State of Sikkim Packing List Tips by goutammitra Top 5 Page for this destination

Pack that Extra !

Luggage and bags: Please carry backpack, bags, suitcases which are light in weight as you yourself will have to carry. Preferably it should have wheel to pull.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: If you are visiting North Sikkim destinations like Gurudongmar Lake ( 17800 Feet) or Yumthang ( 12500 Feet) during October to March ( it is very very cold, day temp could be -20 Degrees Celcius), you must wear good leather sneaker ( cloth sneaker are useless), wollen socks, Heavy/ monkey cap, wollen/ leather gloves, heavy feather jackets as they are very light (see picture), inner thermals for body and legs, wind cheaters like stuff. I wore a wollen cap which was not wind proof, I was having problem.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Please carry your medicines, water and what your doctor has suggested for high altitude. I found chweingums of great help to overcome giddiness at very high altitude. Please carry anti vomit tablets like Avomine, Pregnidoxin, Reglan and Deriphyllin/ Coca for breath control.

Photo Equipment: Please carry extra data cards if you are taking pictures in high mega pixels, you are going to run out of space. Lithium batteries are also not much help as they can store little charge. Carry several alcaline batteries and camera which can be of great help as you will be tempted to take thousands of photographs.

Miscellaneous: Please avoid drinking while at high altitude, you should not drink at all on the previous night before going to Gurudongmar or any high altitude destination above 10000 feet, it is one of the major cause of dehydration. Drink water in small sip while climbing. If you feel sick, just don't stay out of the vehicle at high altitude. Please don't keep the ears closed or air tight as it helps to acclamatise quickly if you are in a vehicle at high altitude, let the air flow slowly in the ears. Wollen caps do best than leathe caps or ear plugs. The plain landers needs to acclamatize, please avoid shouting, smoking or running as there is 30% less Oxygen!!