Treks and walks · Lachen
A slow acclimatisation day in Lachen
The cheapest insurance against altitude sickness at Gurudongmar is a spare day in Lachen. Walk gently along the village lanes and a short way up the valley, gain a little height, come back down to sleep, and eat and drink well.
Mountaineers have a simple rule: climb high, sleep low. Lachen lets you follow it. You arrive from Gangtok at around 1,700 m to 2,750 m in a day, and Gurudongmar is roughly 2,400 m above that. A rest day here gives your body time to start adjusting before the big climb.
Spend the morning walking gently: through the village, up to the monastery, along the lanes above the river. Aim to climb 200–300 m above the village and come back down. Keep the pace slow enough to talk easily. In the afternoon rest, drink water and tea, and eat a proper lunch and dinner.
Watch for early signs of altitude sickness: headache that does not go with water and rest, nausea, poor sleep or unusual tiredness. If they appear, skip Gurudongmar and go to Chopta Valley or Thangu instead, or nowhere higher at all. Some doctors advise acetazolamide; ask your own doctor before the trip, not a shopkeeper in Lachen.
Cost: Free
Questions people ask
Good to know
Do I need an extra day in Lachen before Gurudongmar?
It is strongly advised, though most tours skip it. Gurudongmar is roughly 2,400 m higher than Lachen. With one night, the body has very little time to adjust. A spare day in Lachen reduces the risk of headaches and sickness, especially for older people and first-time visitors to high altitude.
What should I do on a rest day in Lachen?
Walk gently around the village, visit Lachen Monastery, and climb a few hundred metres before returning to sleep. Drink 3–4 litres of water, eat well and avoid alcohol and smoking. Sleep early. A visit to Chopta Valley can also be arranged if your permit includes it.
Should I take Diamox for Gurudongmar?
Ask your own doctor before the trip. Acetazolamide (sold as Diamox) is used by many to help acclimatise, but it has side effects and is not suitable for everyone. It does not replace a slow ascent. Do not take it on the advice of a driver or shopkeeper.
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