Trip Overview
Mt. Lama Wangden also known as Lama Anden is a beautiful peak situated at the serene valley of Lachen in the North part of Sikkim. The peak is 5868 meters and is among the few alpine peaks opened by the government of Sikkim for climbing in the year 2005 -2006.
Mt. Lama Wangden is, without a doubt, one of the easiest semi-technical peaks available in Sikkim for climbing. Since its inception, it has gained huge popularity among climbers around the world. This Peak can be climbed with basic mountaineering skills along with proper climbing equipment and support from expert climbing Sherpas.
The peak is approached via Lachen valley and goes through the dense and lush green forest and glaciers. It also offers climbers and trekkers an opportunity to explore the unique diversity of the region, verdant valleys, pristine glaciers, and majestic snow-capped mountains.
Lachen is a beautiful Himalayan village famous for its natural beauty and hugely popular among Indian tourists. The best time to climb this peak is from March to May and October to November.
Trip Highlights
1) Pristine Peak - Summit Mt. Lama Wangden Peak, the beautiful pristine peaks in Sikkim.
2) Gorgeous Breath-taking views - Get a close-up view of some of the most beautiful peaks of Sikkim from proximity along with mesmerizing meadows and valleys.
3) Gangtok - The beautiful and charming town and the capital of Sikkim. Gangtok has many historic places of tourist interest.
4) Lachen - A quaint village located at the height of 2750 meters and one of the most famous tourist destinations, especially among Indians. Lachen is the last village with motorable road access before heading for Mt. Lama Wangden Expedition.
5) Enchanting Alpine valleys and Meadows - A heavenly and untouched valleys and meadows far off the beaten track
6) The mountains and peaks of Sikkim are less conquered. This itself makes it challenging and worth trying for.
Health and Fitness
You have to be Fit and Healthy to undertake the Mt. Lama Wangden Expedition. Trekking for 6 to 7 hours a day in high Himalayan foothills is one of the most important requirements for this high-altitude trek and Expedition. Apart from good health conditions basic mental preparation and determination are also very important.
People suffering from Acute Heart and Lung diseases, Asthma, and High blood pressure are not recommended to take up this Expedition Trip.
To complete this high-altitude trek and climbing Expedition regular exercises like running, skipping, aerobics, and long-distance uphill trekking (4 to 5 times a week) are highly recommended as one needs lots of stamina and endurance to succeed climbing with a backpack on your back. One should start making basic physical preparation at least 2 months before the Expedition.
Prior training, trekking experience, and mental determination are crucial for Mt. Lama Wangden Peak climbing. If you have already walked above 3000m above sea level, you know much about the Himalayas. While climbing Mt. Lama Wangden, you need to use the basic climbing equipment appropriately. Don’t worry if you have no idea about it! Our professional climbing guide will train you how to use those gears and equipment before the summit push.
The packing of right and comfortable clothing also makes a difference in the completion of the Expedition, so it is necessary to be disciplined while packing your clothing and gear for the Trip. You can contact us for help with clothing gears and packing!
During the Expedition, we provide a basic medicine Kit that includes Medicine for High Altitude sickness, Headache, Diarrhoea, Vomiting, Common Cold, etc. All of our medicine is scientific medicine purchased in India, however, we advised you to bring your small medicinal kit for the trip if possible.
Trekking/Tour Tips
1. A common tendency among young blood and beginners is to show enthusiasm by walking fast with excitement. Even the experienced sometimes try to show off by walking fast, this is soon exhausting and not recommended. Walk slow - warm up gradually and continue at a slow comfortable pace before pushing yourself a little more.
2. Develop a personal rhythm. Maintain your steps to synchronize with breathing. This will help minimize getting out of breath.
3. Walking in Himalayan trails with loose soil, rocks, ice, and snow is tricky. So, avoid stepping on loose soil and rocks and place the foot flat and firm with a better grip. Always follow the rule ‘heel first’ while walking on the Himalaya trail.
4. Walking in a zigzags manner while ascending on a very steep slope is advisable. While descending walking zigzag is a good technique to avoid excessive pressure on knees and avoid knee pain and blisters.
5. Avoid stepping on loose stones and soil to avoid an accident.
6. Avoid overtaking fellow travelers on a narrow trail. Only Overtake at comfortable wide space if necessary.
7. While ascending and descending a slope or over loose stones, leave sufficient space between the next person so that any stone rolling down does not hit trekkers below.
8. Do not run down a slope. Bend knees a little while descending. Dig heels into soft snow or soft ground.
9. Our Himalayan condition is mostly wet so avoid wet grass, wet roots, and the muddy zone which can be very slippery. Be careful while walking on them.
10. Shortcuts on a foot trail should be avoided.
11. Always put on warm clothing while taking a rest. This will help avoid getting cold, cough, and high-altitude sickness
12. Respect the sentiments and traditions of the local hill people.
13. Always carry enough water in your water bottle as water is essential in avoiding altitude sickness.
14. Wear a comfortable and right set of trekking boots, pants, and jackets. Avoid wearing new trekking boots directly for the Trek. Get used to it by wearing it before the trek. Carry all necessary clothing.
15. Need to build up good physical fitness as you will be climbing under some challenging circumstances such as thin oxygen lands, deep snow, and extreme cold.
16. Need to be familiar with crampons, ice ax, walking roped-up, and other basic climbing gears. Previous climbing experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
Halts and Rests:
1. While taking a rest, lie against a tree trunk, a big stone, or on flat ground. Place your legs on your bags or any other higher ground. This helps regulate blood circulation.
2. Stop at any comfortable point after the first start to readjust your rucksack, jackets, or tie a shoelace for better comfort and adjustment.
3. Do not make frequent or prolonged halts. Too many small stops destroy the walking rhythm. Frequent rests are not helpful. You should follow your own rhythmic walking pace and technique to avoid unnecessary tiredness. A stop should be made only at natural stopping points, like on the top of a ridge, before an ascent, or at a scenic viewpoint.
4. Stop and place yourself on the safer (Mountain) side to give way for the pack animals to pass through. Avoid bags carried by the animals that can push you. Be aware of the yak's horn too.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
WHERE IS Mt. LAMA WANGDEN PEAK LOCATED
Mt. Lama Wangden, the daring and enthralling peak of Sikkim lies in Lachen Valley in the far northern part of Sikkim. Lachen is the last village before heading for Mt. Lama Wangden Expedition with a motorable road connection.
HOW TO REACH LACHEN
The closest Airport to Lachen, Sikkim is PAKYONG AIRPORT & BAGDOGRA AIRPORT. You have to fly either to Bagdogra Airport or Pakyong Airport. From there you can drive to Lachen with a private reserve vehicle before stopping at Gangtok for an overnight stay.
Pakyong Airport is around 1 hours’ drive and Bagdogra Airport is around 5 hours’ drive from Gangtok. Lachen is 6 to 7 hours’ drive from Gangtok
HOW DIFFICULT IS Mt. LAMA WANGDEN PEAK CLIMB
Elevated at 5868m (19,252 ft) above the sea surface, Mt. Lama Wangden is one of the most daring and enthralling climbing peaks for professionals as well as for first-timers and novice climbers. Previous alpine climbing experiences are beneficial but it is not mandatory to climb Mt. Lama Wangden.
The climb involves above 5800m height with some difficulties so one needs to be physically fit, healthy, and used to high-altitude trekking with basic knowledge about climbing gears and equipment.
DO YOU PROVIDE TREKKING GEAR AND EQUIPMENT FOR Mt. LAMA WANGDEN EXPEDITION
We provide you with all the necessary gears and equipment however there are certain climbing gears that you need to bring along yourself. We will update you on such gear and types of equipment over email.
WHAT GEARS AND CLOTHING TO CARRY FOR Mt. LAMA WANGDEN EXPEDITION
No matter what season you are planning to climb the mountains are always going to be cold, rough, and tough so it is necessary to pack yourself with adequate and proper clothing. Here is the standard kit checklist for the Mt. Lama Wangden Peak Expedition.
Proper packing of the trekking and expedition gears is necessary with eyes on the weight limit. It is important to have a good brand of clothing and climbing gear.
Basic Gears:
BackPack & rain cover or Duffel bag (50 to 70 ltr)
Day Pack & rain cover (20 to 30 ltr)
Walking stick (1 pair or at least one)
Water Bottle (2 bottles of 2 ltr each)
Thermos flask (1 nos)
Head Light (1 Nos with 4 pairs of batteries)
Gaiters (1 pair)
Upper and Lower Clothings:
T-Shirt (2 to 3 full sleeves). Mostly noncotton
Fleece T-shirt (1 nos)
Thermal Inner-wears or base layers (1 nos or 1 pair) such as long jones
Fleece Jacket (1 nos)
Down, Feather, or Holofil Jackets (1 nos)
Wind and Waterproof jackets & pants (1 pair)
Trekking Pants (1 pair). Comfortable and durable
Short Trekking Pants (1 nos or 1 pair)
Poncho (1 nos)
Headgears:
Woolen cap (1 nos)
Sun cap (1 nos)
Balaclava or scarf (1 nos)
Sunglasses (1 nos) U/V protected and dark
Hand gears:
Waterproof gloves (1 nos)
Woolen gloves (1 nos)
Feet gears:
Waterproof Trekking boots (1 nos) preferably ankle high Goretex, North face, Colombia or Quechua
Snickers or running shoes (1 nos) preferably from any reputed brand
Gaiters (1 nos)
Sandals or flippers (1 nos)
Cotton socks (4 pairs)
Woolen socks (2 pairs)
Personal utilities:
Sunscreen cream
Moisturizers
Hand sanitizers
Toilet papers and wipes
Anti-bacterial powders
Lip balm
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Climbing gears:
Climbing Boots
Crampons
Ascender (Jumar)
Descender (Figure of Eight Lock)/Super 8
Screw Gate/Carabiner/Karabiner
Ice Axe
Helmet-UIAA Test
Harness
Trekking Pole
Insect Repellent
Sleeping Bags
Prusik Rope/ Infinity Dry Rope
Climbing Rope
Survival Blankets
Altimeter
Oximeter
Snow Bar
Ice Screw
Braking Belay Device
U-Lock
WHY CONTINGENCY OR EXTRA DAYS ARE NECESSARY WHILE CLIMBING Mt. LAMA WANGDEN PEAK
Contingency days are crucial in mountain climbing and expedition. Due to the bad weather, the mountaineers may suffer from altitude sickness or summit push might not be possible on the targeted day. So, you need to wait for the perfect weather to summit the peak. If they are not favorable, you need to wait until they become favorable. Thus, contingency days are important in such expeditions.
CAN I EXIT LACHEN ON THE LAST DAY OF THE Mt. LAMA WANGDEN EXPEDITION DIRECTLY
Yes, you can if you are looking to reach any other location near Lachen OR if it is too urgent and necessary. Driving to Airport and Railway directly after the expedition is not recommended.
We will advise not to plan to leave Lachen directly after the last day of the expedition as it will be too tiring and hectic. Driving at night on the Himalayan road is not comfortable and enjoyable.
The earliest you will reach Lachen on the last day of the expedition is around 1 pm so long hours drive thereafter is not possible.
CAN I LEAVE EXTRA BAGS AT LACHEN AND COLLECT THEM ON THE LAST DAY OF THE Mt. LAMA WANGDEN EXPEDITION
Yes, you can keep a bag of clothes at Lachen and collect it after the trek. We will advise you to leave one set of clothing at Lachen for the last day as normally porters may arrive late on the last day of the trek.
You can even keep valuables and cash at our office in Gangtok safely and collect them after the trek.
WHAT DOCUMENTS NEED TO BE CARRIED FOR Mt. LAMA WANGDEN EXPEDITION
Indian trekkers must carry identification documents such as VOTER ID CARRD, DRIVING LICENSE, AADHAR CARD, INDIAN PASSPORT, Medical Insurance, Medical fitness certificate, and self-declaration to undertake the expedition along with 8 pcs PASSPORT SIZE photograph. Original documents need to be carried along.
Foreigners need to carry INDIAN VISA, PASSPORT, SIKKIM INNER LINE PERMIT, Medical Insurance, Medical fitness certificate, and self-declaration to undertake the expedition along with 8 pcs PASSPORT SIZE photograph.
Original documents need to be carried along.
IS THERE CONNECTIVITY DURING Mt. LAMA WANGDEN EXPEDITION
There is no phone connectivity during the Mt. Lama Wangden Expedition. Lachen is the last village where you can get a phone and internet connection.
There is no electricity throughout the Mt. Lama Wangden expedition.
HOW IS THE WEATHER & TEMPERATURE DURING THE Mt. LAMA WANGDEN EXPEDITION
There are two distinct seasons for doing the Mt.Lama Wangden expedition. Mid-March, April to May (Spring) and Mid-September, October to November (Autumn). Normally weather remains good and clear in those given periods however there is no guarantee as weather is extremely unpredictable in our Himalayas and does change within hours and days.
The temperature at each campsite depends largely on each day's specific weather condition.
Spring (Mid-March, April till May)
* Gangtok to Lachen
Morning and Evening – 12 to 16 degrees centigrade
Day time – 18 to 24 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – 8 to 14 degrees centigrade
* Basecamp and around
Morning and Evening – 4 to 12
Day time – 12 to 18 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – minus 10 to 4 degrees centigrade
* Advance Base Camp, Camp 1 and above
Morning and Evening – minus 10 to 6 degrees centigrade
Day time – 0 to 16 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – minus 18 to 0 degrees centigrade
Autumn (Mid-September, October till November)
* Gangtok to Lachen
Morning and Evening – 8 to 14 degrees centigrade
Day time – 16 to 21 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – 2 to 10 degrees centigrade
* Basecamp and around
Morning and Evening – minus 8 to 10
Day time – 2 to 14 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – minus 15 to 2 degrees centigrade
* Advance Base Camp, Camp 1 and above
Morning and Evening – minus 12 to 4 degrees centigrade
Day time – 0 to 12 degrees centigrade
Late Evening and Mid Night – minus 20 to 0 degrees centigrade
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