Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trip Style: Camping Trek
  • Transport: Public Vehicle
  • Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Group Size: 2-16
  • Max Elevation: Api Base Camp (4000m)

Highlights

  • Experience the adventure and thrill of Api Himal Base Camp Trek trails.
  • Walkthrough the virgin trekking destination.
  • Witness the scenic views of Mt. Api (7,132 m) up close and other snow-capped peaks such as  Mt. Kapchuli (6,850 m), Mt. Rajama (6,537m), and Mt. Thado Dhunga Tuppa (5,368m).
  • Explore the lifestyle, culture, and tradition of the people living in the area.
  • Explore the holy lake of Kali Dhunga.
     

Description

Api Himal Base Camp Trek (4,000 m) is an exciting and mesmerizing trek filled with adventurous trails. Near the Tibetian borders in the extreme northwest corner of Nepal, Api Himal is the tallest peak in the Yoka Pahar Gurans Himalayan region. Even if it is a rarely visited part of the Himalayas, it rises over the low surrounding terrain.  

Situated in one of the remote areas Darchula district of Nepal, this trek is far away from modern civilization. The trekking trails are peaceful and unspoiled with lots of scenic views provided to you. 

This trek provides you some of the mesmerizing views of Mt. Api (7,132 m), Mt. Kapchuli (6,850 m), Mt. Rajama (6,537m), and Mt. Thado Dhunga Tuppa (5,368m) including the Api Himalayan ranges. The beautiful green vegetation and flora and fauna fill the trekking trails. During the trek, you can see the amazing Mahakali valley, landscapes, sub-tropical and alpine vegetation, gorges, rivers, waterfalls, and streams.

Hindus and Buddhists live in this area. While your trek continues, you’ll explore the culture and tradition of the people living in that area. You’ll enjoy the daily activities and the typical lifestyle of the local people. The antique lifestyle, culture, and tradition are still untouched by modernity. 

During the trek, you’ll explore the hidden trails of the remote area. You can visit some of the museums, temples, and monasteries. While you walk through the trekking trails, you might meet some ethnic groups of people. Also, local people provide you with some of the best hospitality in every village you visit.

Api Himal Base Camp Trek continues your about two weeks. You’ll take an early flight towards Dhangadi from Kathmandu (1 hour and 15 minutes) according to your flight schedule. Then on the same day, you be heading towards Karkale in a private jeep. Then your trek starts from Karkale on the second day.

You’ll be ascending uphill while passing through different villages, beautiful landscapes, rivers, waterfalls, and many more while the mesmerizing Himalayan ranges accompany you. After you reach the most anticipated destination of the trip Api Base Camp (4,000 m), you’ll be descending downhill towards Gokuleshwor and stay in a guesthouse. After you reach Gokuleshwor, you’ll be driving towards Kathmandu from Gokuleshwor in a privet jeep or a bus and we depart. 

13 Days Api Base Camp Trek Itinerary

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Flight Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes & Driving duration: 9-10 hours

On the first day of Api Himal base camp trek, you’ll board a flight to Dhangadi from Kathmandu. Dhangadi is the capital of the Kailali district in Nepal. You can enjoy the beautiful aerial views of landscapes if the weather is clear.

After you reach Dhangadi, you’ll rest for a while then a private jeep will pick you up and you’ll be driving towards Karkale on the Mahakali highway. It’s going to be a long drive but you’ll enjoy the beautiful views of landscapes, mountain ranges, waterfalls along the way.

After you reach Karkale village, the basic lifestyle of the local people living in the area will surprise you. You’ll spend the night in a tented camp near the Karkale Khola (river). 

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 950m

Walking duration: 6-7 hours

Today, you’ll be trekking from Karkale to Chiureni after your breakfast. Chiureni is a small village famous for the butter trees found in the area. In the Nepali chiureni mean butter tree.

During the trek, you’ll be crossing many hanging bridges and walk through the beautiful villages and farmlands until you reach Chiureni. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Chiureni.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 1100m

Walking duration: 6-7 hours

Early in the morning, you’ll start your trek from Chiureni to Makarighat after your breakfast. The trekking trail follows the Chamliya Khola (river) moving ahead from Chiureni.

You’ll be exploring the scenic beauty of nature and villages accompanying you with the Api Himalayan range. The trail ascends through some narrow and straight paths Makarighat. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Makarighat. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 1800m

Walking duration: 6-7 hours

On this day, you’ll be trekking from Makarighat to Seti. The trail starts to ascend uphill towards Seti. You’ll be walking uphill constantly and climb the elevation of 1200 meters.

During the trek, you’ll come across many villages and local villagers. You’ll notice that their settlements are very scattered.

You can enjoy the amazing surroundings of the mountains and the green vegetation until you reach Seti. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Seti.  

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 3000m

Walking duration: 7 hours

Today, you’ll be trekking from Seti to Bayaligad after your breakfast. The trail ascends uphill through a narrow and steeper path.

Then you’ll reach a place called Lawathi village after 2 hours, this will be the last village of this trek. This place is also known as ‘Saheb Bagar’.

After some refreshment at Lawathi, you’ll walk uphill again fro 4-5 hours while passing through dense forest and rich vegetation until you reach Bayaligad. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Bayaligad.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 3400m

Walking duration: 6 hours

On this day, you’ll start your trek from Bayaligad to Simar after your breakfast. Simar is a famous place for ‘Yarshagumba’ (half plant half caterpillar) which is a type of fungus plant. This is a medicinal plant that grows in the summer season most of the time.

You’ll be ascending uphill gently through the dense forest and rich vegetation of different types of plants and wildlife until you reach Simar. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Simar.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 3600m

Walking duration: 5 hours

After breakfast, you’ll trek form Simar to Dhawaliwadar. Dhawaliwardar refers to a cave where nomadic people used to stay during the early days.

On the way towards Dhawaliwardar, you’ll see the beautiful Himalayan ranges and snow-covered peaks while walking through the dense forest and cross several small streams.

After trekking for about 5 hours you’ll reach Dhawaliwadar surrounded by high mountains open grassland and a few small caves. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Dhawaliwadar.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 3800m

Walking duration: 2 hours

This will be the most anticipated destination of your trekking journey. After your breakfast, you’ll start the trek from Dhawaliwadarm to Api Base Camp.

This short trek starts by ascending uphill while walking through the steep and narrow path surrounded by dense rhododendron forest and the beautiful mountain ranges on sight.

After you reach the Api Base Camp, the panoramic views of landscapes and different mountains such as Mt. Kapchuli (6,850 m), Mt. Rajama (6,537m), Mt. Thado Dhunga Tuppa (5,368m) and Mt. Api (7,132 m) will astound you.

Then you’ll walk further for Kali Dhunga from the base camp. Kali Dhunga is a holy place for both Hindu & Buddhist pilgrimage. Then again trek back to Api Base Camp. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Api Base Camp.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 4000m

Walking duration: 6 hours

On this day, you’ll be trekking from Api Base Camp to Saheb Bazaar. The trekking path starts to descend downhill. You’ll be walking back on the same trails while carrying lots of memories and experience from the Api Base Camp. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Saheb Bazaar.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 2800m

Walking duration: 7 hours

Today, you’ll be returning back to Makarighat from Saheb Bazaar. You’ll be following the same trekking trails as the return trip will be fast and easy.

After descending from the elevation of 1,000 meters and passing through dense forest and villages you’ll reach Makarighat. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Makarighat.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 1800m

Walking duration: 5 hours

On this day, you’ll be trekking from Makarighat to Bitule Chaur. You’ll follow the same trails and pass through many villages and many ups and downs.

After you arrive at Bitule Chaur, you’ll find yourself at a beautiful plain grounds. You can enjoy the view of the amazing landscapes and mountain range. Overnight stay in a tented camp at Bitule Chaur.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Altitude: 1200m

Walking duration: 6 hours

Today, you’ll be on a return trek towards Gokuleshwor from Bitule Chaur. You’ll be walking on a moderate trekking trail.

Finally, you’ll reach Gokuleshwor while passing through Karkale village and several other picturesque villages and rhododendron forests. Overnight stay in a teahouse at Gokuleshwor.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 850m

Drive duration: 13-14 hours

Early in the morning, a private jeep will pick you up at Gokuleshwor and you’ll be driving towards Kathmandu.

You’ll be carrying lots of beautiful and unforgettable memories and experience before you reach the bustling city of Kathmandu. The Api Himal Base Camp trek is successfully completed after you reach Kathmandu and then we depart.

  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Altitude: 1320m
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What to Expect

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickup and Drop
  • Camping Accommodation with 3 meals per day 
  • Guide, Porter & Helper with their salary, food, accommodation, transportation, and insurance
  • Use of sleeping bag & Duffel bag (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed)
  • Daily seasonal fresh fruits after dinner 
  • A first aid kit carried by the guide (Oximeter to measure your oxygen and pulse in high altitude)  
  • All necessary trekking permits
  • All Government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
  • Hotel & Meals in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses (Wifi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea / Coffee)
  • Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Tips for Guides, Porters, Helpers, and Drivers

Optional

  • 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu Twin Sharing on BB USD 60$ Per Night 

PRICES & DATES

Trip DatesAvailabilityPrice  
27 Nov, 2024 - 09 Dec, 2024GuaranteedUS$1800

Before departure to the trip, there will be a group meeting with the trekking guide at the office. He/She will answer all the queries that you have on your mind.

Meeting Location: Mount Mania Treks & Expedition P. Ltd., Samarpan Marg, Banasthali, Kathmandu, Nepal

Note: If you find difficult to come to our meeting location, send us the hotel details via email. Our guide will come to meet up with you individually. 

Useful Information

Trek Difficulty

Api Himal Base Camp trek is an adequate filled with adventurous and exciting trails. You’ll be enjoying the nature and scenic view provided to you by the trek. However, there are some hassles that you might face during the trek.

One of the main difficulties during the trek is altitude. As the trek elevates from 109 meters to 4,000 meters there will be more chances for altitude sickness. During the trek, you’ll be walking at a slow pace with easy steps. You’ll be taking lots of breaks and rest as you are trekking.

Being hydrated all the time is also important. As there are chances for you to face altitude sickness, keeping your body hydrated is a way to prevent it.

This trek is a moderate trek so if you’re not physically fit you can complete this trek successfully although it might be a little hard for you. Any experience and age can do this trek. You can do some light physical exercise 2-3 weeks before the trek. It will be very helpful for the trek.

As you ascend slowly towards your destination, the weather is not stable all the time. You’ll be facing rain, heat, cold and sometimes snowfall so, being equipped with the right and useful gear is a must. Lightweight packing with useful and handy equipment is also important.      

So, in order to complete the trek successfully, we provide you with some of the experienced and professional guides. They will be helping you in every step of your trekking journey and be with you all the time.

Best Time 

Api Himal Base Camp Trek is a wonderful trekking journey. The popular month for trekking in Nepal is in spring (March to May) and autumn(September to November) season. The skies are clear and beautiful during these seasons. You can see the snow-covered peaks and the Himalayan ranges up close with the clouds distracting you. 

The green vegetation and beautiful flora and fauna fill the trekking routes. The landscapes, rivers, gorge, and waterfalls are very beautiful during these seasons.

But, this trek is doable in other months and seasons also. However, you’ll need proper planning and the right trekking gear to deal with the weather and temperature.

Food and Accommodation

Providing the best accommodation and food facilities for you is our duty. During your stay in Kathmandu, the food and accommodation facilities will be according to your choice. The rooms are clean and comfortable with proper facilities. According to your choice and requirements, you can taste different types of Nepali flavors and international cuisines.

But as your trekking journey starts, you’ll be spending the nights at the tented camps and you’ll be eating typical Nepali (Dal Bhat, Dhindo, local bread and many more) foods yet very healthy and energy-giving foods. These foods are important for you during the trek as they provide you with the required protein and energy.

At Gokuleshwor you’ll be staying at an average guesthouse. The trekking route itself is a very remote area, so don’t expect standard accommodation and food facilities in these guesthouses.

It might be hard for you to cook food and spend nights in a tent camp. But these hardships make your trekking journey more memorable and exciting. Proper camping items for the tented camp is also necessary. Make sure you bring a comfortable sleeping bag and favorite drinks and snacks along the trek.