Tiger Hill Sunrise Walk from Ghum

The Tiger Hill sunrise walk climbs from the area of Ghum Monastery in Ghum, about 7 km from Darjeeling in West Bengal, to the observation tower on Tiger Hill at roughly 2,590 m. Ghum is reached from Darjeeling by shared jeep or taxi, and the walk begins beyond the monastery, covering about 6 km on a road that climbs gently through forest and tea-garden fringes. Walkers normally take 1.5 to 2 hours one way, which means starting in full darkness well before dawn, so a torch or headlamp is essential. The surface is paved or compacted road with some uneven edges, and the gradient is modest, with an elevation gain of a few hundred metres, which fits the easy class. Exposure is minimal, though the road is shared with jeeps carrying sunrise visitors, so walkers should keep to the verge. Shade from trees is intermittent, and the final stretch reaches a crowded viewing area where an observation tower and a covered gallery serve as the main vantage point. From the summit, the first light strikes the Kangchenjunga range, and on clear mornings Everest can also be picked out at a distance. Landmarks include the Ghum Monastery at the start, the Batasia Loop area in the broader vicinity, and the Kangchenjunga view at the top. Small stalls near the summit sell hot tea and coffee, which is the main refreshment, and there is no refuge hut, so water should be carried. Most visitors return to Ghum or Darjeeling by jeep after sunrise, and walkers who prefer not to descend on foot can join a shared vehicle. A reasonable turn-around point is the last bend before the tower if cloud covers the peaks, as the summit is often shrouded in mist. Weather changes quickly, and winter mornings can be near freezing.