Trek 12: Himalaya (2020) Board Game

Trek 12: Himalaya is a board game released in 2020 by Lumberjacks Studio. Designed by Bruno Cathala and Corentin Lebrat, this game takes players on an adventure through the Himalayan mountains. With a focus on dice rolling and strategic decision-making, Trek 12 offers a unique and immersive gameplay experience for 1 to 50 players.

Game Components of Trek 12: Himalaya

Player sheets: Each player has a personal sheet representing a mountain ascent, featuring 19 circles in different patterns.

Dice: Two six-sided dice, one with values from 1 to 6 (red die) and the other with values from 0 to 5 (yellow die).

Assist cards: Special action cards that can be used to cheat certain rules.

Challenge envelopes: Sealed envelopes containing unlockable content, such as new ascent sheets, action cards, or other surprises.

Rulebook: Includes a hall of fame section to record highest scores.

How To Setup Trek 12: Himalaya

To set up the game, each player receives a blank mountain sheet, and the two dice are placed within reach. In the Trek Mode, all players use the same ascent sheet, with Dunai recommended for the first game. For the Expedition Mode, each player gets one sheet for each of the three different climbs (Dunai, Kagkot, and Dhaulagiri). The Assist cards are shuffled, and a set number are placed face up on the table.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics

Roll-and-write: Players roll two dice and use the results to place numbers on their mountain sheets.

Number placement: Players can choose to use the higher or lower die value, add the dice, subtract the smaller from the larger, or multiply the numbers together, with each option limited to four uses per game.

Route mapping: Players aim to create “Mapped Areas” (groups of the same number) and “Fixed Lines” (consecutive numbers) to score points.

Assist cards: Special cards that allow players to cheat rules, such as placing numbers in non-adjacent circles or re-rolling the dice.

Game Objective

Trek Mode: Score points by creating Mapped Areas and Fixed Lines on a single ascent sheet. The player with the most points wins.

Expedition Mode: Play through three ascents, earning stars for achieving targets, having the highest score, and setting new records. The player with the most stars after three ascents wins.

Solo Mode: Play against an automated opponent, using similar rules but with special adjustments for solo play.

Player Experience

**Trek 12: Himalaya** offers a challenging and math-heavy experience, requiring strategic thinking and careful planning. The game scales well for any number of players, and the Expedition Mode adds a thrilling legacy-like element with unlockable content. Players must balance creating valuable Mapped Areas and Fixed Lines while managing their limited number placement options. The Assist cards provide valuable flexibility and strategy, especially in the Expedition Mode.

Pros

High replayability: Multiple game modes, including Trek, Expedition, and Solo, along with unlockable content.

Strategic depth: Requires careful planning and mathematical thinking.

Engaging gameplay: The roll-and-write mechanism and Assist cards keep the game engaging and challenging.

Visually appealing: The game’s thematic design and artwork are visually striking.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be overwhelming for new players due to the variety of options and rules.

Time commitment: The Expedition Mode can take close to an hour to complete.

Luck factor: The dice rolls introduce an element of luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Trek 12: Himalaya

**Trek 12: Himalaya** is ideal for fans of roll-and-write games and those who enjoy strategic number placement challenges. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate a game with depth and replayability. While the Solo Mode is available, the game shines in its multiplayer and Expedition modes, making it a great addition to any board game collection for groups looking for a engaging and math-heavy experience. However, it may not be the best fit for casual or younger players due to its complexity and the need for careful planning.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.