Api Base Camp Trek

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Hotels in Cities and Camping during Trek
Grade:	Moderate
Max Altitude:	4,250 m/13,944 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Group Size:	2 to 15 People
Duration :	15 Nights/16 Days

Highlights of The Trek

Trek to the Base Camp of Api Mountain at 4,250 m along Sacred Chameliya River and Mahakali Valley
Great View of Mt. Api at 7,132 m, Mt. Nampa at 6,929 m and Mt. Bobaye at 6,808 m
Api Nampa Conservation Area which was established in 2010
Enjoy Tharu People and Culture of Far Western Region
Visit the Ancient Villages of Far Western Region
Visit Saukas people who collects Yarshagumba (Cordyceps) between May and June around Api Base Camp
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu

Day 03: Fly to Dhangadhi (109 m/ 358 ft)-1 Hour

Day 04: Drive to Gokuleshwar (8, 50 m/2,789 ft) via Dadeldhura -8 Hours

Day 05: Drive to Latinath (1,004 m/3,294 ft)-2 Hours & Trek to Paribagar -1.5 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Makarigaad (1,800 m/5,905 ft)-5 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Seti (3,000 m/9,843 ft) via Pato(2,189 m/7,182 ft)-6/7 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Domal- 6 / 7 Hours

Day 09: Trek to Dhaulo Odar or Lower Api Base Camp (3,800 m/12,467 ft)-6 Hours

Day 10: Trek to Api Base Camp (4,250 m/13,944 ft) - 3 Hours

Day 11: Trek back to Seti-7/8 Hours

Day 12: Trek back to Makarigaad- 6 Hours

Day 13: Trek back to Latinath (4 Hours) and drive to Gokuleshwar-2 Hours

Day 14: Drive back to Dhangadhi -8 Hours

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Api Mountain Base Camp Trek in the Far Western Region is the remotest trail that leads to the Base Camp of highest mountain of the region, Mt. Api (7,132 m). This beautiful trek in Api Nampa Conservation Area which was established in 2010 to conserve the natural beauty and Eco system goes along the Mahakali Valley, Steep gorges, waterfalls, different types of forests, high alpine pasture and the Himalayan mountains. Api Base Camp Trek also goes along the Sacred Chameliya River and to its source just underneath Mt. Api before reaching its base camp.

Api Base Camp trek starts with city sightseeing in Kathmandu and 1 hour flight to Dhangadhi. We start and end our trek at Latinath which is around 8 hours drive from Dhangadhi through beautiful hilly roads. We trek through beautiful villages of Paribagar, Makarigaad, Seti, Domal along the bank of Chameliya river. From Lower Api Base Camp (Dhaulo Odar), we make a day trip to Api Base Camp or stay overnight at Base Camp which is in an open meadow. Also you will have great opportunity to see the local Saukas people of Changrue village collecting Yarshagumba (Cordyceps) during harvesting season between May and June around Api Base Camp.

The cultural treasures and beautiful landscapes along the trail makes this trek one of the beautiful memories Nepal has to offer to the adventure seekers. The best season are Autumn and Spring and can be trekked in winter as well. We stay at good hotel in Dhangadhi and throughout the trek, we will have fully organized camping arrangements.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

After arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, our office representative welcomes you with Garland and takes you to hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have briefing on trek and equipment check by our Trek Manager and Trek Guide. Then, we will take you for dinner to make you introduced with Nepalese food habits and Culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Then, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get Throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie Era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Fly to Dhangadhi (109 m/ 358 ft)-1 Hour

After breakfast, we drive to Kathmandu Domestic Airport for flight to Dhangadhi. After check-in into hotel, we explore Dhangadhi town. In the evening we do cycling to the Jakhor Lake.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Dhangadhi.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Drive to Gokuleshwar (8, 50 m/2,789 ft) via Dadeldhura -8 Hours

After breakfast, we drive to Gokuleshwar via Dadeldhura on the hilly highway. In Dadeldhura, we will stop for lunch and continue our journey on the winding road through the hills, having amazing views of the Himalaya and Chamelyia valley. We reach Gokuleshwar in the evening.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Gokuleshwar.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Drive to Latinath (1,004 m/3,294 ft)-2 Hours & Trek to Paribagar -1.5 Hours

We drive to Latinath (1,004 m) for 2 hours and start out trek along the Chameliya River and through the biggest hydro power station in the Far-West Nepal to the beautiful village of Paribagar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Paribagar.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Makarigaad (1,800 m/5,905 ft)-5 Hours

Our trail leads us through traditional villages located in the middle-hills, a land untouched by the hand of time. Ascending upwards we pass ancient agricultural terraces and traditional stone houses. After lunch we continue walking along the Chameliya River passing subtropical pine forest, subalpine fir, hemlock, oak and rhododendron forests in the higher areas. Makarigaad is a lovely small settlement.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Makarigaad.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Seti (3,000 m/9,843 ft) via Pato(2,189 m/7,182 ft)-6/7 Hours

Today’s trek starts with a short steep climb before crossing the Chameliya River. After that we climb up the gorge towards the village of Pato (2,189m) where we have our lunch. Though steep, the spectacular view is incomparable. We take a gentle but steady climb after Pato till the last ridge for the day then go gently down towards Seti village.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Seti.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Domal- 6 / 7 Hours

Our trail goes downhill to the village of Khayekot (2,036m), the last permanent settlement in the Chamelyia valley, on the bank of the Chameliya River. Here we have our lunch and continue with our trek up to Domal, a sacred place where Chameliya river meets Rokap river.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Domal.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Trek to Dhaulo Odar or Lower Api Base Camp (3,800 m/12,467 ft)-6 Hours

We start our journey from Domal by taking one steep climb shortly after we leave Domal. From here the trail continues through forest and open pasture areas until we reach Dhaulo Odar, or “Lower Api Base Camp”. The open grassland area with Rhododendron forest on the sides and surrounded by high mountains forms our campsite area. A few small caves are found here.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Lower Api Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Trek to Api Base Camp (4,250 m/13,944 ft) - 3 Hours

It takes about 3 hours to climb from the “Lower Base Camp” to Api Base Camp. The Base Camp is a big open plateau with mountain peaks surrounding it. Mt. Api (7,132m) rises majestically at the north side, besides Mt. Nampa (6,929m) and Mt. Bobaye (6,808m) to the east. We can continue walking on the plateau and visit the source of the Chameliya River which you have been following since Gokuleshwar. Like everywhere else in Nepal Mountains and rivers are sacred and presenting deities. Local people have built small temples to worship the deities and pray for protection and a good future. You will have great opportunity to see the local Saukas people of Changrue village collecting Yarshangumba (Cordyceps) during harvesting season around Api Base Camp.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Api Base Camp.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek back to Seti-7/8 Hours

We take our last look at Mt. Api and start walking slowly back to the village of Seti. We walk mostly downhill till Khayekot where we have lunch. From Khayekot we leave the Chameliya River and climb steeply up through agricultural terraces to the village of Seti.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Seti.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Trek back to Makarigaad- 6 Hours

We take off from Siti along the ridge through forests, agricultural fields, and small settlements. Gradually, we walk back into civilization. We have a chance to take a glimpse at the Himalayas Range saying “goodbye”. We have lunch in Pato and walk steadily downhill to Makarigaad.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Makarigaad.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Trek back to Latinath (4 Hours) and drive to Gokuleshwar-2 Hours

Today is the last day of our trek as we trek back to Latinath. It is very pleasant and less strenuous. We take a vehicle at Latinath to Gokuleshwar (2 hours drive). If time allows we take a small trek to a famous Hindu temple just above the village of Latinath.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tented Camp in Gokuleswar.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Drive back to Dhangadhi -8 Hours

After breakfast, we drive back to Dhangadhi on the same highway. We stop again at Dadeldhura for lunch and continue drive to Dhangadhi.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Dhangadhi.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we drive to airport for flight back to Kathmandu. Free afternoon or sightseeing can be arranged. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner to mark great success of Api Base Camp Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast we will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

3 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of taxes and service charges.
2 Nights Accommodation at Hotel Devotee in Dhangadhi on twin share inclusive of taxes and service charges.
All Inclusive Api Base Camp Trek (10 Nights/11 Days) with Experienced Trek Guide, Cook and Kitchen Team, porters and other necessary support team.
Sleeping Tent, Toilet Tent, Dining Tent, Dining Set Up and all necessary camping equipment.
Kathmandu/Dhangadhi/Kathmandu flight with transfers.
Dhangadhi/Gokuleshwor/Latinath/Gokuleshwor/Dhangadhi Drive by Private Jeep.
Welcome and Farewell Dinners in Kathmandu.
Meals as per the itinerary mentioned.
Comprehensive First Aid Kits.
Meals, Accommodation and Insurance for Trek Team.
Api Nampa Conservation Area Special Permit and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS Card).
24/7 Assistance from Kathmandu Office.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fee(USD 50/- for 30 Days).
Mobile/camera charges during the trek.
Personal nature of expenses like bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Tips to Guides and Porters (It is not mandatory but highly recommended).
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
Other than in our include section.