3900m/12795.28ft

MAX-ALTITUDE

Darchula,Nepal

LOCATION

GROUP-SIZE

Minimum 02

DIFFICULTY

Hard

The Api Base Camp Trek is a captivating journey that takes you through Nepal’s far-western region’s remote and unspoiled landscapes. This trek begins with a scenic drive from Dhangadhi to Gokuleswor, followed by a series of treks through lush mid-hills and alpine terrains. The trek to Api Base Camp (3,900 m) is the pinnacle of this adventure, offering breathtaking views of the Api Himal (7,132 m), one of Nepal’s most impressive yet lesser-known peaks.


Itinerary
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu.

Upon arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, one of the representatives of Himalayan Holidays meets, assist and transfer to hotel. After welcome refreshments and room check in the hotel, there will be a short briefing and orientation about the trek.

Eve: Trip briefing followed by welcome dinner.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: Dinner

 

Day 02

Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and Fly to Dhangadhi - 1hr 10min approx

After breakfast day begins with a captivating sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, focusing on two of the city’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square and Boudhanath Stupa. The day starts at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historical and cultural hub where ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards reflect the rich artistry and religious heritage of the Malla kings. This area is a living museum, showcasing the unique Newari architecture and vibrant local culture. After exploring the square, the journey continues to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world and a center of Tibetan Buddhism. The serene atmosphere of Boudhanath offers a tranquil contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle, and here you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch with a view of the majestic stupa, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags and the soft hum of prayer wheels.

Post-lunch, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Dhangadhi, a 1 hour and 10-minute journey that transitions you from the lively capital to the peaceful plains of the Terai. This flight offers a bird’s-eye view of Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from the verdant hills of the Kathmandu Valley to the flat, fertile expanses of the Terai. The day is significant as it blends cultural immersion with the start of your adventure, linking the spiritual heart of Nepal with the natural beauty of its southern lowlands.

Overnight at hotel in Dhangadi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

 

Day 03

Drive to Gokuleswor – (6-8Hrs.)

A scenic drive from Dhangadhi to Gokuleswor in Darchula brings you closer to the Himalayan foothills. This drive offers a glimpse of rural Nepal and the cultural richness of the far-western region, setting the tone for the trek.

Overnight at Tea Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04

Drive to Makarigadh(3-4hrs) and trek to Khandeswori(3-4hrs)

After a short drive to Makarigadh, the trek begins with a 3-4 hour walk to Khandeswori at 2,213 meters. This day is significant as it marks the start of your trek into the mid-hills, where you’ll encounter traditional villages and sacred sites, immersing yourself in the local culture and natural beauty.

Overnight at Tea Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05

Trek to Nali village(2430m)(4-5hrs)

The trek to Nali Village involves a 4-5 hour walk, gradually ascending to 2,430 meters. This stage is crucial for acclimatization as you enter higher altitudes. The village provides a peaceful setting to experience the local way of life and the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.

Overnight at Tea Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06

Acclimitazation/Rest day at Tea Lodge (2430m)

A well-deserved rest day in Nali allows your body to acclimate to the elevation and recover from the previous days’ travel. It’s a chance to explore the local area, interact with the community, and prepare for the upcoming trek.

Overnight at Tea Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 07

Trek to Simar(2930m)(5-6hrs)

A 5-6 hour trek leads to Simar at 2,930 meters, bringing you closer to the alpine zone. The day’s walk is challenging, with steep ascents, but the reward is the stunning scenery and the increasing proximity to the Api Himal range.

Overnight at Tea Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 08

Trek to Api Base Camp(3900m)(5-6hrs)

This day involves a demanding 5-6 hour trek to Api Himal Base Camp at 3,900 meters. The base camp offers awe-inspiring views of the Api Himal (7,132 m), one of Nepal’s least explored yet most magnificent peaks. This high-altitude trek is a highlight of the journey, providing a sense of achievement and connection with the Himalayas.

Overnight at Tea Lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09

Explore Api Base Camp and return to Dhouli Odar(3500m)(3-5hrs)

A day dedicated to exploring the Api Himal Base Camp and its surroundings, followed by a return to Dhouli Odar at 3,500 meters. This exploration allows you to immerse yourself in the pristine alpine environment, with opportunities for photography and reflection before descending to lower altitudes.

Overnight at Tea Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Trek back to Nali (2430m)(6-7hrs)

The return trek to Nali Village is a 6-7 hour journey, retracing your steps through the stunning landscapes. This descent is easier on the body and offers a chance to revisit and appreciate the terrain from a new perspective.

Overnight at Tea Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Trek back to Makarigadh(4-5hrs) and Drive to Gokuleswor (3-4)

A final trek back to Makarigadh is followed by a drive to Gokuleswor. This day marks the completion of the trekking portion, transitioning from the mountains back to the lower hills, with time to reflect on the adventure.

Overnight at Tea Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12

Drive to Mahendranagar (Suklaphata National Park) (229m)

A drive to Mahendranagar brings you to the plains, where you’ll visit Suklaphata National Park. The park is a sanctuary for wildlife, including the rare swamp deer, offering a stark contrast to the mountain landscapes you’ve experienced.

Overnight at hotel in Mahendranagar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13

Explore Shuklaphata national Park (229m)

A full day to explore Suklaphata National Park, where you can enjoy wildlife viewing and birdwatching in one of Nepal’s most pristine Terai ecosystems. This day is significant for connecting with nature and understanding the biodiversity of the region.

Overnight at hotel in Mahendranagar.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14

Drive to Bardiya National Park (159m)

A 4-5 hour drive brings you to Bardiya National Park, another gem of the Terai. The journey is an opportunity to observe the changing landscape as you move deeper into the subtropical lowlands.

Overnight at hotel in Bardiya.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15

Explore Bardiya and Tiger Encounter Jeep Safari

A thrilling day in Bardiya National Park includes a jeep safari focused on spotting the elusive Bengal tiger. The park is known for its dense jungles and diverse wildlife, making this day an adventurous highlight.

Overnight at hotel in Bardiya.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16

Drive to Nepalgunj and Fly to Kathmandu

The final leg of the journey involves a drive to Nepalgunj, followed by a flight back to Kathmandu. This day marks the end of your adventure, with a return to the capital where you can relax and reflect on the diverse experiences of your trek and exploration.

Eve: Trip experience sharing followed by farewell dinner.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17

Drive to TIA for departure

Relax your free time until departure by strolling around Thamel and buying souvenirs and gifts items for your beloved ones and timely transfer to international airport for onward Journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Got any question or Inquiries about the trip ?

In the morning after breakfast go for a walk and later return for lunch. After lunch the guest are free to rest.

Call our experts +977-9851031177
Inclusions
Cost Includes
  • All transfers, drives as per itinerary in a private tourist vehicle accompanied by English speaking guide from Himalayan Holidays.
  • Two Night’s stay at hotel in Kathmandu hotel (as above) in Single Room Basis with bed and breakfast basis inclusive of all applicable taxes.
  • Nine night stay at lodge (as above) in Twin Sharing Basis basis
  • 16 night’s/17 days Trek “Api Base Camp” as per Itinerary including all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), accommodation in best available Teahouses/Trekkers Lodges with a team of English Speaking Trek Guide & strong and reliable porters.
  • The service of English-speaking trekking guide and a reliable porter.
  • Permit fees.
  • Round Airfare Airfare Kathmandu-Dhangadi-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu
  • Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city with English speaking guide including entrance fees.
  • Guide Round Airfare of Kathmandu/Dhangadi/Nepalgunj/Kathmandu.
  • Welcome & Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu.
Cost Excludes
  • International airfares.
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Kathmandu extra expenses
  • Single Room Supplement during trek
  • Items of a personal nature such as; Tips to Guide & Porters/Sherpa, laundry, bar bills, alcoholic beverages extra mileage, optional tours such as Mountain Flights, telephone calls, internet services, personal gratuities as tips to guides, bell-hops or hotel porters, drivers, etc.
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance or “Umbrella Insurance” to cover – Illness, hospitalization, travel medicines, loss of valuables, thefts, change of itinerary, flight and tour cancellations due to unavoidable circumstances and most of all Emergency Helicopter Charter for evacuation purpose
  • Any items that are not mentioned in above the costs include section.
Frequently Asked Questions

Nepal visa is easily issued from Nepalese Embassy in your country. Nepal also issue on arrival visa for 15 days, 30 days and 90 days charging fee of USD 25, USD 40 and USD 100 respectively. Please carry two passport size photos along with you.

Best season for trekking in Nepal is from March to May and September to November. During this time weather is clear and warm. But, if you like to avoid crowd then best time for your trek will be from May to September.

Yes, we do provide international airport pick up and drop off services. Outside terminal, our staff will be displaying companies play card or your name card depending upon group size, for your convenience.

It is compulsory to have your insurance before you visit Nepal. For trekking and Alpine Climbing you must have High Altitude Insurance. And for Tour and sightseeing you must have travel insurance.

You must be physically fit and healthy for trekking in Nepal. It’s better to do at least 2 hours morning or evening walk to prepare yourself for this trekking. Please let us know in advance if you have any medical problems like heart disease, asthma and blood pressure.

Difficulty level depends upon the remoteness and altitude of the trekking route. Basically, trekking below 3,000m is easy. Higher the altitude, it’s more difficult to walk.

In trekking, wide variety of food is available. Teahouses prepare Nepali food, Indian food and Continental food as per menu. All the foods are freshly prepared. We suggest you not to consume meat items during the trekking.

Basically, we accommodate our clients in 3 to 4 star hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and other major cities in standard rooms on twin sharing basis. For luxury package we accommodate you in 5 star and beautiful boutique hotels in available places. On trek we accommodate you in best available lodges and teahouses standard rooms on twin sharing basis and occasionally dormitory on busy season.

In teahouse trekking basic facilities are available, with clean rooms, blankets, freshly cooked warm food. Sometimes there will be common toilets and bathrooms outside your room. Warm water is available for shower on extra cost.

Means of transportation depends on places you travel. We have our own fleet of transportation like car, jeep, Hiace and Coaster tourist bus for ground transfer. Domestic airplane and helicopter are used for air transportation.

Weather in the Mountains is highly unpredictable. So we should always be prepared to tackle the cold. From March to May and September to November in the morning and evening temperature will be (from 3000m to 6000m) 0 degree Celsius to 5 degree Celsius, in afternoon it will rise upto 20 degree Celsius to 25 degree Celsius and at night it might fall down till -5 degree Celsius to -10 degree Celsius. Similarly, during winter i.e. December, January and February there will be heavy snowfall in the Mountains dropping temperature till -15 degree Celsius at night. Morning and evening will be around -5 to 5 degree Celsius and temperature will rise upto 15 degree Celsius during day time. And our monsoon season from June to August where we expect heavy and continuous rainfall. But if we go above 3000m altitude ratio of rainfall will decrease. Temperature during day will reach upto 25 degree Celsius high and reduce till 0 degree Celsius to -5 degree Celsius. Morning and evening will be chill from 5 degree Celsius to 15 degree Celsius.

For trekking in the Mountains you will need very warm, windproof, waterproof clothes. You must bring trekking/hiking boot which is comfortable to wear and walk. Beside that quick dry t-shirt, trouser and towel is important.

On average you have to walk 6 to 8 hrs a day covering 12 to 18 km in distance.

Of course, this trip is completely safe for solo travelers. You will have your guide and porter for your assistance; they will definitely take care of you along the trip.

Health and safety of our clients is a major concern of our company. All our guides have got first aid training. Your guide will be carrying first aid kit and satellite phone during the trekking in case of emergency and we can use the helicopter service for immediate evacuation.

Yes, you can use your debit/credit card in major cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. We suggest you to carry cash (Nepali Currency) during the trekking for your personal expenses.

If its Altitude Sickness problem then we will immediately carry you down to lower altitude. We will take you to the nearby health post and if the case is serious we will immediately do helicopter rescue and admit in major hospitals in Pokhara or Kathmandu.

We have included rest/spare day in your itinerary to acclimatize in the thin air. Your guide will encourage you to drink more soup and garlic which is believed to help in high altitude. Besides that, your guide will be carrying medicine (Diamox) to reduce altitude sickness.

Giving tips to your guide and porters is a small gesture of thank you for your service. We don’t fix the amount of tips but it’s completely depends on the level of satisfaction from your guide and porters service during your trekking. This small gesture will really help to support their family living. Tipping system in Nepal is 10% of the amount that you paid for your trip.

Yes there are telephones and internet facilities available in the most places during trekking. Your guide is always carrying a mobile phone, you can request him to make international call and in return you can recharge/top-up or give small amount as international call charge.

Yes all your electronic gadgets charging facility is available on your trekking. They do charge NRS 200 to NRS 500 for service.

Yes, it’s possible to extend your trip. You can always let your guide know about it and we will arrange the logistic.