How to stay safe during Sikkim Ravangla Khechupelri Trek

Sikkim Ravangla Khechupelri Trek is very safe as far as the trekking trail is concerned. The trail is a well-laid village footpath and shortcuts and is even wide though there are loose gravel, rocks, and occasional cliff section on some days.

Proper exercises for physical fitness will allow you to stay safe and healthy during the trek. Your physical fitness and preparation are what make you safe in the mountains. Having prior trekking experiences is an added advantage on your side. Knowledge about Himalayan terrain will greatly help you in case such an issue arises during the trek.

Even though Sikkim Ravangla Khechupelri Trek is a Low Altitude Trek with the highest point at around 2200 m but in a mountain region, one can get affected with altitude sickness. “Altitude Sickness” is a common term for different kinds of illnesses – as simple as a headache, dizziness to swelling of fingers to an acute state like fluids accumulations in your lungs and brains.

AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness

HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema

HACE - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

Some of the scientific Medicine used to treat Altitude Sickness is –

Diamox is a diuretic. To put it simply, it helps speed up acclimatization.

Dexamethasone (Dex) is a steroid. It prevents your body from releasing substances that cause inflammation. That’s how it helps temporarily treat edema.

Nifedipine is a drug that reduces your blood pressure. You use it only if you have HAPE.

The closest primary health center and the hospital are always within short driving distances each day so there is nothing to worry about. The primary health center at each Village has only basic facilities with oxygen availability. The main district hospital is at Gangtok, Namchi, and Geyzing.