We went there by car in some kind of a tour with other couple and a driver. It took us less than 3 hours from the parking lot, the weather was warm and sunny but it was necessary to cover the body as the sun was strong nonetheless. Pleasant day, not many people hiking at that time (we started before 7am).
The landscape is always changing along the climb. The pockets of fog are surreal. Stayed in a hut at Hermit Lake, up Lions Head to the summit.
Cut over to Lake of the Clouds and down Tuckerman’s Ravine (small waterfall).
The hike is nice, you can choose the way whether you want to go easy or hard route. The hard one takes around 1h30min without rushing. Take a lot of water with you, there are no shops on the way, and comfortable non-slippery shoes. Coming down isn't too easy either, so I'd say go as early as possible to be done with the mountain before the sun strikes too hot.