Api Base Camp Trek is one of the untouched treks in Nepal. API is the name of the mountain in far western Nepal. If you want to explore the untouched place of Nepal, if you want to explore something amazing API Base Camp Trek will be the best place to explore. API Base Camp Trekking is an adventure trekking that will lead your base of the API mountain. This trek offers you natural scenery, with the tallest mountain view like API (7132m), Nampa (6929m), Bobaye (6808m), and other snow-capped mountains surrounding the valley. It is one of the remote routes in Nepal and far behind in development compared to other parts of Nepal.
This trek passes through the Api Nampa Conservation Area, which covers an area of 1903 Km2, and the area is considered a habitat for endangered animals like musk deer, snow leopards, and birds like Himalayan Monal.
Trek Highlights
- Experience remote places in Nepal
- Flight to Dhangadhi and transfer to Khalanga
- Spectacular view of Mt Api (7132m), Mt Nampa (6929m)
- Lakes and glacier
Permit for Api Base Camp Trek
You need to buy a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, the guiding company will arrange the card. This card plays a role to trek in Nepal and the safety of trekkers, this card cost $10.
Api Nampa Conservation area permit is also required which costs Rs 3,000 Nepalese currency and cost Nepali Rs 500 for the citizen of SAARC.
Accommodation and Meal
The Api Base camp area is one of the most remote places and least developed areas of Nepal. The area is mostly visited during herb collecting season, known as Yarsaghumba, and there are no facilities for tea houses on the trail.
You need to have enough supplies and a tent, with no electricity, Wifi, a hospital, and banks nearby. So, you need to be much prepared for this trek.
The difficulty of the trek.
You need to be physically fit for this trek. Due to the increase in altitude, this trek is slightly difficult. You need to walk around 5-6 hours a day for more than that. Experience in high-altitude trekking is beneficial, you hike 4,100m up to Kali Dhunga Lake.
Best time for trekking to Api Base Camp
The best to visit Api Base Camp is September, October, November and March, April, and May. During this time the weather will be suitable and the skies will be clear, making the good condition for trekking. You can also trek from June to August but be prepared for heavy rainfall and possible landslides.
Api Base Camp trek itinerary
Day 1. Kathmandu to Karkale (950m)
On this day, we will fly to Dhangadi from Kathmandu which is a 1 hour 15 minutes flight and you will drive to Karkale from Dhangadi which is 9-10 hours. By seeing the lifestyle of Karkale village you will be surprised and you will spend the in Karkale.
Day 2. Karkale to Chiureni (1100m)
After breakfast, early in the morning, you will be trekking to Chiureni which is a 6-7 hours hike. During the trek, you will be crossing many bridges and a beautiful village. Overnight at tent.
Day 3. Chiureni to Makarighat (1800m)
On this day, you will trek to Makarighat, and during the trek, you will follow the Chamliya river. You will explore the scenic beauty of the village and API Himal range, and ascend the narrow road to your destination. Overnight at tent.
Day 4. Makarighat to Seti (3000m)
On this day, you gain altitude up to Seti which takes 6-7 hours. You will be climbing uphill constantly until to reach Seti. During the trek, you come across many villages and enjoy the surrounding mountains. Overnight at tent.
Day 5. Seti to Bayaligad (3400m)
After breakfast, you will trek to Bayaligad which takes around 7-8 hours. You hike through a narrow and steep path. After 2 hours of hike, you will reach Lawathi village, which is the last village of this trek.
After some rest at Lawathi village, you will hike uphill for 4-5 hours. The trail passes through the dense forest till you reach Bayaligad. Overnight at tent.
Day 6. Bayaligad to Simar (3600m)
After breakfast, you will continue your hike up to Simar which takes 6 hours. This place is famous for Yarshagumba known as the fungus plant. It is a medical plan which grows during the summer season.
You will ascend uphill until you reach Simar. Overnight at tent.
Day 7. Simar to Dhawaliwadar (3800m)
On this day you will trek to Dhawaliwadar which takes 5 hours of hike. On this day you will see Himalayan ranges and snow-capped mountains.
Dhawliwadar is open grassland surrounded by high mountains. Overnight at tent.
Day 8. Dhawaliwadar to Api Base Camp (4000m)
Early in the morning, you start your hike to Api Base Camp, the most awaited place destination the trekking. You hike uphill which takes around 2 hours surrounded by dense rhododendron forest and mountain ranges.
After reaching Api Base Camp you will encounter a paranomic view of mountains like Mt. Api (7132m), Mt. Kapchuli (6850m), and Mt. Rajama (6537m).
You will walk to Kali Dhunga from the base camp, this place is known as a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists. After exploring the base camp. Overnight at tent.
