Trekking In Sikkim Need Not Be Considered Risky Affair As Far As Your Health Is Concerned. But Very Little Medical Care Along The Trail Is Available, So Make Sure You Are Physically Fit And Healthy Before Departing. In Case Of Serious Illness Or Injury, Prompt Evacuation To Gangtok Is The Best Remedy.

Therefore, You Are Requested To Insure For Rescue Operation Also. Take Care Of Yourself Along The Trail By Ensuring That Water Is Boiled. Diarrhea And Headaches Can Be The Curse For Trekkers. So, Bring Appropriate Medication And Use Them With Caution. Sun Burn Can Also Be A Problem At Altitude, A Barrier Cream Will Protect Your Skin And Good Sun Glasses Are Also Necessary. Blisters Are Another Problem For The Trekker And Adequate Supplies Of Band Aids Are Advisable.

ALTITUDE SICKNESS

Often Known As Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Is Particularly A Important Medical Consideration While Trekking In Sikkim. Altitude Sickness Means The Effect Of Altitude On Those Who Ascend Too Rapidly To Elevation Above 3000 M. The Initial Symptoms Of AMS Are As Following

• Nausea, Vomiting
• Loss Of Appetite
• Insomnia / Sleeplessness
• Persistent Headache
• Dizziness, Lightheadedness, Confusion
• Disorientation, Drunken Gait
• Weakness, Fatigue, Lassitude, Heavy Legs
• Slight Swelling Of Hands And Face
• Breathlessness And Breathing Irregularity
• Reduced Urine Output

These Symptoms Are To Be Taken Very Seriously. In Case Of Appearance Of Any Of The Above Symptoms Any Further Ascent Should Be Reconsidered, Otherwise More Serious Problem Can Occur Which Can Even Cause Death Sometimes Within A Few Hours. The Only Cure For The Altitude Sickness Is To Descend To Lower Elevations Immediately And It Has No Other Cure Or Substitute. Acclimatization By Ascending To No More Than 300 To 500 Meters Per Day And The Proper Amount Of Rest Are The Best Methods For Prevention Of AMS.