Overview:

This remote and less-explored trek lies in the Sudurpaschim Province of Far West Nepal. Mount Api, 7132 meters, is the tallest mountain in the region. This trek provides a unique opportunity to explore one of the most isolated and culturally rich areas of Nepal. The region is largely untouched by modernization and tourism, making it an ideal destination for trekkers seeking solitude and wilderness.

Reaching the Api Base Camp requires a long journey, starting with a flight to Dhangadhi. The lack of established infrastructures in the farwest means that the trekkers must be well-prepared for this trek. You can get panoramic views of the mountains up close during this trek. This trek serves a heavenly feeling with extreme geographical conditions and fluctuating elevation. Let’s have a closer look on this trek.

Trekking Route For Api Base Camp:

Kathmandu-Dhangadhi: Day 1/ Dhangadhi-Latinath: Day 2/ Latinath-Makarigad: Day 3/ Khandeshowri-Thumti: Day 4/ Lumcha-Chirchire: Day 5/ Dhaule odar-Api Base Camp: Day 6 (This route only covers the ascend up to the Base Camp)

Some Important Facts of the Api Base Camp Trek:

  1. Trek Duration: 12 days
  2. Highest Point: 4000 meters
  3. Trek Difficulty: Challenging
  4. Walking Duration: 5-6 hours per day on average.
  5. Accommodation: Tea Houses, Lodges

Some Tips To Enhance Your Trek:

  • Best Time For this Trek: Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to trek in this region. The weather is stable, and the views of the Api Himal and its surroundings are clearly visible during this time of the year.
  • Guides: Due to the remoteness of this place, it is highly recommended to take a guide with you. Guides can help you with navigation and safety.
  • Packing Essentials: Wear comfortable hiking boots, and bring enough clothing to adapt to varying temperatures. As you may have to camp, bring a sleeping bag with you. Also included are altitude sickness medications, painkillers, and bandages.
  • Hydration and Food: Drink boiled or purified water. Hydration is essential at high altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. Eat simple, high-energy meals like traditional dal bhat and noodles, which are easily available at tea houses.
Api Base Camp
View From Api Base Camp (Source: Api Saipal Group)

 

 Itinerary of the Api Base Camp trek:

  • Day 1: Kathmandu to Dhangadhi– You can choose to fly to Dhangadhi or travel by bus. The bus journey is 17 hours long and can be difficult due to the road conditions.
  • Day 2: Attariya to Latinath– You will travel from Dhangadhi to Latinath in a night bus. The total distance is 260 km and will take you 12 hours to complete.
  • Day 3: Latinath to Khandeshwori– You’ll travel from Latinath to Makarigad in a bus. From there, trek to Khandeshwori.
  • Day 4: Khandeshowri to Lumcha– On the 4th day, you will trek to Lumcha, which can take 7 hours to complete.
  • Day 5: Lumcha to Chirchire– It wont take much to reach Chirchire from Lumcha, it can take 5 hours to complete.
  • Day 6: Simar to Dhaure Odar– Simar to Dhaule odar is really nice place to trek because beautiful wide valley and and Nice land scape with Mountain View.
  • Day 7: Dhaule Odar to Api Base Camp– This 15 km stretch is one of the most challenging parts of the trek.
  • Day 8: Dhaule Odar to Chirchire– The descent journey begins from Dhaule Odar, and you’ll reach Chirchire on the 8th day.
  • Day 9: Chirchire to Ghusa- Jhusku– This is a downhill walk upto the River side and bit climb to Jhusku home stay.
  • Day 10: Jhusku to Makarigad– Trek Jhusku to Makarigad is a 4 Km journey and  it takes maximum one and half hour.
  • Day 11: Latinath to Attariya– This 260 km journey takes around 12 hours.
  • Day 12: Attariya to Kathmandu– You can travel to Dhangadhi and take a flight back or travel in a night bus to reach Kathmandu.

Conclusion:

The Api Base Camp trek offers an experience like no other. The remoteness of this region is a perfect way for trekkers to experience solitude and a deeper connection with nature. The diverse landscapes, from dense green forests to high-altitude meadows, provide a rewarding challenge for trekkers. Though less frequent than other trekking destinations, the Api Base Camp trek offers incredible natural beauty. For anyone looking to experience the far-western region of Nepal, this trek is an ideal choice, offering a true sense of adventure and wilderness in the remote part of Nepal.

If you’d like to go on a hike around Kathmandu, Chandragiri Hill Hike