nature · Lachen, North Sikkim
A rest-and-walk acclimatisation day
The standard itinerary drives from Gangtok (≈ 1,650 m) to Lachen (≈ 2,750 m) and then to Gurudongmar (5,430 m) the next morning. That is a climb of nearly 3,800 m in about 24 hours, far faster than mountain medicine advises. An extra night in Lachen does not remove the risk, but it gives your body a day to start adjusting.
Use the day well. Sleep in, eat a normal breakfast, walk up to the monastery and along the road out of the village for an hour or two, and come back down to rest. Drink 3–4 litres of water through the day, avoid alcohol and smoking, and go to bed early. Do not use the day for a fast return trip to Thangu, which defeats the purpose.
Watch each other for headache, nausea, poor sleep, unusual tiredness or breathlessness at rest. Mild headache that eases with rest and water is common. Anything worse is a reason to skip Gurudongmar and go down. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether acetazolamide is suitable for you.
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Questions people ask
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Should I stay two nights in Lachen before Gurudongmar
If your schedule and permit allow it, yes, especially for anyone over 60, children, or people with health conditions. Two nights at about 2,750 m before going to 5,430 m gives your body a day to adapt. It adds one hotel night, about ₹2,000–4,000 per room with meals, indicative, 2026.
What should I do on an acclimatisation day in Lachen
Keep it gentle. Walk to Lachen Monastery and along the road for an hour or two, rest in the afternoon, drink 3–4 litres of water and eat normally. Avoid alcohol, smoking and hot showers late at night. Do not drive up to Thangu and back; the aim is rest, not more altitude.
What are the signs of altitude sickness
Common early signs are headache, nausea, loss of appetite, poor sleep, dizziness and unusual tiredness. Danger signs are breathlessness at rest, confusion, clumsiness, a wet cough or blue lips. Anyone with danger signs must go down at once and get medical help; army posts on the road have medical support.
