Everything You Need To Know About 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek in Sagarmatha Zone

Are you looking to explore Nepal and the majestic Himalayan mountain range with a twelve day Everest Base Camp Trek in Sagarmatha Zone? With this trek, it is possible to become more familiar with the culture, traditions and lifestyles of many of Nepal’s inhabitants, while admiring the most spectacular scenery, trekking through forests and many different terrains, and cozying up in the cozy lodges that are stationed throughout the region. This article is designed to provide all those interested in the twelve day Everest Base Camp Trek in Sagarmatha Zone with absolutely everything you need to know about this spectacular trek.

Planning Your 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek

Planning a twelve day Everest Base Camp Trek in Sagarmatha Zone can be quite a daunting task, requiring some degree of prior planning to ensure the most enjoyable and rewarding experience. The itinerary for a twelve day Everest Base Camp Trek can vary slightly depending on your pace, preference for overnight stops at various lodges and availability in the lodges, not to mention the weather conditions.

Logically speaking, the starting point of any Everest Base Camp Trek should begin at Lukla and proceed on a clockwise direction until arriving back at this departure point. We suggest you book flights in advance using a reliable airways service.

The Trail of the 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek

The twelve-day Everest Base Camp Trek is organized as follows:

• Day 1: Begin in Lukla/Phakding.
• Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar.
• Day 3: Acclimatization day — Trek to either Thame or Khumjung.
• Day 4: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Deboche.
• Day 5: Trek from Deboche to Dingboche.
• Day 6: Acclimatization day — Trek again to Dingboche or Chhukung.
• Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche.
• Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Kalapatthar and Gorak Shep.
• Day 9: Day trip to Everest Base Camp.
• Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Pheriche.
• Day 11: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar.
• Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla.

In addition to the above itinerary, some tourists will opt to add an additional acclimatization day. This is advised, as the change in altitude can prove difficult to many trekkers.

The Peaks Along the 12-Day Route

Not only is it possible to appreciate the culture and lifestyles of Nepal’s inhabitants, but part of the Everest Base Camp Trek is appreciating the majestic peaks of Nepal’s Himalayan mountain range. Along the way, you may come across peaks such as Lhotse (8,414m), Nuptse (7,855m), Pumori (7,165m), Ama Dablam (6,858m), Thamserku (6,623m) and Kongde Ri (6,011m). However, most trekkers are there for one purpose — reaching one of world’s most treasured mountains, Mt. Everest (8,848m).

Making the Most of Your 12-Day Everest Base Camp Trek

To make the most out of your 12-day Everest Base camp trek, there are a few things you need to take into account for preparation and tour guidance such as:

Gear needed:
The majority of paper suggestions suggest purchasing specific and proper trekking gear before beginning your trek. This includes trekking shoes, multiple layers (thermal and insulation jackets), rain gears, down jacket (if going in winter), sleeping bags, trekking poles, day packs and a few other items. It is important to ensure, through the help of a local trekking agency or guide, that you have the appropriate gear.

Training Level:
The Everest Base Camp Trek requires little levels of training as most of the days are divided into multiple 5-7 hours hiking days with various rest stops for lunch etc., however some thorough training prior to the trek is recommended. Cardio exercises such as running, cycling or even swimming can help a great deal. It is also beneficial to engage in hikes prior to tackling any high altitude treks — if possible.

Acclimatization – how does this affect me?
Your body needs time to adapt to the elevation once you start the trek. The acclimatization days along the way can be summed up as: during the first week you will ascend up to 3,000 metres, stay there overnight while making onward ascension and this goes on until reaching Kalapatthar at 5545 metres.

Itinerary flexibility – How much can I modify?
Possibilities are endless in terms of customizing your itinerary along the Everest Base CampTravel — ultimately it depends on your budget and preferences. While going in a disclosed itinerary may be the norm on paper, we do encourage you to engage with your local guide and build your own itinerary from what you know about yourself. After all, amidst a spectacular scenery with different terrains, there should be some flexibility when it comes to a tailor-made itinerary.

Hiring an experienced guide – What is so special about them?
Hiring an experienced guide is not only necessary for advice but important for safety due to unpredictable and ever-changing conditions. A guide should be constantly aware of what challenges you could face along your journey — be it concerning safety risks for landslides and other such obstacles; monitoring your acclimatization needs; guiding you properly through difficult terrain; giving advice on improving your experience and also suggesting points of interest throughout your journey; as well as providing general advice when needed.

Conclusion

Trekking through Sagarmatha Zone can be done within a 12-day window according however it is important to plan in advance and hire an experienced guide who is aware of the ever-changing conditions and able to offer advice on acclimatization purposes throughout your time there. Ultimately Timing will depend on personal preferences and fitness level but we do advise you to add extra days if possible as this will give you more flexibility when it comes to adding extra points of interest along the way or making minor adjustments as circumstances see fit. If this article has inspired you to book your 12-day Everest Base Camp Trek, why not book it with GetYourGuide, which offers fantastic tour packages tailored around your preferences?