THE WORLD FAMOUS SUNRISE FROM TIGER HILL, DARJEELING

We were a trifle late arriving at the eminent Tiger Hill to view the legendary sunrise from here. Our Sumo was parked about half a mile from the ticket counters and it was nearing five, meaning we were required to run. Staring at the the monstrous convoy of cars which had lugged thousands of tourists in the morning, my wife lamented, " We barely stand a chance to acquire any tickets- we are late" .

We ran uphill , the ticket counters were closed; tickets were sold out. People in hundreds were still ascending. We joined them.

The Kanchenjunga too awaits for the sun to rise and bathe her in his glory.

Here comes the sun

The sun paints the Kanchenjunga  pink

The Kanchenjunga gradually changes to a little yellowish in the horizon while Bubu (left) and Bumpy (right)  stares at the camera

Eventually, the Kanchenjunga regains her majestic white garb

Totally exasperated we, eventually arrived at the top. Tiger Hill is higher than Darjeeling standing at an altitude of about 8,515 feet from the sea level where as Darjeeling is near about 6710 feet.

The double storied glassed building meant to view the world famous sunrise was packed up with tourists from all over the world and from every corner of the country. We struggled outside pushing the multitude seeking a fitting place to witness the sunrise and  and there it came.

Amidst deep sighs,  'oohs' and 'aahs' the celestial orb rose, spreading a tinge of orange all over. 

For me, I had seen many celebrated sunrises, as sunrise in the punkree burwadih megaliths, netarhaat , mt abu etc,therefore I wasn't much impressed with it. 

But  the real blast for me was the changing colours of the Kanchenjunga to the west of the sun  in accordance to its rise . I understood that this is an ingredient for poets and painters. The beauty of the changing colours of the mystifying Kanchenjunga is such that words do fall short in describing the act .

The bonus for us that morning was the view of the Mt. Everest in the crisp and clear October sky, squeezed between Mt Makalu and Mt Lothze . The spectacular view  is bound to mesmerize any one .

Tourists wait for the sun to rise

The larger peak to the right is Mt Makalu. The smallest peak to the far left is Mt. Lotzhe and the one in the  middle is Mt. Everest.

My request to the tourists is that you may have to hurry in returning  from here, but once here feel at leisure  and take time to enjoy, do not make haste to leave fast enough as this morning indeed is a rare and a gifted one. Feel blessed.