Himalaya Safety Treks
Api Himal Base Camp Trek 16 Days -
16
/Days
Api Himal Base Camp Trek 16 Days
The 16-Day Api Himal Base Camp Trek is a remote wilderness expedition into the far-western frontier of Nepal. Tucked inside the Api Nampa Conservation Area along the borders of India (Uttarakhand) and Tibet, this virgin route leads to the foot of Mount Api (7,132 m)—the highest summit in the Yoka Pahar massif of the Gurans Himal. Following the untamed Chameliya and Mahakali river basins through dense sub-tropical forests, wild cannabis groves, and rhododendron woodlands, you reach the high alpine pastures of Kalidhunga and the sacred tarn of Kali Dhunga Taal, surrounded by the soaring glaciated faces of Api, Nampa, and Bobaye.
Availability
Includes
What's Included
- Api Nampa Conservation Area Project (ANCA) Entry Permit and TIMS Card
- Round-trip domestic flights (Kathmandu – Dhangadhi – Kathmandu)
- Private 4WD ground transportation (Dhangadhi – Dadeldhura – Makarighat & return)
- Full wilderness expedition crew: Government-licensed guide, professional camp cook, kitchen team, and porters
- All accommodation (hotels in Dadeldhura/Dhangadhi & complete four-season camping setup in the wilderness)
- All three daily meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) prepared fresh during trail and camping days
- High-altitude mountain camping gear (four-season tents, foam mattresses, dining tent, kitchen equipment, toilet tent)
- Emergency satellite communication support, first aid medical kit, and comprehensive staff insurance
What's Not Included
- International airfare and Nepal tourist visa fees
- Travel and medical insurance covering emergency high-altitude helicopter evacuation
- Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu outside the set itinerary
- Personal trekking gear, minus-15°C sleeping bag, bottled beverages, and tips for mountain staff
Itinerary
Follow our carefully planned Api Himal Base Camp Trek 16 Days itinerary, designed with proper acclimatization and comfortable trekking days throughout the journey.
Board a morning flight from Kathmandu across the length of Nepal to the western Terai city of Dhangadhi. Meet your expedition guide and private 4WD vehicle. Drive north along the winding Mahakali Highway through lush subtropical hills to the historic hill station of Dadeldhura, visiting the ancient Amargadhi Fort.
Day 1
Drive along the Chameliya River valley, descending past the bazaar town of Gokuleshwor. Wind through terraced paddy fields and subtropical river gorges along the Darchula highway, reaching the trailhead outpost of Makarighat or Latinath beside the rushing Chameliya Khola.
Day 2
Begin walking north following the Chameliya riverbank. Cross traditional wooden cantilever and suspension bridges over rushing rapids, passing small agricultural hamlets surrounded by banana groves, millet fields, and stone watermills. Arrive in the riverside village of Bityule.
Day 3
Climb steadily up the valley as the trail enters dense subtropical forests of oak, pine, and wild cannabis. Pass through traditional stone-walled settlements inhabited by Brahmin, Chhetri, and indigenous Byasi communities. Ascend a stone-cut hillside path to the village of Ghusa, the last major permanent settlement.
Day 4
Leave permanent settlements behind, entering the untouched wilderness of Api Nampa Conservation Area. Ascend through dense, mossy cloud forests of rhododendron, hemlock, and bamboo. Cross tributary mountain streams to pitch camp in the peaceful forest clearing of Shibalaya.
Day 5
Follow the narrowing Chameliya River gorge as the valley climbs into the temperate alpine zone. The trail winds through silver fir, birch, and juniper woods with glimpses of snow peaks rising above the canyon. Cross small wooden bridges to reach the wilderness riverside camp at Simar.
Day 6
Climb through the thinning tree line onto open mountain slopes filled with dwarf rhododendron and alpine scrub. Pass natural rock shelters (Odar) historically used by nomadic yak and sheep herders. Set up camp beneath massive rock bluffs at Dhaulo Odar.
Day 7
A steady climb through glacial moraines and open alpine tundra into the magnificent high-altitude plateau of Kalidhunga. Arrive at Api Himal Base Camp, pitching tents on the grassy river plain directly in front of the colossal south and east faces of Mount Api (7,132 m).
Day 8
Spend a full day exploring the glacial sanctuary. Take an excursion up to the sacred alpine lake of Kali Dhunga Taal (4,180 m), a revered pilgrimage tarn framed by the peaks of Api, Nampa (6,755 m), and Bobaye. Marvel at hanging glaciers and icefalls before returning to camp.
Day 9
Begin retracing your route down the upper valley. The descent offers panoramic looks back at the glaciated summits of the Yoka Pahar range. Descend across the open alpine pastures to pitch camp at Dhaulo Odar.
Day 10
Continue down the gorge into the rich rhododendron and silver fir forests. The oxygen levels increase noticeably, making walking pleasant as you follow the Chameliya riverbank down to the forest clearing at Simar.
Day 11
Descend through the moss-draped forest canopy past Shibalaya, crossing wooden bridges and small cascades to return to the warm hospitality and stone-built village of Ghusa.
Day 12
Follow the river trail down through Bityule and terraced farmlands, completing the walking portion of the expedition at the roadhead of Latinath or Makarighat. Celebrate with your guide, cook, and porter team over a farewell dinner.
Day 13
Board your private 4WD vehicle for the scenic drive along the Chameliya and Mahakali highways, ascending back through lush green ridges to the hill station of Dadeldhura to enjoy hot showers and comfortable hotel rooms.
Day 14
Drive down the winding highway from the hills to the plains of Dhangadhi. Transfer to Dhangadhi Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. Meet our vehicle for private drop-off at your hotel in Thamel.
Day 15
A contingency day in Kathmandu for rest and sightseeing around ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites before transferring to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight.
Day 16
Things To Know
Requires Api Nampa Conservation Area Project (ANCA) Permit and TIMS Card. Maximum elevation reaches 4,180 m at Upper Api Base Camp (Kalidhunga). This is a wilderness camping expedition in the upper reaches: while simple homestays exist in lower villages, full camping infrastructure (tents, cook, porters) is required above Ghusa.
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