Api Base Camp Trek

Arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, you’ll be greeted with a private vehicle for a seamless transfer to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu. Our dedicated representative will personally welcome you and provide a comprehensive briefing regarding the details and information about the Apil Himal hiking experience.

Following breakfast, our day kicks off with a visit to the renowned world heritage sites nestled within Kathmandu city. The tour encompasses iconic landmarks such as the sacred Boudhanath Stupa, the revered Pashupati temple, the historical Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the majestic Syambhunath Stupa. At the Pashupati Hindu temple, visitors have the opportunity to witness the solemn Hindu cremation ceremonies conducted along the banks of the Bagmati river.

Following breakfast, embark on a guided drive to the airport for your flight to Dhangadhi airport. Serving as the capital of the Kailali District, Dhangadhi awaits a mere seventy-five-minute flight from Kathmandu, offering stunning views on clear days. Upon arrival, transfer to the pre-booked tourist-standard hotel in Dhangadhi via a private vehicle arranged for your comfort.

While in Dhangadhi, there’s ample opportunity to delve into the town’s charms, including visits to the vibrant Dhangadhi town itself. Serene Jokhar Lake and the intriguing Aircraft Museum, and the lush Botanical Garden are a prime things to see. To traverse these attractions, bicycles provide an excellent means of exploration. For those desiring a comprehensive tour of the town via a private car, an additional cost applies.

Today’s journey leads us from Dhangadhi to Gokuleshwar via the Mahakali Highway, spanning approximately eight hours. Hence, an early morning departure is imperative to ensure arrival before nightfall. We opt for a light breakfast, reserving a heartier lunch for our midday stop during the drive.

After around four hours of traversing hills, our path leads us to Dadeldhura, nestled in Nepal’s far western region. Here, we pause for lunch before continuing our journey along winding roads snaking through the hills, ultimately arriving at the enchanting destination of Gokuleshwor. Trekkers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, the picturesque Chamelyia Valley, and mesmerizing river gorges along the route.

Given that it’s the inaugural day of our drive, we settle in for the night at a local lodge in Gokuleshwar, embracing the comforts it offers after a day of scenic exploration.

Following breakfast, we start on a two-hour drive to Latinath, the initial juncture for commencing the API Himal climbing expedition. Our overland route to Latinath meanders alongside the picturesque Chameliya River, affording glimpses of the expansive landscape and passing by the region’s largest hydroelectric power plant in the Far West of Nepal.

Upon arrival at Latinath, our trek to the Api Base Camp commences. This journey leads us through fascinating scenery to Paribagar, a charming village adorned with quaint local houses. Here, we select a suitable campsite to establish our overnight stay, soaking in the tranquility of this beautiful location.

Our trek to Makrigadi unveils a trail lined with traditional stone houses, ancient farm terraces, and the pristine vistas of Nepal’s Far West. Our journey persists along the banks of the Chameliya River, leading us through a progression of landscapes, from the subtropical forests to the enchanting realms of subalpine vegetation—comprising fir, oak, hemlock, and vibrant rhododendron forests—ultimately culminating in our arrival at Makrigadi.

Our day commences with a brief yet steep ascent towards the Chameliya River, crossing its course before ascending the gorge, leading us onward to the Pato village. After a fulfilling lunch at Duck, our climb ahead remains moderate yet consistent. Progressing along this secluded, undulating path, we traverse the final mountain ridge. A swift descent follows, guiding us to the serene and picturesque destination of Siti.

Recheck all hiking gears and begin your journey to our current destination Domal. From Siti, it was initially a descent to the village of Khayekot. A beautiful village that has located on the banks of the river Chameliya. The settlement of Khayekot is also mentioned as the last permanent settlement in the Chameliya Valley. We’ll stop for lunch in Khayekot. After lunch, we slowly climbed to Domal. Domal is a crossroads of the Chameliya and Rokap rivers and is considered a very sacred place in the area.

Our journey today commences with a challenging steep ascent, rewarding us with breathtaking views at the summit. Once atop, the trail gains momentum, guiding us through enchanting forests and expansive meadows.

After approximately five hours of hiking, we arrive at a captivating open grassland nestled amidst towering mountains and vibrant rhododendron forests, adorned with several quaint caves. Embrace the awe-inspiring panorama surrounding us as we settle into our tent camp for the evening at Dhaulo Odar, relishing the beauty of this serene setting.

Today marked the pinnacle of anticipation throughout our camping expedition—the arrival at the base camp of Mount Fire. Following breakfast, we prepare our packed lunches and commence our hike towards the Api base camp. A trek lasting approximately two and a half hours leads us from Daulo Odar mountain to a vast, expansive plain enclosed by majestic mountains—recognized as the Api Himal Base Camp.

This location grants us an unparalleled view of Mt. Api (7,132 m), alongside the impressive peaks of Mt. Kapchuli (6,850m), Thado Dhunga Tuppa (5,368m), and Nandadevi (7,817m). Our journey continues as we venture towards the origin of the Chameliya River, pausing to explore a nearby small temple erected by the local community.

Lunch awaits us before we proceed to visit the sacred Pilkandaha lake, concluding our expedition by returning to Daulo Odar. In terms of breathtaking landscapes and panoramic mountain vistas, the Api Himal base camp stands out as a peerless trekking experience amidst Nepal’s diverse offerings.

Following an unforgettable sojourn at the Api Himal base camp, we make our way back to Siti village accompanied by our entire crew. En route, our path winds past picturesque agricultural terraces and verdant green hills, enhancing the scenic beauty of our return journey.

Our trailhead leads us along Berm, traversing forests, agricultural fields, and quaint human settlements on our way to Makrigaad. Throughout the journey, travelers will relish glimpses of the majestic Himalayas. Our lunch break awaits us in Pato, and thereafter, a steady descent guides us onward to reach the charming village of Makrigaad.

Begin our journey towards Latinath afetr breakfast. A downhill hike of approximately four hours guides us towards Latinath, passing through Paribagar along the way. Trailhead to Latinath is relatively gentle and boasts picturesque views, offering a serene walk amid nature’s beauty.

Upon reaching Latinath, if time permits, we’ll embark on a brief stroll to visit the Hindu temple situated above the area. However, if time is limited, we’ll opt for a two-hour bus ride directly to Gokuleshwar. Upon arrival, we’ll establish a camp in Gokuleshwar, where we’ll spend the night.

Grab a quick early morning breakfast before hopping on the regular bus departure. Pack up all the camping gear and head to the Gokuleshwar Bus Station to catch a bus bound for Dhangadhi town.

Bus Journey route winds through stunning green hills adorned with terraced farms, quaint villages, and inviting tea houses along the roadside. By afternoon, the bus reaches Dadeldhura, where we pause for lunch and take a brief rest before resuming our journey to Dhangadhi via the Mahakali Highway.

After an approximately 9-hour scenic drive filled with breathtaking vistas, we arrive at our hotel in Dhangadhi town. It’s here that we’ll spend the night, settling in after a long day of travel.

We head to the airport to catch our scheduled flight to Kathmandu. This picturesque journey by air spans approximately 75 minutes before touching down at Kathmandu airport. Upon arrival, transfer to your designated hotel in Kathmandu. Campers have the opportunity for some last-minute shopping, selecting souvenirs for their families and loved ones before concluding this memorable trip.