Gangtok, Sikkim: another gear question

bennythejet

I'm heading to india/nepal for some trekking for a few months. Our first stop in the himalayas in Gangtok. I'm not planning on carrying much cold weather clothing before i get there. Can anyone tell me if Gangtok has a few gear shops. i'm looking for a down jacket and thermals. and are the copies worth buying?

Thanks,

robin312007

Hi, Benny

Do you mind telling us your trek route in Sikkim ?
Is it Dzongri ? or Goechala ? or Kanchenjunga Trek ? or Trek from Lachung to Lachen or either side.
Anyway if its the first three then you will get all the gears from Yuksum (Trek Start Point) on hire. I think there few shops where you can buy them too in Gangtok as well as Yuksum. You get porters and guide from yuksum too.

Good Luck

bennythejet

thanks Robin, We're doing the Kanchenjunga trek than heading to Katmandu to do some teahouse trekking (route yet undesided). i'm assuming it's pretty easy to sort out the Kanchenjunga trek from Gangtok. The LP says US$30-$50 per day, is that about right.

robin312007

Actually for indians these treks comes cheap. But for overseas tourists it cost more because of some permits maybe. In few cases the cost is double the indians.

But 30 -50 $ is ok. You know what, the porters and guides here in Hills are very poor. sometimes their words make me cry. As they dont have any other options rather taking tourists in these inhospitable routes for a few bucks. And believe me once i heard a porter say that its only time when they travel with tourists they can have good food otherwise they dont even think of eating a full stomach and good foods. I really feel pitty for them. As I am also from hills my heart goes out to them. They are most loyals that i have seen.

But do Bargain a lot. India is a place for bargaining.
You may also get a lot of option in Yuksum. There are agencies and porters and guides too. You can bargain with them. But do inquire about permits.

Good Luck

praks

If you go past the police station and turn left, you will find a very small gear shop on your right stocking reasonably good copies of big brand thermals and down jackets. You need to inspect these carefully before deciding to buy but some things are definitely worth the price. I do not recollect the name of the shop but it is called 'Climate Zone' or something. Besides this one 'specialist' shop, you could try your luck in the big market next to the cinema house.

bennythejet

thanks praks, thanks again robin. it's great to hear from people that actually know the place. i've got 5 weeks till i leave, but india doesn't seem so far away now i found I.M.