Most of a Sikkim trip is at comfortable hill-town altitudes. A few days are not: Tsomgo, Nathu La, Zero Point and Gurudongmar take you well above 12,000 ft. A little planning makes them a pleasure rather than an ordeal.
How altitude affects people
Above about 8,000 ft some people feel headaches, breathlessness, tiredness or nausea, especially if they go up quickly. It is not about fitness. It usually passes with rest and a lower altitude.
How we plan the climb
- A night in Gangtok before any high excursion.
- Tsomgo before North Sikkim where the itinerary allows.
- A night in Lachung or Lachen before Yumthang, Zero Point or Gurudongmar.
- Short visits to the highest points, then down.
Simple precautions
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on high days.
- Walk slowly at altitude; do not run in the snow.
- Come down if a headache or breathlessness persists.
- Talk to your doctor before the trip if you have a heart or lung condition, high blood pressure or are pregnant, and about any medicine for altitude.
What to pack
- Layers: thermals, a fleece and a windproof jacket, whatever the season.
- A warm hat, gloves and good socks for Tsomgo, Lachung and Zuluk.
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip; snow boots can be hired on the Tsomgo road.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: the sun is strong at altitude.
- A small daypack, a refillable water bottle and any regular medicines.
- A rain jacket from June to September.
- Original photo ID, passport photographs and photocopies for permits.
