Published on Dec, 2024
Apart from the fog which obstructed the long distance views this was an excellent hike of around 12km up and down Tiger Hill, which the very competent and pleasant guide kindly extended to 15 km with a walk back to my hotel along the ridge behind the town. Ujjwal Giri, the guide, was exceptionally helpful, particularly when he realised that my plans to return to Kolkata would not work as I had expected. We walked up through fir and bamboo forests, across an open plateau with views over the surrounding foothills of the Himalayas and even a quick glimpse, when the fog cleared briefly, of the Kanchenjunga peaks, then via a different route back through the forest. I learnt about the regional culture, the trees, plants, birds and animals and the development of mountaineering and trekking in the area. All in all a wonderful introduction to the area. I am a woman over 70 but fairly fit. I believe that Ujjwal can adapt to a wide range of fitness levels.