Wellness · Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
Zero Point the altitude-smart way
A simple plan to enjoy Zero Point without suffering: sleep low first, decide at Yumthang, climb with water and warmth, stay short and come down at the first serious warning sign. Our drivers follow this routine on every trip.
Photo: Sujay25 · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Altitude sickness does not care how fit you are. It depends mainly on how fast you climb. A typical North Sikkim trip goes from the plains to Gangtok (1,650 m), then Lachung (2,700 m), then Zero Point (4,660 m) within about three days. That is fast, so plan carefully: a night in Gangtok, a calm first evening in Lachung without alcohol, plenty of water and an early night.
Make the Zero Point decision at Yumthang. If anyone in the car already has a headache, nausea or unusual tiredness at 3,564 m, skip the add-on: they will feel worse higher up. At Zero Point, walk slowly, keep warm, eat something light and stay 30 to 45 minutes. Severe headache, breathlessness at rest, confusion or stumbling are emergencies: descend immediately.
Ask your doctor before the trip about acetazolamide and about any heart, lung or blood pressure conditions. Camphor, garlic and chocolates are popular remedies but do not prevent altitude sickness. The only reliable treatment is to go down.
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Questions travellers ask
Before you book
Who should not go to Zero Point?
Children under five are not permitted. People with heart disease, severe lung conditions, uncontrolled blood pressure, pregnancy or recent surgery should consult a doctor first and may be advised not to go. Anyone already unwell at Yumthang should skip it.
Does camphor help with altitude sickness?
No. Sniffing camphor is a popular custom on Sikkim trips but there is no evidence it prevents or treats altitude sickness. What helps is a slower ascent, water, warmth, rest and, if symptoms become serious, going down. Ask your doctor about medicines before travelling.
What are the danger signs at Zero Point?
Severe or worsening headache, vomiting, breathlessness while resting, confusion, unsteady walking or unusual drowsiness. Any of these means descend at once with the vehicle and seek medical help in Lachung or Chungthang. Do not wait to see if it passes.
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