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 Registered
Trekking Agency: Mountain Rangers Tours and Trek - Contact the
Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee (P.O. Box Yuksam, Sikkim,
737113, India).
Visitor Information Centre: The local NGO
(Khangchendzonga Conservation Committee) runs a visitor information
centre in Yuksam. It is located next to the Wild Orchid Hotel. The
friendly staff here can provide useful information and attend to
any queries on local environmental initiatives. The visitor information
centre also has a collection of books which are useful to tourists.
Registration for Trekking: All foreign
trekkers trekking to KBR area are to obtain a Restricted Area Permit
from the Tourism Department at Gangtok. A minimum of two foreigners
is required to obtain a permit and they have to be accompanied by
a guide from a registered travel agency. The domestic tourist does
not require special permits. Both domestic and foreign tourists
are however required to pay an 'Entry Fee' at the Wildlife Checkpost
in Yuksam and can obtain a "Trekkers Hut permit" or "Tent
Pitching Permit" from the office of the Tourism Department
at Yuksam, if required.
How To Be An Eco-Trekker (See Ecotourist)
Safety Concerns: Anyone who ascends in
altitude too quickly runs the risk of getting high altitude sickness,
a potentially fatal disease that is entirely preventable with caution
and care. Medical experts in high altitude sickness (HAS) advise
that once a trekker is above about 3,000 m in elevation, they not
gain more than 400 m from one night's camp to the next. If a person
shows symptoms of HAS, such as persistent headache, dizziness, breathlessness,
nausea etc., they should descend immediately at least 3-500 m. If
symptoms continue, go to the Primary Health Centre, Main Bazaar,
Yuksam.
It is unsafe to trek after dark or to venture
off the trail. Always carry a torch, matches, drinking water, a
high energy snack, and warm dry clothing while trekking. Don't trek
alone: hire a porter/guide instead.
Accommodations: Sikkim Tourism Trekkers'
Huts and campsites are located at Yuksam, Bakhim, Tshoka, Dzongri,
Thangsing, and Khecheopalri, and must be reserved in advance from
Yuksam.
Hiring Local Porters And Guides: It is
highly advisable to hire trained porters and naturalist guides for
your trek.
Ask a lodge operator or a K.C.C member for assistance
in arranging for local trained porter/guide services. Please do
not bargain unfairly. The money earned by local trekking guides
and porters is their incentive to conserve the natural and cultural
sites that tourists come to see. This is a small price to pay for
their services of keeping the environment clean and green for future
generations.
Tourist Registration: All
domestic tourists are advised to register at the Police Check Post
in Yuksam for their own safety.
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