It is as close to heaven as you can get. Every day, hundreds of tourists wake up at the crack of the dawn and make their way to Tiger Hills, situated 13 km away from Darjeeling. It is freezing, the sun is not up, but people still leave the cozy comfort of their hotels for an amazing experience. All eyes are directed towards the dark silhouette of Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.
The name is derived from Kanchen and Dzonga, literally meaning five treasures of snow, that is, the five peaks. It is almost eerie, staring at something looming large in front of you with no idea of what to expect. And then, suddenly, as if by magic, the first rays of the sun strike the peak. Everyone waits with bated breath for the drama being played out between heaven and earth.
A small fraction of the peak glistens. Within minutes, the entire peak is bathed in gold. Everyone absorbs the sight and many talks animatedly about their experience and try to capture the magic on camera. The lucky ones are gleeful, while others rely on their memory for what they describe is the experience of a lifetime.
Getting There:
Darjeeling is 94 km from Bagdogra, the nearest airport. The nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri which is well connected with rest of the country. (I took a flight to Bagdogra via Kolkatta, from airport hired a cab.)