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The Api Himal Base Camp Trek (4,000 m) is a thrilling adventure through one of Nepal’s most remote regions. Starting and ending at Makarigadi or Latinath in Darchula district, this trail winds through the untouched landscapes of the Api Nampa Conservation Area.
Trekking here offers a chance to witness majestic snow-capped peaks rising above quiet valleys, dense forests teeming with life, and communities that have preserved their traditional way of living, away from typical tourist routes. The area is home to various ethnic groups, including Brahmin, Chhetri, Mahara, Bohora, Thekare, Jhakari, and Lohar (iron smiths), many of whom speak only their local languages.
Along the way, trekkers pass through picturesque villages, ancient pagodas, sparkling rivers, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic Himalayan vistas. The trail offers stunning mountain views that captivate at every turn.
The crown jewel of this trek is Api Himal (7,132 m), and the sacred Kalidhunga Lake adds a spiritual dimension to the journey. From this trail, trekkers can also enjoy breathtaking views of peaks such as Kappa Chuli (6,850 m), Nanda Devi, Dhunga Tuppa (5,368m), and Mt. Rajama (6,537m), making it a truly memorable Himalayan expedition.
The Api Himal Base Camp Trek ranges from moderate to challenging, demanding good physical fitness and endurance. Although no technical climbing is required, the trek’s difficulty comes from its remote location, rough trails, and minimal infrastructure.
Trekking here means stepping away from modern comforts and embracing a traditional lifestyle rarely seen elsewhere.
Because the trail sees few trekkers, some sections are poorly marked. Hiring a knowledgeable local guide is highly recommended for safe and smooth navigation. Hidden Trek Nepal ensures experienced guides are included in every trekking package.
Trekking to the Mount Api Base Camp requires obtaining two specific types of permits.
Note: Hidden Trek Nepal manages permits, transport, accommodations, and gear for a smooth, safe trek.
Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi (109m), 1 hour 15 mins flight
Day 2: Drive from Dhangadhi to Gokuleshwar, 8 hours drive
Day 3: Drive from Gokuleshwar to Latinath (1,004m), 2 hours drive and trek to Paribagar (1,770m), 1 hour trek
Day 4: Trek from Paribagar to Makarigaad (1,470m), 5 hours trek
Day 5: Trek from Makrigaad to Siti (2,254m), 8 hours trek
Day 6: Trek from Siti to Domal (2,950m), 7 hours trek
Day 7: Trek from Domal to Dhaulo Odar (Lower Api Base Camp) (3,548m), 5 hours trek
Day 8: Trek from Daulo Odar to Api Base Camp/Pilkandah (3,861m) and back to Daulo Odar
Day 9: Trek from Daulo Odar to Siti (2,258m), 6 hours trek
Day 10: Trek from Siti to Makarigaad (1,470m), 6 hours trek
Day 11: Trek from Makarigadi to Latinath, 4 hours trek and drive to Gokuleshwar, 2 hours drive
Day 12: Drive from Gokuleshwar to Dhangadhi, 9 hours drive
Day 13: Fly from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu (1,300m), 1 hour 15 minutes flight
Dhangadhi, the hub of Kailali District, is about 1 hour 15 minutes from Kathmandu by flight. If weather conditions are favorable, you will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes during the journey. Upon reaching Dhangadhi Airport, you will be picked up in a private vehicle and escorted to your pre-booked tourist-standard hotel for a comfortable stay. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
After leaving the Terai plains of Dhangadhi, we head toward the hills, reaching Gokuleshwar via the Mahakali Highway. The drive takes around eight hours, so we start early from the hotel, enjoying breakfast en route. After a 3–4 hour uphill journey, we arrive in Dadeldhura, a small town in far-western Nepal, often called the “Queen Hill.”
Following lunch, the bus winds through scenic hills, offering glimpses of Himalayan peaks, the Chameliya Valley, rivers, and traditional village life. By afternoon, we reach Gokuleshwar. The evening is free to explore the town, and we spend the night at an affordable local lodge. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
After breakfast in Gokuleshwar, we take a two-hour drive to reach the starting point of the Api Base Camp trek. The trail follows the Chameliya River and passes by a hydropower station in far-western Nepal.
Upon reaching Latinath, the trek to Api Base Camp begins. Today’s hike covers the trail from Latinath to Paribagar, a village situated at 1,770 m. A one-hour uphill walk brings us to Paribagar, where we can explore the village and relax in the evening. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
After breakfast at Paribagar, we set off past traditional mid-hill villages with ancient farmlands, stone houses, and pristine landscapes of far-western Nepal.
The trek continues along the Chameliya River, winding through subtropical and subalpine forests filled with fir, oak, hemlock, and rhododendron. After roughly five hours, we reach the picturesque Makrigadi settlement. Overnight stays are arranged in a local homestay. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
After breakfast at Makrigadi, the day’s trek begins with a steep climb down to the Chameliya River. We then cross the river and follow the gorge upward toward Pato village, offering stunning views of the valley below.
From there, the trail continues with a steady, less steep ascent. The path gradually rises until reaching the final ridge, followed by an easy downhill walk to Siti, a charming settlement in Nepal. The trek takes around eight hours today. Overnight stays are arranged in a local homestay. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
After breakfast at Siti, we begin today’s trek toward Domal. The trail starts with a steep climb to Khayekot, a scenic settlement along the Chameliya River.
We continue a gradual uphill trek toward Domal. After roughly seven hours of walking from Siti, we reach Domal, located at the confluence of the Rokap and Chameliya Rivers. They are considered one of the region’s sacred sites. As no lodges are available, we set up camp here for the night. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
After breakfast at Domal, we begin today’s trek. The trail impresses with its simplicity and the charm of walking through forests and pastoral landscapes. Over the next five hours, we ascend to a mountain ridge featuring lush green meadows and dark rhododendron forests at the valley entrance.
Along the way, we pass a few small caves before reaching our camping spot. Nestled among towering mountains and dense rhododendrons, Dhaulo Odar becomes our campsite for the night. Camping here offers a magical experience, with clear skies perfect for stargazing from our tents. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
Today is one of the main days of the trek as we reach Mt. Api. The morning begins with a short walk before departing for the Api Base Camp. From Dhaulo Odar, a 2.5-hour trek leads us to an open plateau surrounded by towering mountains, the base camp of Api.
At the plateau, we are greeted by the majestic views of Mt. Api (7,132 m), along with Mt. Nampa (6,929 m) and Mt. Bobaye (6,808 m). Along the way, we pass the source of the Chameliya River and a small temple built by locals, offering a glimpse of the area’s spiritual significance.
We also continue to explore Pilkandaha Lake, soaking in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Overnight in Daulo Odar. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
After breakfast, we bid farewell to the stunning heights of Mt. Api and the surrounding Dhaulo Odar area, beginning our return trek to Siti. The descent first takes us to the Khayekot settlement, where we stop for lunch.
The night is spent in a local homestay of Siti, where we enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by the host family, sharing the evening in their warm company. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
After breakfast at Siti, we begin the climb to the ridge above the village. The trail winds through forests, agricultural fields, and small scattered settlements, offering beautiful views of the Himalayas along the way.
Time and energy permitting, the evening can be spent exploring the village in Makarigaad. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
After breakfast at Makrigadi, we start our morning hike toward Latinath, passing through Paribagar. The trail takes about four hours and gently descends to Latinath, making it an easier and more enjoyable walk.
If time allows, we will visit the Hindu temple atop Latinath Hill to admire panoramic views of the valley. If the schedule is tight, we may take a short bus ride along the riverbank to Gokuleshwar, a scenic journey of about two hours. Overnight stay is arranged at a simple lodge in Gokuleshwar. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
Today starts early with breakfast at Gokuleshwar, followed by a transfer to the bus station to board a bus to Dhangadhi. The journey takes you back through lush green hills, terraced fields, small villages, and roadside teahouses.
By noon, we will reach Dadeldhura for lunch and a short rest before continuing along the Mahakali Highway toward Dhangadhi. After approximately nine hours of scenic driving, we will arrive in Dhangadhi for dinner and an overnight stay at a tourist-standard hotel. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
After breakfast in Dhangadhi, we head straight to the airport for our flight to Kathmandu. During the one hour and fifteen-minute journey, you’ll be treated to breathtaking aerial views of Nepal’s landscapes.
Once we land, a private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the bustling Thamel markets, filled with shops, cafes, and local crafts. Overnight stay is arranged at a comfortable tourist-standard hotel in Kathmandu. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner provided.
This breathtaking journey is best experienced in spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these seasons, the skies are clear, offering close-up views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks without the obstruction of clouds. The trails come alive with lush vegetation, colourful flora, and diverse wildlife, while rivers, gorges, and waterfalls enhance the beauty of the landscape.
Although spring and autumn are the most popular times, this trek is possible year-round. With the right preparation and proper trekking gear, you can enjoy Api Himal in any season.
The Api Himal trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3,900m, with only minimal risk of altitude sickness. To stay safe, it’s best to walk at a steady, easy pace rather than rushing to higher elevations. Gradually gaining height and keeping your body well-hydrated are key to avoiding altitude problems.
Although considered a moderate trek, Api Himal is manageable for people of all ages and experience levels. Even if you are not very fit, you can still complete the journey with determination, though it may feel a little challenging at times. Preparing with light physical exercise or short hikes 2–3 weeks before the trek can make the experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
The Api Himal Base Camp Trek is a moderate to challenging adventure, featuring steep ascents, descents, and narrow rugged trails. Expect 6–7 hours of trekking each day across diverse terrain. While beginners with good fitness can complete the trek, prior trekking experience or some preparation is highly beneficial.
On the Api Himal Trek, food and lodging are simple yet adequate for such a remote region. Along the trail, you’ll stay in villages with limited facilities, so expect traditional, no-frills arrangements. Here’s what to keep in mind:
The trek usually begins with a 70-minute flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi. Alternatively, you can take a 17 hours road trip.
From Dhangadhi, it’s a 8 hours drive to Gokuleshwor, followed by another 2 hours drive to Latinath, where the trek officially starts.
Upon return, we again take a drive from Latinath to Dhangadhi and take a flight from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu.
The Api Himal Base Camp Trek is recognised for its remote and untouched environment, which also affects network and internet connectivity. Unlike the more developed trekking trails such as the Annapurna Base Camp or Everest Base Camp, this region has very limited infrastructure. As a result, both mobile networks and internet services are scarce throughout the journey, making it important for trekkers to be prepared for minimal communication during the trek.
To organize and schedule a Api Himal Base Camp trip, it is best to hire the services of a well-known trekking company in Nepal, such as Hidden Trek Nepal.
We are concerned about your safety whenever you book a local company like ours, and we are here to help. Throughout every step of your trip, you will constantly have someone with years of experience to provide you with the best recommendations.
By making the reservations as early as possible, particularly during the peak trekking seasons, you may assure that you will be able to secure your desired accommodation without encountering any difficulties. Given that the majority of the most desirable places to stay in the region are often reserved well in advance, it is always a good idea to begin your planning process as early as possible.
Kathmandu has many great hotels, and we recommend staying in Thamel, the city’s vibrant tourist hub. It's packed with bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops. Thamel is also the perfect place to rent or buy trekking gear.
For shopping, there are plenty of nearby places to explore. Plus, our office is conveniently located in the heart of Thamel.
If you need assistance with hotel booking, Hidden Trek Nepal is here to help.
It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival for individuals from the majority of countries by visiting the online website of the Immigration Department of Nepal. Online forms must be filled out, printed, and brought with you.
The online system can be accessed at https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/ from any location and at any time. The Online Application System can keep your application for 15 days in its system, allowing you to apply at your convenience and present it to the Immigration Authority at the time of admission or visa extension.
Visas on arrival are valid for 15, 30, or 3 months and are priced at:
We recommend hiking before the Api Himal Base Camp Trek, helping your body adjust to higher elevations. Test your gear and break in your hiking boots on these short walks to find and correct any problems while still near city shops and resources.
Some suggestions for hiking places near Kathmandu are: Champa Devi Hiking, Jamacho (Nagarjun Hill) Hiking, Sundarijal
Hiking, Chandragiri Hiking, etc.
You can also visit some very popular cultural locations carrying significant histories while in Kathmandu before the trek: Boudhanath (Boudha), the Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and three Durbar Squares (Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur).
After the Api Himal Base Camp Trek, relaxing and enjoying Nepal's splendor is worth it. After the lengthy trek, Nepal is also a great place to relax with views, and cozy cafés. We recommend:
Hidden Trek Nepal strongly advises you to hire a guide to help to reduce the pressure on these difficult paths.
In order to control all other trek-related expenses on your own, Hidden Trek Nepal now provides a "guide only" service whereby you can hire a licensed guide and pay just for the guide's price. With this service, we provide you with a government-licensed, experienced trekking guide who knows the Api region inside and out.
We understand that many travellers today prefer a more flexible and cost-effective approach to adventure. That is why this service especially targets budget-conscious tourists looking for a real Himalayan adventure. It lets you manage your own logistics like transportation, accommodation, and meals along the route, thus welcoming different tastes and budgets.
Trekkers can start an unforgettable trip among some of the most breathtaking mountain landscapes with the freedom to personalize travel, food, and accommodation combined with an expert local path.
Hidden Trek Nepal is known for having skilled porters and making each tour unique. They know both the history and geography of the area well enough to make sure you have a safe and useful trip.
Our goal is to give you an experience that immerses you in the awe of the great Nepalese wilderness, whether that means customizing your schedule or making changes to the trail in real time or helping you through the tough parts of the trip.
We also provide flexible solutions, such as a "guide only" service for independent trekkers who would rather handle their own logistics with expert advice. With Hidden Trek Nepal, you interact with people, environment, and the desire of adventure at every turn rather than simply travel.
The journey is difficult because trekking here means stepping away from modern comforts and embracing a traditional lifestyle rarely seen elsewhere. However, prior trekking experience isn’t required, physical fitness is highly recommended.
We highly recommend trekkers acquiring Api Himal Base Camp must accompany a guide and a porter, as mandated by the Nepalese government. They will assist with local knowledge, navigation, and gear carrying. This also benefits the local economy.
No, you cannot see Mount Everest from the Api Himal Base Camp. While the Api Himal Base Camp Trek offers stunning views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Api itself and other majestic peaks, Mount Everest is located in a different region, much further east.
The primary places to stay along the Api Himal Base Camp are in simple teahouses and in small, family-run teahouses with basic twin beds and limited furniture. Accommodations are clean but basic lodging, remaining simple and rustic the further you trek.
We made a customized 13-day plan that includes the time needed to get used to the altitude and the right amount of trekking. However, you can add or remove days depending on your schedule. The schedule can be changed to fit your needs as long as you follow the rules.
Yes! Kathmandu has many shops (Thamel area) selling:
Yes, you can always join our fixed departure treks at the last minute. For customised treks, please stay in touch with us to check availability and arrangements.
It is not compulsory to have a porter for the Api Himal Base Camp Trek. However, we highly recommend hiring one, which will relieve you of your luggage and enable you to fully appreciate the journey. Hidden Trek Nepal provides the best porters, and the service is added on our package too.
