger Hill, Darjeeling

April 24th, 2024
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When you picture the idyllic town of Darjeeling nestled high up on the Himalayas, the first thing that rings your mind is the magnificent views and vistas it offers. Foremost among these places is Tiger Hill, an iconic destination renowned for its stunning sunrise over the snow-capped Himalayas. 
 


 

Located at an altitude of 2,590 meters or 8497 feet above sea level, it offers panoramic views of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, along with Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world.
Tiger Hill is accessible by road from Darjeeling town, with options for private taxis, shared jeeps, or guided tours. It lies approximately 11 kilometers from the main town and can be reached both by taxi or on foot through Chowrasta, Alubari and Jorebangla. One has to then proceed climbing uphill through the hilly incline till you come up to the summit. 
 


 

Tiger Hill is internationally acclaimed for providing an enthralling view of the stunning sunrise over Mt. Kanchenjunga and other important peaks of the Himalayas. Sunrise at Tiger Hill is a visual delight with Mount Kanchenjunga brilliantly illuminated with the first sunrays creating a mesmerizing play of colours in the sky.

From Tiger Hill, Mount Everest, Makalu and Lhotse are also visible. At this point Mount Kanchenjunga looks higher than Mt. Everest, as it is several miles closer than Mt Everest. The distance in a straight line from Tiger Hill to Everest is approximately 107 miles and the entire Himalayan range is visible at this point representing the Sleeping Buddha.

Thousands of visitors from around the world gather in the early morning hours to watch sunrise at Tiger Hill and capture the stunning moment in real life and on camera as well. 

Best time to visit Tiger Hill:

It is best to visit Tiger Hill before dawn to secure a good viewing spot for the sunrise. With temperatures being relatively cooler in the early morning hours than during the day time, it is wise to pack a wind cheater or a light jacket with you, along with some dry snacks and small bites like biscuits, cakes, juice etc while you wait for the onset of daylight.

In terms of seasons, best time to visit Tiger Hill in Darjeeling is during two primary seasons: mid-October to December and March to April.
 

Mid-October to December: This period is particularly popular due to the stunning views of snow-covered peaks, including the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga. The weather is crisp, and the clear skies enhance the visibility of the mountains, making it an ideal time for sunrise views. Visitors often start their journey to Tiger Hill around 4:00 AM to catch the sunrise, which occurs shortly after 4:45 AM during these months.


March to April: During this time, the weather is milder, and the landscape is vibrant with blooming flowers. Although there may not be as much snow, the views are still spectacular, and the temperatures are more comfortable for outdoor activities. Visitors should plan to leave around 3:30 AM to reach by 4:15 AM for the sunrise

During the monsoon months from July to August a thick white blanket of fog and clouds surrounds the entire region, making the viewing of the sunrise or the mountain ranges quite impossible.

Although basic amenities such as restrooms, refreshment stalls, and designated viewing areas are available for the convenience of visitors, one should come prepared in the event of inclement weather and carry sitting mats or newspapers as the grass tends to be dew soaked during the early hours. It is also advisable to carry rain gear such as umbrellas or raincoats as showers are frequent and unpredictable in the hills.

On a clear day, the town of Kurseong is visible to the south and in the distance, the Teesta River can be seen along with the Mahananda River, Balason River and Mechi River meandering down to the south. 

A sunrise at Tiger Hill is one of the most impressive sights that one can experience in their lifetime. Witnessing the sunrise from Tiger Hill is akin to a magical experience as the first light of dawn illuminates the snow-capped peaks in iridescent hues of pink, orange, and gold creating an awe inspiring panorama.
 


 

Tiger Hill stands as a symbol of natural beauty and cultural heritage, offering an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure amidst the majestic Himalayan landscape.
For those folks visiting Darjeeling for the first time, it is worth the effort of waking up at the crack of dawn and making your way up this dark hill to witness the incredible sunrise over the mountains as many miss out on the opportunity during their visit.

Entry Fees for Tiger Hill:

There is an entry fee of Rs 200 charged per vehicle and the tickets have to be procured in advance by your driver as there are only a limited number of cars that are allowed to visit per day. These permits are issued by the Traffic Sadar to the Taxi drivers. 
There is a different pricing at the Observatory Tower. The ticket for ground level is Rs 20, 1st floor is Rs 30, and the top floor with seating and better view is Rs 40.

How to reach Tiger Hill, Darjeeling:

Once you reach Darjeeling, you can hire a taxi or a shared jeep to reach Tiger Hill. It is approximately 11 km from the main town Darjeeling and takes around 40 minutes by car. You can also trek to Tiger Hill, which takes around two hours at a moderate speed. The trek starts from Jorebanglow and follows the Senchal road slope to the Tiger Hill peak.

Cost of Taxi to Tiger Hill from Darjeeling:

A reserved cab from your hotel in Darjeeling to Tiger Hill and back would cost you approximately Rs 3000. You can always book the taxi from your travel partner or ask your Hotel Travel Desk to arrange one for you.  You may get a taxi at a cheaper price if you bargain at the taxi stand.

Timings: It is recommended to start your journey early in the morning, around 3:30 am, to reach Tiger Hill by 4:15 am, especially during summer. In winter, the sunrise time is delayed, and hence, the starting time shifts to 4:15 am.

Where to stay in Darjeeling?

Where should I stay in Darjeeling? That's a common question you'll hear. The reason is, there are so many accommodation options in the Darjeeling hills: hotels, guest houses, and homestays. And they're all great!

Of all the things you need to plan for your next holiday, finding the perfect place to stay should be a cinch. At OurGuest, you can access a wide variety of Homestays in Darjeeling. One of our favourites is North Point Homestay in Darjeeling, which is run by a very cute elderly couple. This property located about 2 kms from the main Darjeeling mall road but it is very easy to avail cabs for your movement. Most of the tourist spots are easily accessible like Ropeway, Darjeeling Zoo, etc. 

There are also many nice homestays outside of the main darjeeling town in locations like Lamahatta. Whether you are in Darjeeling for business or leisure, a village homestay in Darjeeling is a great option to save money and immerse yourself in the local culture. And that is where OurGuest comes in. Browse through the list of Homestays in Darjeeling and find the perfect stay for your perfect vacation.

 

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