Why do we need acclimatization days at Namche and Dingboche during Everest Base Camp Trek? This is
one of the most frequently asked questions of our clients with regards to Everest Base Camp Trek. Some
of the travelers request us to remove the day of acclimatization during the trek to shorten the days of
travel. But as we travel to high altitudinal regions, acclimatization becomes a necessity. So, shortening
days by deducting days of acclimatization in the itinerary wouldn’t be a wise idea.
So, what does acclimatization actually mean?
Acclimatization is a process where an individual adjusts themselves with the change in
environment/surrounding. The change can be in terms of altitude, temperature, photoperiod, humidity or
Ph. Acclimatization is a process that helps an individual to perform across a diversified range of
environmental factors and conditions. Acclimatization is basically a short term phenomenon i.e. adaption
required in the changes that occurs in short period of time. For example, when a person opts for trekking
to high altitudinal region, he/ she undergoes change in elevation per day of trekking which is shorter that
hours to weeks. Here, the body needs to adapt to the change in surrounding for which acclimatization is a
preliminary concept.
Why is acclimatization necessary for trekkers?
Heat and cold adaptations are a part of human body adaptation features. A human can adapt
physiologically, genetically and culturally which is a main reason why human can live in varieties of
climatic conditions. A human body continuously works to remain in a state of homeostasis.
Thermoregulation i.e. regulation of body temperature is one of the form of homeostasis. Though the body
temperature of an individual varies from person to person, the average body temperature of a person is
98.6 degree Fahrenheit (37.0 degree Celsius). When a person travels through two different extreme
temperature conditions in short period of time, it causes a stress in body which leads to shut down of
body. Generally, when a person travels to Himalayan region, the body of travelers can drop down.
Continuous drop down of body temperature below 95 degree Fahrenheit (35.0 degree Celsius) leads to
hypothermia which might be fatal. Also, the oxygen level that drops down as you travel up is another
major factor. If your body is unable to cope with the change in oxygen level, your brain might be
deprived of oxygen which can again be fatal. Hence, to avoid these kind of risks, acclimatization is
necessary for trekkers.
Why Namche and Dingboche?
At Namche, you’re already at 3,440 meters (approximately near to 3,500 meters) above sea level and at
Dingboche; you will already be at 4,410 meters (approximately near to 4,500 meters) above sea level.
This too at three days time frame! Therefore, it would be a wise idea to stop at these points for a safe
travel journey ahead to the Everest Base Camp. Another reason for choosing these locations as
acclimatization points is due to presence of some nice hiking points near them. In Namche, you can hike
up the Everest view hotel which offers some magnificent views of mountains in Everest region like Mt.
Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Tawache, etc. And from Dingboche, you can hike
up to Nagerjun for wonderful views of mountains in Everest region. You will be blessed with some
relishing views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Tawache and Mt. Pumori.
Conclusion-
Well, the conclusion regarding the query of requirement of acclimatization during the trek to Everest Base
Camp Trek is that you need enough acclimatization to go up to the heights of base camp unless you are
used to high altitudinal regions. We recommend acclimatization days as a must. However, regarding the
stopping points for acclimatization – Namche and Dingboche, it can be any place on that altitudinal
periphery however, Namche and Dingboche has a lot of options for exploration that other places on the
route.
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