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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.