Trekking in Sikkim

         Sikkim a tiny state of India with an area of 7096sq.km. situated in the eastern Himalaya boast of its rich bio-diversity and high mountain ranges. Kanchendzonga the third highest peak in the world is also the guardian deity of Sikkimese people.

Variation in altitude range in 200 to 8598meters (height of Kanchendzonga) which provides an opportunity to any visitors to have an experience of crossing over sub-tropical to temperate zones followed by alpine and high altitude areas in a short span.

4000 species of flowering plants, 600 species of birds, 560 species of Orchids, 40 species of Rhodendrons and large number of other animals are sheltered in this tiny state. Numerous snow-clad peaks, alpine lakes and swirling clouds beautify the area for any adventure lovers.

Trekking in Sikkim has its own charm. Trail runs through rich biodiversity and rich cultural life of Sikkimese people.

Yuksom situated in the remote and far flung area of Sikkim is the gateway to Kanchendzonga Trekking, the trail widely used by trekkers from all over the world. In the 1640 AD, three monks who came from different parts of Tibet consecrated first King of Sikkim on throne.

Preparation of trekking programme mostly begins at Gangtok with lots of planning and logistics support. Proper equipments, such as good high altitude tents and sleeping bags, which can withstand the high wind velocity and freezing temperature, is a must. Beside these most important equipments trekkers need to have good trekking shoes, down feather jacket, caps, and gloves.

As we trek higher and higher oxygen content in thin air is lesser and lesser. This invites one to get high altitude sickness. Acclimatization is needed between 2500 to 3000 meters, which allows one red blood cells to increase to negotiate the rough trail ahead.

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa the first Everester always emphasized on acclimatizing in the mountain. He said, “after every climb, rest”. 

Altitude sickness can be prevented through numerous measures. Slow and gradual ascend, good intake of mostly water, soup with strong garlic, corn and other staple food rich in carbohydrates. The food contents should be in varieties, which provides vitamins. Acclimatizing between 2500 to 3000 meters and later at 4000 meters is a must to prevent sickness. It is not important that only the strongest man or woman can trek, first timers can trek without any problem provided one walks gradually, takes lot of water, has good sleep and good food. 

Trekking trails runs through dense forest with an undulating climbs and some time it is very sharp. Some time trekkers require to tread on soft snow. 3500 meters above trails begins to run through Rhododendron and Juniper bushes with ample opportunity to view snow clad peaks.

Trekking is an adventure activities, which has risks. Trekking trails cross over mountain passes, which are sometime steep and some time slippery. Trekking is a teamwork and not an individual event for any strong man. Guide, cook, porters, yaks and the trekkers looking for good and adventurous holiday has different role to play. In most cases, guide plays a vital role of taking the responsibility of organizing al most everything right from the start of the trek. His supervision and proper decision in situation is a must. He requires co-operation and coordination from porters, cooks and yak man to negotiate inclement weather.

Most of the staff in the trekking agency is well trained to cope with the situation and they also help in policing the protected plants and animals.

Sikkim the land of peace and tranquility is an ideal destination for trekking. People living in hustle and bustle of city life, people with financial or mental stress can rejuvenate themselves while trekking. Higher in the mountain, silence prevail but with sound of bird chirp. Night sky is clear with constellation at a full glow. Silent ambience takes away all the grief. Welcome to Sikkim Himalayan Trekking.