Api Base Camp Trek-12Nights/13Days

location image Kathmandu

12 Nights / 13 Days

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Trip starts at:: Kathmandu

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Trip ends at: Kathmandu

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Accommodation: 3 star hotel's/Tea Houses

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Max Elevation: 4000 METERS

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Difficulty:: Medium

Private Vehicle

Sanitization

First Aid

Bottled Drinking Water

Guide

Introduction / Overview

The Api Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most untouched and remote trekking experiences, leading into the wild beauty of the far western Himalayas. Named after Mount Api (7,132 m / 23,399 ft)—the highest peak in the Far West—the journey unfolds through pristine forests, roaring rivers, traditional villages, and breathtaking alpine meadows. This 13day adventure begins with a scenic flight or drive to Dhangadhi followed by an overland journey to Latinath or Ghusa, from where your trekking trail begins.

Unlike the busier routes of Everest or Annapurna, the Api Base Camp Trek offers true wilderness and authentic encounters with Rautes, Thakuris, and Tibetan influenced villages of the Baitadi and Darchula districts. Trekkers enjoy sweeping views of Mount Api, Nampa, and Saipal, alongside glacial valleys, waterfalls, and unspoiled biodiversity inside Api Nampa Conservation Area. With Guru Travels Ltd., every detail—permits, transport, accommodation, and safety—is handled professionally, allowing you to focus on the journey through Nepal’s hidden Himalayas.

Major Highlights / Key Features

  •  Explore the remote Api Nampa Conservation Area, rich in flora and wildlife.
  •  Witness stunning panoramas of Api (7,132 m), Nampa (6,757 m), and Saipal (7,031 m).
  •  Experience authentic farwestern Nepali culture and hospitality.
  •  Trek through untouched alpine forests, rivers, and glaciers.
  •  Camp beside beautiful meadows and traditional mountain hamlets.
  •  Visit ancient Bhotia and Thakuri villages still living their traditional lifestyle.
  • Enjoy spring rhododendron blooms and clear autumn skies.

Customization / Personalisation

The Api Base Camp Trek can be customized for comfort or adventure. Travelers may extend their journey to Khaptad National Park or Shaileshwari Temple for cultural immersion. Camping can be upgraded to lodgebased options when available.

For photography and exploration lovers, Guru Travels Ltd. can arrange a village home stay extension or a birdwatching addon around the conservation area. The trip can also be linked with Bardia National Park for a jungle safari after trekking.

Call to Action

Discover Nepal’s hidden frontier where mountains meet ancient culture!Book your Api Base Camp Trek (12 Nights / 13 Days) with Guru Travels Ltd., Nepal’s trusted inbound operator for offbeat trekking experiences.Our professional guides, experienced crew, and local partnerships ensure safe, comfortable, and ecofriendly travel.

Every step on this trail connects you with Himalayan life untouched by time.Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious traveler, this trek brings pure adventure and cultural depth.With Guru Travels Ltd., you explore responsibly—supporting local communities while experiencing Nepal authentically.Join us and make your footprints part of Nepal’s farwestern story

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) Day 2: Flight to Dhangadhi & Drive to Gokuleshwar (850m) Day 3: Drive to Latinath and Trek to Makarigaad (1,800m) Day 4: Trek from Makarigaad to Siti (2,200m) Day 5: Trek from Siti to Domal (2,900m) Day 6: Trek from Domal to Api Base Camp (4,000m) & Explore Day 7: Rest & Exploration Day at Api Base Camp Day 8: Trek from Api Base Camp to Domal (2,900m) Day 9: Trek from Domal to Siti (2,200m) Day 10: Trek from Siti to Makarigaad (1,800m) Day 11: Trek to Latinath and Drive to Gokuleshwar (850m) Day 12: Drive to Dhangadhi & Flight to Kathmandu Day 13: Departure from Kathmandu

Detail Itinerary

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel. The vibrant capital city of Nepal is rich in history, culture, and architectural wonders. You can explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. Strolling through the bustling streets of Thamel, you can experience Nepal’s lively atmosphere, shop for trekking gear, and enjoy authentic Nepali cuisine. In the evening, a short briefing about the trek will be provided, ensuring you are well-prepared for the adventure ahead.

A scenic flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi offers breathtaking views of the lush Terai plains and distant Himalayan ranges. Upon landing, we embark on a long yet rewarding drive to Gokuleshwar, passing through charming villages, forests, and winding mountain roads. The drive provides a glimpse into rural Nepalese life, where terraced fields and local bazaars showcase the region’s traditional lifestyle. Gokuleshwar, a small town nestled in the hills, serves as our first overnight stop before heading deeper into the remote regions of the trek.

After breakfast, a short drive takes us to Latinath, a town known for its ancient Hindu shrines. From here, we start our trek towards Makarigaad, following a scenic trail through terraced farmlands and small settlements. The path gradually ascends, offering magnificent views of the surrounding hills and the Mahakali River valley. As we walk through traditional villages, we have the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals, learning about their unique customs and way of life. The day ends in Makarigaad, where we set up camp or stay in a local teahouse, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Himalayas.

The trail from Makarigaad to Siti takes us through lush pine and rhododendron forests, where the chirping of birds and rustling of leaves provide a peaceful trekking experience. As we gain elevation, the views become even more spectacular, revealing snow-capped peaks in the distance. The region is home to diverse wildlife, and if lucky, we might spot Himalayan blue sheep or musk deer. Siti is a small settlement with traditional stone houses, where the warm hospitality of the locals makes us feel at home. The day’s trek provides an excellent balance of natural beauty and cultural immersion.

Leaving Siti, we follow a rugged trail that leads us into higher altitudes. The landscape transitions from dense forests to vast alpine meadows, where yaks graze peacefully. Domal is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, attracting pilgrims from nearby villages. This spiritual significance adds a mystical touch to the trek, as prayer flags flutter in the crisp mountain air. The presence of ancient shrines and stone cairns along the path gives insight into the deep-rooted beliefs of the local communities. We spent the night in Domal, preparing for the challenging journey ahead.

Today marks the most exhilarating part of our journey as we ascend towards Api Base Camp. The trail is demanding yet incredibly rewarding, as we cross glacial streams and traverse rocky moraines. The panoramic views of Api Himal (7,132m) and its surrounding peaks are breathtaking, making every step worthwhile. Upon reaching the base camp, we take in the pristine beauty of the Himalayas, with towering cliffs and massive glaciers surrounding us. This remote and untouched region offers a true sense of wilderness, where we can fully immerse ourselves in the grandeur of nature.

A well-deserved rest day at Api Base Camp allows us to explore the surroundings at a relaxed pace. We can take short hikes to nearby viewpoints, where the sunrise casts a golden glow over the snow-covered peaks. The base camp area is a photographer’s paradise, offering unmatched scenery. For those interested in high-altitude trekking, optional hikes to glacial ridges provide thrilling experiences. The peaceful environment, free from commercial tourism, makes this day truly special, allowing us to appreciate the raw beauty of Nepal’s far-western Himalayas.

After an unforgettable experience at Api Base Camp, we begin our descent towards Domal. Retracing our steps, we pass through vast meadows and icy streams, soaking in the incredible views one last time. The return journey offers a different perspective, as the changing light highlights new facets of the landscape. With the physical demands of ascending behind us, we can fully enjoy the serenity of the trek, capturing final glimpses of the mighty Himalayas before reaching Domal for an overnight stay.

The trek from Domal to Siti is a pleasant descent through forests and rolling hills. Along the way, we encounter cascading waterfalls and gushing rivers, their sounds adding to the peaceful ambiance. As we lose altitude, the air becomes warmer, and we start seeing more vegetation. We may come across herders with their livestock, a reminder of the traditional way of life in these mountains. Reaching Siti, we take the time to interact with the locals, sharing stories of our journey and enjoying traditional mountain hospitality.

Continuing our descent, we make our way back to Makarigaad. The familiar landscape now feels different, as we view it from a fresh perspective. The trek offers plenty of opportunities to reflect on the journey, appreciating the beauty and solitude of Nepal’s far-western region. Arriving in Makarigaad, we celebrate the completion of our trek with a warm meal and a comfortable night’s rest.

Our final trekking day takes us back to Latinath, where we board a vehicle for the drive to Gokuleshwar. The journey allows us to reflect on the adventure, cherishing the memories of remote landscapes, towering peaks, and warm encounters with local communities. Back in Gokuleshwar, we enjoy a well-earned rest before heading back to city life.

A scenic drive to Dhangadhi is followed by a flight back to Kathmandu, where the comforts of the city await. The flight provides one last chance to admire Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from the towering Himalayas to the lush Terai. Arriving in Kathmandu, we can spend the evening reminiscing about our adventure, exploring the city’s vibrant streets, or enjoying a farewell dinner with fellow trekkers.

With unforgettable memories and a heart full of experiences, we bid farewell to Nepal. Our team will transfer you to the airport, ensuring a smooth departure. As you leave, the call of the mountains remains, inspiring future adventures in Nepal’s majestic landscapes.

Services Included

tick image Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Dhangadhi–Kathmandu)

tick image All ground transportation

tick image Experienced trekking guide and porter

tick image Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (BB plan)

tick image Full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek

tick image Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu

tick image First aid kit

tick image All necessary permits

Services Excluded

tick image International flights

tick image Nepal visa fees

tick image Extra meals and drinks in Kathmandu

tick image Travel and health insurance

tick image Any expenses not mentioned in the 'Includes' section

tick image Personal trekking gear

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Map

$ 750 per person
Depart From location icon Kathmandu
Going To location icon Api base camp

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