Api Himal Base Camp Trek – 15 Days

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, our friendly team from Himalayan Gateway Trek will be there to greet you with a warm welcome and take you to your hotel.

Once you arrive, you’ll receive a warm welcome, with staff presenting you with traditional flower garlands. They will assist you with the check-in process and make sure you’re comfortable. Afterward, you can relax and get ready for your adventure the next day. In the evening, walk around Thamel and have dinner whenever you like.

At Himalayan Gateway Trek, we are excited to begin this journey with you and ensure a memorable experience throughout your stay in Nepal.

Your second day in Nepal is set aside for visiting the cultural and historic sites of the Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, you will go to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, which sits on a hill and offers wide views of the city. You will also visit Pashupatinath Temple, the most important Hindu temple in Nepal, located beside the Bagmati River, and Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. If time allows, you may walk around Kathmandu Durbar Square, known for its old palaces, courtyards, and living traditions.

This day gives you a chance to understand Nepal’s rich culture before your trek. In the evening, your guide will meet you again to go over the trek details and help you finish any last-minute preparations before your journey toward the remote Api Himal region begins.

You take a scenic one-hour flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi, a city in far-western Nepal close to the Indian border. During the flight, you can see the wide Terai plains below with distant views of the Himalayan peaks.

After landing, you drive to Attariya, a busy town that serves as a gateway to the far-western hills. The drive takes about one hour and passes through flat land, small villages, and lively local markets. This stop gives you time to rest before heading further toward the remote Api Himal region. You will stay overnight at a hotel or guesthouse in Attariya.

After breakfast, you start a long but pleasant drive from Attariya to Darchula, a remote district near the borders of India and Tibet. The journey takes about 9 to 10 hours, passing through green hills, riversides, terraced fields, and small villages that show the charm of western Nepal.

As you get closer to Ganna village, the flat land slowly turns into hills. You will also see clear views of the Mahakali River, which marks the border between Nepal and India. This drive brings you nearer to the culturally rich and less-visited Api Himal region. Overnight stay in Ganna, Darchula.

You begin the day with a short drive from Ganna to Makarigaad, where the trek starts. From here, you walk uphill at a steady pace toward Ghusa village. The trail moves through terraced fields, patches of forest, and small settlements where you can see daily life in the hills.

After about 3 to 4 hours of walking, you reach Ghusa at 1,800 meters. It is a quiet village with traditional houses and views of the surrounding hills. Overnight stay at Ghusa.

Leaving Ghusa, the trail climbs steadily through forest, past small waterfalls and over rocky sections. As you gain height, the area becomes quieter with very few villages. The walk offers calm views of the hills and valleys, with a strong sense of remoteness in the far-western Himalayas.

After about 5 to 6 hours of walking, you arrive at Simar also known as Ghopte at 2,680 meters. It is a small and peaceful place surrounded by nature. Overnight stay at Simar.

Today’s walk takes you further into the wild areas of the Api region, with a steady climb through pine and rhododendron forests. The path slowly opens into wider valleys, where you can see distant snow-covered peaks. The trek lasts about 5 to 6 hours and passes through quiet areas with very few villages, showing how remote this route is.

By late afternoon, you arrive at Dhuli Odar (3,200 m), a natural rock shelter used by herders and trekkers as a resting place. Overnight stay at Dhuli Odar.

Today is one of the most memorable days of the trek as you arrive at Api Himal Base Camp. The camp sits beneath the tall peaks of Mt. Api (7,132 m), Nampa (6,757 m), and Jethi Bahurani. The trail takes you through open alpine fields, yak grazing areas, and rough rocky paths, with clear views of glaciers and steep cliffs along the way.

From the base camp, you take a short walk to Kali Dhunga Lake at around 4,000 m. This lake is a sacred place for local people, and many visitors stop here quietly out of respect. It is believed to hold spiritual meaning. The calm blue water, set against snowy peaks, creates a peaceful and striking scene that leaves a lasting impression.

After spending some time at the lake, you walk back to Api Base Camp and stay overnight in tents.

After your time at Api Base Camp, you start descending toward Khaikot, the last village before the remote section of the trek. The trail slowly goes down through open meadows, yak grazing areas, and rocky paths. Along the way, you get wide views of Api and Nampa peaks from a new angle.

You may pass local herders, simple stone shelters, and small streams that show the daily life in this high region. After about 5 to 6 hours of walking, you arrive at Khaikot at 2,200 meters. It is a small and peaceful village surrounded by hills and clean natural surroundings. Overnight stay at a local teahouse.

Today you walk back down from Khaikot to Ghusa on the same path you took earlier. The trail goes through woods, hill farms, and small towns. This gives you more time to see how the people here live and talk with them. The walk takes about 5 to 6 hours. It is mostly downhill and not as hard as the uphill parts.

Once you reach Ghusa at 1,800 meters, you can rest in the quiet spot and think about your trip in the Api Himal area. You will stay in a local guest house for the night.

Today you descend from Ghusa toward Khandeshwar, a quiet village known for its local culture and traditional way of life. The walking trail moves through green forests, farm fields carved on hills, and small streams, offering nice views throughout the journey.

On the way, you will see everyday village life, stone-built houses, and may meet local people who still follow old customs and routines. The walk usually takes about 5 to 6 hours, giving you a mix of nature and local experience. You stay overnight in Khandeshwar.

Today, you walk back along a part of the trail as you move from Khandeshwar to Makarigaad (1,500m). The route goes through forest paths, terraced farms, and small villages, giving you one last close view of the quiet mountain life.

After arriving at Makarigaad, you leave the trekking route and continue by road to Gokule. The drive takes you gradually lower, where the hills start opening up toward the plains. You stay overnight in Gokule and rest before continuing your journey toward Dhangadhi or Kathmandu.

Today, you begin a long and scenic drive from Gokule back to Dhangadhi. The journey takes you out of the quiet Himalayan region and into the open plains of far-western Nepal. Along the way, you pass through winding hills, rivers, and small villages, giving you a final look at the natural surroundings and daily life in rural areas.

Once you reach Dhangadhi, you check into a hotel, enjoy comfortable facilities, and take time to rest after the trek. This brings you back to city life before your return trip to Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you will take an early morning flight from Dhangadhi back to Kathmandu. During the flight, you can enjoy clear views of the Himalayan ranges, rivers, and the Terai plains that you passed through during your trek. It is a final chance to see the beautiful landscapes of far-western Nepal from above.

After landing in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest, shop, or walk around the city. In the evening, many trekkers join a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the Api Himal Base Camp Trek.

On the final day of your trip, you will be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your departure. Based on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or a short walk around the city.

As you leave Nepal, you will carry home lasting memories of your journey to Api Himal Base Camp Trek.