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Api Base Camp Trek | Remote Trekking in Western Nepal
Overview
The Api Base Camp Trek is a hidden gem in far-western Nepal, offering a unique blend of unspoiled nature, cultural diversity, and high mountain grandeur. Starting from Darchula, this 15-day journey takes you through isolated valleys, dense forests, alpine pastures, and dramatic ridgelines, leading to the base of Api Himal (7,132m), the highest peak in western Nepal. This trek is ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and experience the raw, rugged beauty of the Himalayas.
FAQs
Q: Where is the Api Base Camp located?
A: Api Base Camp lies in the far-western region of Nepal, in Darchula District, near the border of India and Tibet. It sits at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters at the foot of Mt. Api (7,132m).
Q: How difficult is the Api Base Camp trek?
A: The trek is considered moderate to strenuous due to its remote location, daily elevation gain, and limited infrastructure. Previous trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.
Q: Is this trek suitable for beginners?
A: Not ideal for first-time trekkers. This trek is best for those with prior multi-day trekking experience in remote regions. High endurance and a sense of adventure are essential.
Q: What kind of accommodation is available on the trek?
A: Accommodation is mostly camping-based, with some basic homestays in lower villages. Full camping support, including tents, kitchen staff, and porters, is arranged by our team.
Q: Is it possible to customize the itinerary?
A: Yes. The itinerary can be tailored to suit your group's preferences, fitness levels, and time constraints. Private and group departures are available.
A: Api Base Camp lies in the far-western region of Nepal, in Darchula District, near the border of India and Tibet. It sits at an altitude of approximately 4,580 meters at the foot of Mt. Api (7,132m).
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
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Activities: Airport pickup, hotel check-in, welcome dinner.
Day 2: Kathmandu Cultural Tour
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Activities: Visit UNESCO sites (Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square); trek briefing.
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Key Sights: Ancient temples, Newari architecture.
Day 3: Fly to Dhangadhi (200m); Drive to Khalanga (Darchula) (915m)
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Activities: 1.5-hour flight to Dhangadhi; 10-12-hour drive to Khalanga.
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Key Sights: Terai plains, Seti River Valley.
Day 4: Drive to Gokuleshwar (1,200m); Trek to Sipti (1,600m)
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Distance: 4 km trek (2-3 hours) | Drive: 3-4 hours from Khalanga.
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Activities: Cross the Mahakali River; ascend through terraced farms.
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Elevation Gain: +400m
Day 5: Trek to Sera (2,200m)
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Distance: 12 km (6-7 hours)
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Activities: Rhododendron forests, waterfalls, and first views of the Api Himal.
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Key Sights: Traditional stone villages.
Day 6: Sera to Rapla (3,000m)
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Distance: 10 km (5-6 hours)
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Activities: Follow the Sera Khola River; enter alpine terrain.
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Elevation Gain: +800m
Day 7: Acclimatization in Rapla
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Activities: Short hike to viewpoints; learn about local herding practices.
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Key Sights: Panoramic views of the Api and Saipal ranges.
Day 8: Rapla to Api Base Camp (3,900m)
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Distance: 8 km (5-6 hours)
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Activities: Steep ascent to Base Camp; explore glacial moraines.
Day 9: Explore Base Camp & Return to Rapla
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Activities: Sunrise photography, glacial lake visits, and descent to Rapla.
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Key Challenge: Rocky trails with Himalayan vistas.
Day 10: Rapla to Sera
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Distance: 10 km (4-5 hours)
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Activities: Retrace steps through forests; interact with shepherds.
Day 11: Sera to Ghusa (2,800m)
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Distance: 14 km (7-8 hours)
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Activities: Detour to Ghusa Valley; camp near glacial streams.
Day 12: Ghusa to Sipti
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Distance: 12 km (6-7 hours)
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Activities: Return through villages; cultural immersion.
Day 13: Sipti to Gokuleshwar; Drive to Khalanga
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Distance: 4 km (2 hours) | Drive: 3-4 hours.
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Activities: Farewell dinner with the Darchula community.
Day 14: Drive to Dhangadhi
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Activities: Return via hill roads; overnight in Dhangadhi.
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
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Activities: Free time for shopping/sightseeing; farewell dinner.
What's included
✈️ Domestic Flights: Kathmandu–Dhangadhi–Kathmandu (round trip)
🚐 Ground Transportation: Private jeep transfer from Dhangadhi to Latinath (trek start point) and return
🛂 Permits & Entry Fees: Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Api Nampa Conservation Area Permit (ANCAP), TIMS Card
🧑🏫 Trekking Guide: Government-certified, English-speaking trekking guide with remote western Nepal experience
👨🍳 Support Crew: Experienced cook, assistant, and porters/mules for carrying equipment and supplies
🏕️ Camping Equipment: High-quality sleeping tents, dining tent, toilet tent, kitchen tent, and all logistics
🍽️ Meals: Full board during the trek – breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by the camp cook
💧 Drinking Water: Boiled or filtered safe drinking water is provided throughout the trek
🩺 Safety & First Aid: First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, and satellite phone (for emergency communication)
🏨 Hotel Accommodation: 2 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Dhangadhi at 3-star hotels with breakfast
🧳 Luggage Allowance: 15–20 kg per person (including duffel bag and daypack)
🎒 Pre-Departure Briefing: Orientation and gear check in Kathmandu before departure
🌐 Government Taxes & Official Service Charges
What's not included
❌ International Airfare: Flights to/from Nepal
❌ Nepal Visa Fee: Obtainable upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
❌ Travel Insurance: Compulsory; must include coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
❌ Personal Trekking Gear: Sleeping bag, down jacket, hiking boots, trekking poles, etc. (available for rent in Kathmandu)
❌ City Meals: Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Dhangadhi unless specified
❌ Bar Bills & Beverages: Alcohol, bottled drinks, snacks, and personal refreshments
❌ Personal Expenses: Laundry, phone calls, Wi-Fi, souvenirs, etc.
❌ Tips & Gratitude: For guide, cook, porters, and support team (customary in Nepal)
❌ Unforeseen Costs: Extra nights due to delays, bad weather, natural disasters, or early return
❌ Helicopter Rescue: If required during an emergency (covered only by insurance)
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