The incredible trek known as the Api Himal leads you across Nepal’s western countryside to untouched wilderness. The unique cultural practices found in Nepal’s isolated and unspoiled far western area are well known. The Api Himal trek is ideal for experienced hikers and explorers as it combines diverse natural beauties, the breathtaking Himalayas, glacial lakes, pansy forests, high mountain passes, and untouched culture and traditions. This trek incorporates the woods and the western region’s natural splendor. In this trip, you get to see the western plains and high mountain massifs. Api Himal Base Camp Trek offers a varied and distinctive experience that is distinct from other commercial trekking in Annapurna and Everest.
The Nepalese district of Humla is home to Mount Api and Mount Saipal. Trekking to Api Saipal Himal is an adventurous and beautiful experience in and of itself. You will be camping in some rural mountain areas, giving you access to the true wilderness of nature. The Api Saipal Himal hike provides breathtaking views of the mountain ranges, including the Api Himal, Saipal Himal, Mount Thad Dhunga Tuppa, Mount Rajamba, Mount Nandadevi, as well as other nearby summits.
API Himal Base Camp Trek: Difficulty
The Api Himal Base Camp Trek is not challenging, but it does require strong physical condition. The track crosses a few mountain passes, thus it is highly helpful to be aware of high altitude sickness and mountain hiking. The highest peak in Nepal’s far western region is Mount Api, which rises to a height of 7132 meters above sea level. The Saipal Himal, the second-highest peak in Nepal’s far-western area, is also located at an elevation of 7031 meters above sea level. At a height of 4100 meters, the lake at Kali Dhunga Glacier will be the subject of your exploration. It is one of the trek’s main draws as well.
How to get to the Base camp of API Himal?
You must first go to Dhangadhi, which can be reached by car or by plane, in order to reach the trailhead for the Mount Api Base Camp Trek. Although it takes roughly 13 to 14 hours to drive from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi, the fastest way to get there is by air, which takes about 65 minutes. After that, it takes another nine hours to get to Khalanga, where the main journey starts. The Api Base Camp trek begins in Gokuleshwor, and it takes about 6 days to complete to get there. The final destination of this trek, Latinath, is reached after Base Camp after a four-day walk. You will travel by car to Gokuleshwor from Latinath. Although it is too far to travel by bus from Kathmandu to the Api Trek region, the routes do offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, rivers, and altitude variations.
Ap Himal Base camp Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadi and Drive to Attariya | Altitude: 132m | 433ft | Drive: 4-5 Hrs
Day 04: Drive from Attariya to Darchula | Altitude: 940m | 3084ft | Drive: 9-10 Hrs
Day 05: Drive from Darchula to Makarigaad and Trek to Ghusa | Altitude: 2000m | 6562ft | Drive: 8 Hrs
Day 06: Trek from Ghusa to Simar | Altitude: 1542m | 5059ft | Trek: 6-7 Hrs
Day 07: Trek from Simar to Dhuli Odar | Altitude: 3550m | 11647ft | Trek: 5-6 Hrs
Day 08: Trek from Dhuli Odar to API Base Camp and Hike to Kali Dhunga | Altitude: 3860m | 12664ft | Trek: 3-4 Hrs
Day 09: Trek back from Kali Dhunga to Khaikot | Altitude: 1900m | 6233 | Trek: 7-8 Hrs
Day 10: Trek back from Khaiokot to Ghusa
Day 11: Trek back to Khandeshwor
Day 12: Trek to Makarigad and drive to Gokule
Day 13: Drive Back to Dhangadi
Day 14: Fly Back to Kathmandu
Day 15: Departure Day
API Himal Base Camp Trek: Best Season
The greatest time to go on the API Base Camp Trek is in the autumn and spring since they have the nicest weather, are easy to walk in, and have clear vistas.
You hike to API Base Camp via dangerous and difficult terrain. The roads are treacherous during the rainy season, making walking difficult. It is difficult to travel by foot and spend the night when it is cold outside and there is a lot of snow on the ground.
As a result, this walk will be significantly harder in the wet and winter seasons than in other ones. You can trek, though, if you take safety precautions, go in large groups, and have guides.
API Himal Base Camp Trek Cost and Permit Fees
The cost to Trek to Mount API Base Camp varies upon the type of accommodation and luxury you choose. However, an average cost ranges from $3400-$3700 depending on the number of travelers and type of company you choose. The first type of permit, known as a “TIMS CARD” (trekking information management system), costs $20 USD per person for independent trekkers and $10 USD per person for organized trekkers in order to trek to Mount Api Base Camp. The “Api Nampa conservation area entrance fee” is an additional permit that costs 3000 Nepalese rupees per person and 500 Nepalese rupees for residents of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) nations.
API Himal Base Camp Trek: Accommodation
One of Nepal’s most isolated and underdeveloped places is the Mount Api base camp area. There are a few small huts built specifically for the purpose of collecting the medicinal herb “Yarsagumba” (caterpillar fungus), but other than that, there are no facilities like teahouses or guesthouses along the trail where you can find lodging and food similar to what you can find in other well-known trekking regions of Nepal. You must therefore have enough tents and supplies for this expedition. Additionally, there is no close access to electricity, Wi-Fi, banking, or medical facilities, so you must have the appropriate insurance for emergency evacuation.
API Himal Base Camp Trek: Customs and Cultures
People from several ethnic groups, including Jhakari, Lohar (Iron Smith), Bohora, Chhetri, Thekare, Mahara, and Brahmin, may be found in the Api hiking regions. These people have been living traditional lives that haven’t been altered by contemporary customs. You can examine the obsolete architecture, structures, and tools. Numerous holidays are observed, including Biswo Parba (celebrates in the Nepali new year). The local potatoes are wonderful. Apart from the ancient traditions and customs, people are so modest, charitable, and strong that they extend warm greetings and hospitality.