Kanchenjunga sunrise from Sillery Gaon

Sillery Gaon's ridge faces the Kanchenjunga range across the Teesta and the hills of Sikkim. Kangchenjunga, at 8,586 m the world's third-highest mountain, sits at the centre of the range on the Sikkim–Nepal border. On a clear morning its snows catch the first light while the valleys below are still dark, then turn from pink to gold as the sun rises. To the right of the main massif, smaller peaks of the range stretch toward the north on the clearest days.

Most homestays have a yard, terrace or nearby open point facing the view. Wake about 30 minutes before sunrise: around 5.15 am in April, 5.45 am in November and 6.15 am in December and January. Check the sky first; if the stars are out, the peaks are likely to be clear. Tea is usually ready early if you ask the night before.

From October to December, clear dawns are common. In spring, haze often builds by mid-morning, though dawn can still be clear. In the monsoon the peaks may stay hidden for days. Two nights in the village greatly improves your chances of at least one clear morning. If cloud hides the peaks, wait half an hour: gaps often open briefly as the sun warms the valley. Wrap up well, as the ridge is windy at dawn, and take a hot drink outside.