Tiger Hill, situated at an altitude of 2590 meters and at a distance of 13 km from Darjeeling, is most famous for its spectacular sunrise views from where you can see the Kanchenjunga peaks being illuminated before the sun becomes visible at a lower altitude. The panoramic view of snow-capped mountains amidst cotton clouds attracts tourists from all over the country to Tiger Hill. Interestingly, it is also the summit of Ghoom, the highest railway station of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
The initial time to reach Tiger Hill from Darjeeling at 3.30 am is at 4.15 am. Due to the delay in sunrise time in winter, the starting time becomes 4.15 pm. Roads are blocked by convoys of jeeps and cars during peak season. To reach the sunrise spot, one has to walk a bit from the parking lot. One can book a car or Innova for INR 1200 / INR 1800 from a travel agency in the city or pay INR 200 per person.
View from Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Greater Himalayas. Kangchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world, dazzles in a mesmerizing display of colors at sunset and sunrise. Mount Everest and many other mountain peaks belonging to the 8000+m club can be easily seen from the top of this hill. You can one day see the city of Kurseong with clear weather as well as the rivers to the south. Teesta, Mahananda, Mechi and Balasan.
Sunrise at Tiger Hill
If you want to see the first rays of the sun hitting the twin peaks of Kangchenjunga, as well as a panoramic view of Everest as well as a peek from the steep peaks on its banks, then Tiger Hills is the perfect sunrise viewing point for you. Perhaps the spectacular sunrise through the peaks is what makes it one of the places to visit in Darjeeling. The summit of Ghoom is the highest point of Tiger Hill which is famous for its amazingly beautiful view of Mount Everest and Mount Kangchenjunga.
The first shot of sunlight at dawn turns the tip of the snow-capped mountain a pale orange, which is not worth seeing. The gradual appearance of the morning sun casts a gentle orange light over the shady hills, which in a matter of minutes turns into a bright yellow glow. Don’t forget to celebrate the visit with some snacks from the local shops nearby, where women dressed in traditional clothes make the most delectable ‘pakoras’, ‘samosas’ and tea.
Best Time to Visit Tiger Hill in Darjeeling
The best time to visit Tiger Hill would be in autumn (mid-October to December) and spring (mid-February to April), where you can see the snow-capped mountains in their full glory.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tiger Hill
Q. Why is Tiger Hill famous?
A – Situated at an altitude of 2,590 meters at a distance of 13 km from Darjeeling above Ghoom city, Tiger Hill is internationally acclaimed for providing a mesmerizing view of a stunning sunrise over Kangchenjunga and other important peaks of the Himalayas.
Q. Can you see Everest from Tiger Hill?
A – From Tiger Hill, Mount Everest (8848 m) is just visible. Kangchenjunga (8598 m) appears higher than Mount Everest due to the curvature of the Earth, as it is several miles closer to Everest. The distance in a straight line from Tiger Hill to Everest is 107 miles (172 km).
Q. How do I reach Tiger Hill Darjeeling?
A – Tiger Hill is 11 km (6.8 mi) from Darjeeling Town and above the Ghoom area. After Ghoom station, you have to go on the narrow climbing Senchal Road on the right. It takes around 40 minutes to reach the summit by car from Darjeeling city.
Q. Why is Tiger Hill called Tiger Hill?
A – Tiger Hill (also known as Point 5062) is a mountain in the Dras-Kargil region of Ladakh, disputed between India and Pakistan. It is one of the highest peaks in the region and was the subject of war during the Kargil War of 1999.
Q. What can be seen from Tiger Hill?
A – Tiger Hill offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Greater Himalayas. Kangchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world, dazzles in a mesmerizing display of colors at sunset and sunrise. Mount Everest and many other mountain peaks belonging to the 8000+m club can be easily seen from the top of this hill.
Q. Can we go to Tiger Hill?
A – Tiger Hill Timings Start your tour to Tiger Hill at 3:30 AM and reach by 4:15 AM. It is summertime and due to a delay in the sunrise in winter, the tour starts at 4:15 am. Tiger Hill Charges: You can book a car for INR 1200 or INR 1800 from a travel agent in the city or pay INR 200 per person.
Q. Who owns Tiger Hill now?
A – It was announced on the morning of 8 July to retrieve Tiger Hill as the tricolor was hoisted on the top of the hill. After a difficult operation that lasted for about three months, the Indian Army recaptured Tiger Hill. In all, 38 Indian soldiers were martyred, while 92 Pakistani soldiers were killed in action.
