An early start (as early as 4am) is recommended for the visit to Tiger Hill, situated approximately 11 km from Darjeeling town. It takes about an hour at times to reach this miniature plateau from which one can view the sun’s first rays spreading over mighty Kanchenjunga. A small tourist rest house is located nearby; here you’ll be able to enjoy some light refreshments (not included) before walking approximately 40 minutes to Ghoom Monastery (alternatively you can be driven). The Monastery is the most important in this part of the Himalayas, with an entrance surrounded by prayer flags. A Mongolian astrologer-monk of the yellow hat sect founded the ornate monastery in 1850.  After your visit to Ghoom, extend your walk by returning on foot to Darjeeling. This should take approximately two hours. Alternatively your guide can check the times of the local Toy Train so that you can enjoy the half-hour ride back.

Later in the morning you will enjoy sightseeing in Darjeeling, which includes a visit to the Batasia Loop, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Snow Leopard Breeding Centre, the botanical gardens, Tenzing Rock as well as the Tibetan Refugee Centre.