Darjeeling is in the West Bengal state of India in the Himalayan foothills. Known as the queen of hills and famous for its distinctive Darjeeling tea, Darjeeling is one of the most visited places by travelers. Darjeeling has many interesting places to visit such as Ghoom Monastery, Peace Pagoda, Batasia Loop, Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self-help Centre, Rock Garden, and Ganga Maya Park. Of these many places, Darjeeling has a famous place called Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill is the highest place in Darjeeling and is located 11 km from Darjeeling town. From Tiger Hill, you can view the sunrise over the Himalayas, and the view of Mt. Everest and Mt. Khangchendzonga is breathtaking from here. 

Catch a splendid sunrise at Tiger Hill

To view the glorified sunrise from Tiger Hill, you need to wake up as early as 4 am and reach Tiger Hill. The morning grogginess will vanish as you view Darjeeling like never before in the wee hours from Tiger Hill. Tiger Hill is the highest point in Darjeeling hills at an altitude of 8482 feet (or 2590 meters) and once you are at Tiger Hill, the view of the sunrise from atop makes the whole thing worthwhile as it casts a golden glow over the Himalayan peaks. People from many places visit Darjeeling just to view the breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and Khangchendzonga from Tiger Hill, Darjeeling.

View from Tiger Hill on a clear day

Best Time to Visit Tiger Hill

The best time to visit Darjeeling or Tiger Hill is in the summer months of April and May when the skies are generally clear, leading to unhindered views of the town and surrounding mountain ranges. If you are travelling during the rainy season then it all depends upon your luck, the sunrise may or may not be visible. And if you are travelling during winter, you may have a problem waking up early in the morning because of the freezing cold in Darjeeling. So it is advisable to visit Tiger Hill and Darjeeling during summer. There is some point on the top of Tiger Hill from where you can witness both the sunrise and the Khangchendzonga together, and for this, you need to get up and start at the perfect time.

Colourful flowers like rhododendron also bloom during this time in Darjeeling. You might also get to witness snow in Tiger Hill, Darjeeling if luck favors you.

Read: Things to remember before visiting Tiger Hill in Darjeeling

How to Reach Tiger Hill

By Taxi:

There are cabs available from Darjeeling town to reach Tiger Hill. The fare from Darjeeling to Tiger Hill varies from place to place. Darjeeling to Tiger Hill taxi fare is in the range of Rs. 1200 to 2500 for a small taxi like Wagon R and Alto and only 4 people can be accommodated in a cab.

By Hiking:

You can also trek to Tiger Hill. It’s around 11 km from Darjeeling town to the peak of Tiger Hill.

By Cycling:

There’s also a biking trail to Tiger Hill, which goes through the Senchal Wildlife Reserve starting from Jorebungalow, if you are game for an adventure.

Book Tiger Hill mountain biking

Things to Carry

Do not forget to carry warm clothes with you. Pack yourself with lots of warm sweaters, a jacket, gloves, woolen socks, and closed shoes as Darjeeling is a cold place and it’s good to be prepared. If you like travelling light, there are many stalls in Darjeeling town and in and around tourist places that sell warm clothes. Also do not forget to carry necessary things like torchlight, first aid supplies, and medicines.

Do not forget to carry a good camera with you when visiting Tiger Hill in Darjeeling. If you are interested in photographs then visiting Tiger Hill in Darjeeling will be worth it.

Accommodations in Darjeeling

Popular packages

Splendid Darjeeling

Getaway to Darjeeling

A Weekend Retreat to Darjeeling