Api Himal Base Camp Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to the hotel. After some refreshment, there will be short briefing about the trek regarding the time schedule, required trekking gears, services and facilities we provided during the drive and trekking areas.

Rest of the time is free for trekking preparation.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Half Day Sightseeing Tour and Trek Preparation.

After breakfast, proceed for half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City including the World Heritage Sites. It includes a tour of two sites among below:

• Pashupatinath Temple - the Temple of Lord Shiva situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River. The temple is listed on a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square) - an ancient durbar (palace) with its numerous old palaces, temples and pagodas, the Temple of Living Goddess “Kumari”, and the Kasthamandap Temple, which is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree from which Kathmandu derives its name.
• Bouddhanath Stupa- an ancient colossal stupa and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world
• Swayambhunath Stupa - the oldest Buddhist stupa of Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. It is also known as the “Monkey Temple”!!
• Patan City - a city of 55 major temples, 136 Buddhist monasteries and famous for production of Thangka and Paubha Paintings.
• Narayan Hiti Palace Museum
• National Museum

Rest of the day is free for trekking preparation, such as trekking gear shopping, packing on a duffle bag, etc. 

Eve: Trip briefing followed by welcome dinner at Authentic Nepali restaurant with cultural program.

Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu. (B, D)

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi (109m/357ft) - 1 hour          15 minutes and drive to Dadeldhura Bazar (1,848m) - 130Km/4~5 hours

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Dhangadi to about 1 hour and 15 minutes. At Dhangadhi, we will meet the awaiting vehicle to drive from Dhangadi to Dadeldhura Bazar via Mahakali Highway. This day we will drive to hilly area leaving the Terai plains of the far western region of Nepal

About 4/5 hours of uphill drive will bring us to Dadeldhura, a town in the far western region of Nepal, which is also famous as the Queen of Hills.

Overnight at hotel in Dhangadi. (B, L, D)

Day 04: Drive from Dadeldhura Bazar to Makarighat (1,800m/5,904ft) - 6 hours

Early morning, we will explore Amargadhi Fort of Dadeldhura bazar. Amargadhi Fort is one of the most important historical places in Dadeldhura. This fort is a historic monument, directly connected to the unification of Nepal by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. During the time of unification in the early 19th century, General Amar Singh Thapa fought the English from this fort. He built this fort to store arms and ammunitions. Besides, it served as a military base. You can see the statue of Amarsingh Thapa near to the fort.

Later, we will start drive to Makarighat via Gokuleshwor. Along the road, you will also be accompanied by beautiful views of the Himalayas, Chameliya Valley, and River, small and traditional settlement of people. The road to Makarighat, which is along the Chameliya River also passes through the biggest hydropower station in the Far-West Nepal.

Overnight at teahouse lodges at Chainpur.  (B, L, D)

Day 05: Trek to Ghusa (2,600m/8,528ft) - 6 hours

After breakfast, we will meet porters, assistant local guide, and other camping members. (The number of staffs will depends upon the number of trekkers.). After some introductions, we will start trek to Ghusa Village. The trek starts with a steep climb of a hill through the bank of Chameliya River. Crossing the river, we will climb up passing few villages to reach Ghusa village.

In the evening, we will witness the cultural programs ‘Deuda Song and Dances’ performed by the local people.

Overnight at teahouse lodges or Camping tent at Ghusa Village. (B, L, D)  

Day 06: Trek from Ghusa to Ghopte Simar (3,300m/11,152) - 7 hours

After breakfast at Ghusa Village, we will start our trek towards Simar. The trail ascends gradually. Though the trail is narrow, we will walk slowly with good attentions. We will pass Khaikot village, the last village of this trek. The trail passes through the Rhododendron and pine forests. The trails leads to Simar along the bank of Chameliya River. On the track, we will find small huts where shepherds used to stay.

Overnight at Camping tent at Ghopte Simar. (B, L, D)

Day 07: Trek from Ghopte Simar to Dhauli Odar (lower Api Base Camp) (3,550m/11,644ft) - 6 hours

After breakfast, start trek gently on the easy trail. This day, we will walk through the forests and open pasture grasslands surrounded by the high mountains and hills. The trail is fairly easy with the beautiful landscapes of Simar. At Simar, we will find a small cottage which serves foods at the season. Crossing Simar, we will find Domula Temple at the confluence of Chameliya and Domula River. This temple has religiously significance. It is believed that if you fail to offer what you promise to the Domula God, the god will destroy everything you have. After walking for 3 hours, we will reach to Dhauli Odar. This is the place, where people used to Camp when they are on the Yarsa Collection.

Overnight at Camping Tent at Dhauli Odar. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Hike to Api Base Camp (3,861m/12,667ft) and Kali Dhunga Lake (4,100m/13,448ft) – 6/7 hrs

Early morning after breakfast, with the beautiful sunrise view over mountains, we will start our hiking to Api Base Camp. About 2 hours of upward climb from Dauli Odar, we will reach Api Himal Base Camp, looks like an open plateau surrounded by mountains. As we reach the plateau, the grandest view of Mt. Api (7,132m) accompanied by Mt. Nampa (6,755m) and Mt Bobaye (6,808m). After enjoying the view, we will head towards Kali Dhunga Lake.

Kali Dhunga Lake is one of the holy lakes located at an altitude of 4,100meters above sea Level and about 3 hours walk from the Base Camp. Kali Dhunga Lake is a Glacier Lake where Lord Shiva is worshipped.

After exploring the lake, we will return to Dauli Odar for overnight stay.

Overnight at Camping Tent at Dhauli Odar. (B, L, D)

Day 09: Trek from Daulo Odar to Siti (2,258m/7,408ft) 6 hours

Bidding farewell to the beautiful Mt. Api and the surrounding of Dauli Odar, we will trek down to Siti. The downhill walk will first bring us to the settlement of Khaikot. After having lunch at Khaikot a steep climb will take us to the village of Siti. Along the way, we will be accompanied by agricultural terraces and beautiful green hills. The night will be spent in a homestay in Siti, where you can also enjoy dinner made by the members of the host family.

Overnight at Teahouse Lodges or Camping Tent at Siti. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Trek from Siti to Khandeshwori Village (2,350m/7,708ft) - 6 hours

After Breakfast at Siti, we will trek to the Khandeswori Village. The trail will be same up to the Chameliya River which go through Ghusa Village. Crossing the bridge, we will get two routes, walking down to reach Makarighat and climbing the hill will reach to Khandeswori Village. Walking to the uphill trail, we will reach to Khandeswori Village to about 3 hours. We will find waterfalls, human settlements, agricultural fields, forests, temples, and beautiful view of Himalayas. After some refreshment, we will explore Khandeswori village.

Overnight at Teahouse Lodges or Camping Tent at Khandeswori Village. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Trek from Khandeswori to Makarighat– 3 hours and drive to Gokuleshwor – 4 hours

This day will be the last day of trek of Api Himal Base Camp. Walking about 30 minutes from the village, we will reach Siddha Makarikot. We will find a Temple there. The view of the Himalyan Ranges will more exciting from this point. From there, we will walk down to Makarighat via 5,000 (Approx.) stone staircases.

Meet the awaiting vehicle at Makarighat and drive back to Gokuleshwor to about 4 hours. Upon arrival at Gokuleshwor, check into the teahouse lodges.

Overnight at teahouse lodges at Gokuleshwor. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Drive from Gokuleshwar to Dhangadhi (109m/357ft) - 9 hours

After breakfast, start drive to Dhangadhi via Mahendra Highway. The road is through the beautiful green hills with terrace farms, forests, and human settlements to Dhangadhi. Upon arrival at Dhangadi, check into the hotel.

Overnight at tourist standard hotel in Dhangadhi. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Fly from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) – 1 hours

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and timely transferred to Dangadhi Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Kathmandu to about 1 hour.  During the flight, you can enjoy the Himalayan Ranges on the left side. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, assist to transfer and check into hotel. Rest of the time is free for rest and refreshment.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. (B)

Day 14: Contingency day on trek or Kathmandu in case of any unavoidable circumstances. 

Free day in Kathmandu for leisure activities or sightseeing tour (on own), last minute shopping, bag packing, etc.

Eve: Group Farewell dinner at authentic Nepali Restaurant in Kathmandu.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. (B, D)

Day 15: Departure to home country

After breakfast, timely transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport to board an onward flight to home country 3 hours earlier to the scheduled flight departing time. We wish you happy journey during your flight from Nepal to home country with the hope to see you on next visit to Nepal.  

Meals Included: Breakfast

Team Member

• All arrival and departures transfer will be assisted by the Tour Escorts.
• All the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu will be accompanied by an experienced English Speaking Tour Guide or any other language specialist on demands.
• During the trekking, government certified Trekking Guide will be with the group for the trek arrangements.
• Camping Expert and Cook will be from Kathmandu, whereas required camping helpers and porters will be local people whom we will meet at Makarighat.
• On trek, porters will carry duffel bag of 2 porters and ranges up to a maximum of 30 Kg/ 60 lbs. Guests are expected to carry only a small rucksack while walking to carry all the essentials such as water bottle, extra jackets, cameras, pack lunch, etc.

Transportation

• All arrival and departure transfer, ground transport will be provided an A/c private vehicle.
• Round Trip of Kathmandu/Dhangadhi/Kathmandu on a domestic flight.
• Drive from Dhangadi to Makarighat and back to Dhangadhi will be on a private 4WD Jeep.

(If you wish to use the local transport, there will be changes on the time and the stopover location than mentioned above. This will be the customized trek, so the final itinerary will be prepared according to the demand of trekkers. )

Accommodation & Food

• For four nights in Kathmandu, there will be star categorized hotels.
• Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
• At Dhangadhi and Dadeldhura, there will be tourist standard lodges which are based on availability)
• During trekking, we will set up camping tents for night stay. If possible, we will serve food from the local lodges or houses at different villages or stopover places if available. During the season, the local community operates small huts for catering services up to Base Camp too. This depends upon season. Timing for breakfast, lunches, dinner can be more or less changes due to the availability of lodges or the guest preferences.
• (Guests having any specific meal dietary requirements should inform us in advance.)
• Meals listed as above in Itinerary.

Itinerary

We request you to view the Itinerary and information herein as a guideline. The information provided in the itinerary is to the best of our knowledge, marginal variances in the actual distances and altitudes is possible. Weather conditions, road blocks, local political conditions, flight cancellations, mechanical breakdown or other such unforeseeable circumstances can lead to the change in itinerary or means of transport.

Insurance

It is important to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy against illness, hospitalization, flight delays, and loss of luggage, cancellations and amendments due to weather conditions, political disturbances or natural calamities as well as emergency helicopter evacuation. Before purchasing Travel Insurance, please ensure that the policy covers for adventure activities and or trekking activity above 3,500 meters.

Fitness

The trek is slightly difficult due the increases on the altitude. This trek involves walking 5-6 hours daily, more on few days). Previous walking experience on high altitude is beneficial. The highest altitude that we attain on this trek is 4,100m/13,448ft (Kali Dhunga Lake), however, we will do day hike from Dhauli Odar. Physical fitness is essential & previous walking experience in the outdoor is essential.

Basic infrastructure

The area above Ghusa village will lack electricity facility and telephone network. We recommend you to carry additional batteries for Cameras, or Solar power bank to charge smartphones.