Nepal Holiday Treks and TOurs

Api Himal Trek

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Duration
13 days
Max. Elevation
5000m
Group size
2+
Level
DIFFICULT
Transportation

Domestic Flight and Private Jeep

Best Season
(March, April, May) and (September, October and November)
Accomodation
Teahouse, Lodges and Hotels                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Starts at/ Ends at
Kathmandu / kathmandu
Trip Route
Kathmandui- Siti- Domal- Dhaulo Odar- Api Base Camp

Highlights

    • Highest mountain in western Nepal- Api Himal (7132 m)
    • Experience of remote and rarely visited region of Nepal that offers views of beautiful mountain landscapes and natural wilderness
    • Practically challenging and effortless Himalayan
    • Trip of the Holy lake- Kali Dhunga (maximum 2 hours walking distance from the base camp)
    • Obtain climbing experience over 7000 m altitude mount
    • Explore rural villages like Ghusa, Siti, and Khayakoyt
    • Enjoy the life of shepherds
    • Opportunity to explore harvest and trade of the most expensive herb, Yarsagumba
    • Not crowded- experience unique language, culture and lifestyle of people

Overview

Api Himal trek in Nepal

Api Himal (7132 m) is a little- known the highest peak in the Yoka Pahar section of Gurans Himal, part of the Himalayas, rarely visited in the extreme northwest corner of  far-western Nepal, near the border with Tibet. The name API means “Grandmother” which comes from the Tibetan language. It rises dramatically over the low surrounding terrain with a 6779 population. This is one of the valuable treasured of Nepal protected by the Api Nampa Conservation Area. This conservation area also conserved the natural beauty and ecosystem of the region along with the mountain. 


API Base Camp trekking, is one of the best trekking trails in Nepal. The pathway fills with subtropical to alpine forest and vegetation, waterfalls, lakes, grassland, steep gorges, and the Mahakali valley. Furthermore, you can also enjoy sightseeing, perceive variety of birds, explores mixed community, culture, tradition, and lifestyle of people that is authentic and intact by innovation.


The API Base Camp Trek, allows trekkers to feed their eyes with the attractions of Dhangadhi, like the botanical garden, aircraft museum, and jokhar lake. The spectacular views of mountains like Api Himal, Mt. Thado Dhunga Tuppa (5368 m), Rajamba (6537), Saipal (7031 m), Mt. Nandadevi (7817 m) and other peaks are the limelight of the trail. 


1) People, Culture and Religion

Most of the people of API are devotees of Lord Shiva (Mahadev). Thus, every household keeps cows instead of buffalo for dairy products. Almost everything produced by cow is holy. Its milk can be offered to Lord Shiva, even urine and cow dung is used during pooja or weeding.

People are kind, caring, hardworking, loving and welcoming. Almost everyone in the village is skilled to make thread out of sheep wool and then weave socks, sweaters, coats, and many other clothing items. They also grow organic crops and vegetables for themselves and sell when they have access. Major crops and vegetables include barley, wheat, corn, spinach carrots, turnips, radish, long beans, kidney beans and so on.

The API is a home to a mix of Hindus and Buddhists, with diverse religion, unique culture and lifestyles.  Chhetri, Bohora, Jhakari, Brahmin, Mahara, Lohar, Thekare, and a nomad community Raute are the diverse communities of people from different ethnic group live in peace and harmony in a region. The people who are living in this region generally speak Nepali language. But the Raute communities have a unique language of their own.  Winter season is extreme cold in the region, so all the communities descend to Terai.


2) Best time to visit

Almost all the seasons are suitable for trekking Api Himal. But the different season provides different sightseeing and trekking experience. The best season offers many more exciting and eye- catching views of the nature. 

August to early November

This is the season of lot’s of festivals in Nepal. The sky is clear, forests are green and hills are colorful because of various wildflowers, weather is amazing and temperature is moderate (not too hot and not too cold). At this time, people have harvested their crops (mainly rice), ready to celebrate the festivals, families gather together to cook delicious food, brew wine, and visit relatives to take blessings. Those who are living away from villages return and clean and paint houses, clear the bushes from the trails and do maintenance to welcome new guests in their home and villages. They all are in happy mood and would love to invite anyone to celebrate together. This is the perfect time to experience the authentic local culture and hospitality of Nepal. 

March to April

Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal and blooms during this season, you’ll see Nepal hills are covered in the red carpets of rhododendron. Though the season is dry, the varieties of wildflowers blooming together makes the trail exciting and the pleasant smell in the fresh air. This is also the time where wild honey bees collect nectar from the herbs and make Mad honey.

May to July

During this season, people gather to harvest the world’s most expensive herb, Yarsagumba. So the lots of people will be staying in the base camp region making it like a bazaar. Similarly, you can also experience the shepherd’s life with hundreds of sheeps together and harvesting process and trade of Yarshagumba. Moreover, it is the favorable time for the trekkers who love green forests, waterfalls, and rural nomadic lifestyle. 

 

3) Foods 

The Api Himal trek mostly offers you rajma dal (kidney beans), rice, and vegetable curry (seasonal vegetables like potato, spinach, barela, etc.) and ghee for lunch and dinner. Occasionally you could get to eat sheep meat (if you are lucky). You can get plenty of butter milk (mohi) to drink and local curd as well. You can also get vodka made of barley (drink only while return from base camp). 

At breakfast, you can get roti tarkari (chapatti and vegetable curry), puri tarkari, noodle soup, herbal tea etc. During base camp trek you will be passing through three major villages Ghusa, Siti, and Kayakot. Kayakot is the last village, so from there we have to depend on local shepherds for food almost all the food you get in the village. 


4) Accommodation

The rooms are available with a normal bed, thin mattress and a couple of blankets. And most of the time you could have a giant common bed (4-5 people have to sleep together) and rarely individuals beds. Once you’re away from village, you’ll be living in a shepherd’s place. So, we recommend you to carry your own sleeping bag and a warm jacket.


5) Travel Insurance

Any trek in Nepal, including the API trek, also need travel insurance. While buying travel insurance ensure that it covers high altitude trekking, mountaineering, hiking, and adventure sports which may be physically challenging and dangerous. It offers you with financial protection and peace of mind in the event of an unforeseen accident.


6) Guide and Porter

Most of the trek in Nepal, including Api base camp trek demands guide and porters.  So, all the trekkers are required to obtain services of licensed trekking guide and TIMS card through authorized trekking agencies registered with the government of Nepal.

So, we recommend you to plan your trip with Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd. The guides are active, trained, helping, English speaking and most importantly government authorized licensed guide.  

Moreover, as you know, Api trek is an authentic remote trekking trail in far western Nepal. It is not commercialized yet. Therefore, you need a guide and a porter to make your trip comfortable and unforgettable. Here, we provide a guide as you need with guide insurance. They are technically competent and have knowledge in safety performance. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first aid kids to make your journey safe and sound. Your safety is our first priority.  


7) Altitude Sickness

It is common in the Himalayas above the altitude of 3000 m. Here are some things you can do to prevent yourself from getting altitude sickness.

Stop and rest where you are

Do not go any higher

Drink plenty of water

Notify the guide as soon as the symptoms like headache, nausea, tiredness etc appear.

Important Note

Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show. Hurry up! Adventure is waiting for you and mountains are calling you.

This trip is fully customization. Importantly, this trip is available on both a fixed departure and a private group basis. Moreover, we can also customize the trip as per your needs, please contact us at Whatsapp (+977-9843770916) or email us at info@nepalholodaytreksandtours.com. Let us know how we can help you, and we will do our best to give you the best customer service you’ll get anywhere else.

Furthermore, Nepal holiday treks and tours Pvt. Ltd. is a reputable and reliable company serving relentlessly in the field of tourism to fulfill the dreams of diverse adventure seekers around the globe into reality where they can feel most alive. So, we recommend you to reserve seat for yourself by booking with us right away for a wonderful and unforgettable trip experience.

Trip Itinerary

Take advantage of the one hour and fifteen minute, scenic flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi. You'll see an incredible change as you soar over Nepal's varied landscapes, from the busy cityscape of Kathmandu to the verdant Terai region. This brief trip provides a singular aerial perspective of the topography of the nation, showcasing the undulating hills that give way to the vast plains of Dhangadhi. It serves as the ideal introduction to the rich cultural and scenic experiences that this quaint region of Nepal has to offer.

Set out on a breathtaking 8-hour drive from Dhangadhi to Gokuleshwar, where the adventure doesn't end with the journey. You will see a remarkable variety of landscapes on our journey, from the rolling hills and lush countryside to the flat stretches of the Terai. You'll get a peek of rural life as you travel through charming towns and conventional farmlands. There are many opportunities during the drive to take in Nepal's natural beauty and cultural diversity, making every turn and section of road a unique and fascinating experience.

We start our journey with a beautiful 2-hour drive from Gokuleshwar to Latinath, during which the scenery progressively changes from verdant surroundings to rocky terrain. We'll start our gratifying one-hour hike from Latinath to Paribagar, which is 1,770 meters above sea level. You can take in the breathtaking vistas and tranquil beauty of the Himalayas on this trek. The fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings will be felt as we walk, adding to the trek's enchantment and energy.

From Paribagar, embark on a vigorous 5-hour hike to Makarigadi. Along the way, you'll traverse a variety of terrain, dropping from higher altitudes to the lush lower hill landscapes. You will stroll through lush forests, quaint towns, and gorgeous river valleys as we go, with each bend showcasing the area's breathtaking natural beauty. This trip offers an amazing chance to immerse yourself in the local way of life and take in the breathtaking scenery, making it an unforgettable experience as you travel through the foothills of the Himalayas. 

Get ready for an exciting 8-hour hike that will take you from Makarigadi to Siti, a 2,254-meter elevation gain. You will travel through a variety of environments on this demanding yet rewarding adventure, such as terraced fields, rocky paths, and dense forests. You'll be treated to expansive views of the surrounding valleys and mountains as we ascend, highlighting the area's breathtaking natural beauty. The hike offers a singular chance to take in the rich flora and fauna that flourish in this region while losing yourself in the peace and quiet of the high-altitude setting. 

Set out on an unforgettable seven-hour hike from Siti to Domal, climbing to a height of 2,950 meters. You will travel through a constantly shifting landscape on this adventure, ranging from verdant wetlands to craggy alpine terrain. You'll follow lovely woodland trails, cross mountain streams, and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks as we climb. With every step you take, you get closer to Domal's serene high-altitude setting, where the breathtaking scenery and unspoiled beauty combine to create an absolutely breathtaking experience.

Set out on an amazing 5-hour hike from Domal to Dhaulo Odar, culminating in a 3,800-meter summit at Lower Api Base Camp. This hike passes through a breathtaking variety of environments, including broad meadows blanketed in wildflowers and untamed high-altitude terrain. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains' serene, unspoiled beauty as well as the majestic Api Himalaya range as we ascend. The trip creates an atmosphere of grandeur and seclusion, preparing guests for an amazing stay at this outstanding base camp.

Set out on an exciting adventure to ascend to 4,250 meters at Api Base Camp from Dhaulo Odar, and then return to Dhaulo Odar. This journey starts with a strenuous climb through untamed landscapes and alpine meadows that provide breathtaking views of the Api Himalaya. You will experience the breathtaking presence of the tall peaks at base camp, where you are encircled by the unspoiled splendor of high-altitude scenery. Your route is retraced on the way back, giving you time to ponder the day's amazing vistas and the sense of achievement you had upon arriving at this remarkable viewpoint.

As we make our way back to Siti from Dhaulo Odar, get ready for a fulfilling 6-hour hike. This trip passes through a wide variety of environments, including lush, green valleys and untamed high-altitude terrain. You'll be treated to expansive views of the nearby mountains and forests as we descend, with each step presenting a new angle on the area's breathtaking natural beauty. The walk offers a great chance to take in the serene beauty of the lower landscapes while thinking back on your high-altitude experience.

Come along for a breathtaking 6-hour hike from Siti to Makarigad, where you'll pass through a diverse range of terrain. The trail gradually descends through the quaint lower altitudes, passing through undulating hills, lush forests, and picturesque riverside paths. You'll pass by traditional villages and take in expansive vistas of the surrounding landscape as you travel. Walking to Makarigad on this trek is a great way to experience the area's natural beauty and local way of life.

Take a beautiful 4-hour hike from Makarigadi to Latinath, following a trail that meanders through a variety of environments, such as verdant forests and charming villages, before progressively dropping to lower elevations. After arriving in Latinath, we'll switch from hiking to a leisurely two-hour drive back to Gokuleshwar. As we make our way through the stunning Terai region, this drive provides an opportunity to unwind and take in the changing scenery. Your adventure comes to an end with a comfortable drive back to Gokuleshwar.

Prepare yourself for an 8-hour drive through the picturesque countryside of Nepal as you travel from Gokuleshwar to Dhangadhi. This trip provides an eye-opening look at the varied landscape of the Terai, with vast fields, undulating hills, and quaint villages passing by. You will see the vibrant local culture and way of life as we drive, which adds to the rich and interesting experience of the journey. As we return to Dhangadhi, savor the opportunity to unwind and the breathtaking scenery.

Take pleasure in a quick and beautiful one-hour flight from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu. Enjoy breath-taking aerial views of Nepal's varied landscapes as you ascend, including the verdant Terai plains, the undulating hills, and the majestic mountains. This quick but gorgeous trip offers a distinctive viewpoint on the topography of the nation and a convenient means of getting back to Kathmandu, the bustling capital city, where your adventure comes to an end.

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Includes

    • Kathmandu to Dhangadhi to Kathmandu Return Flight Ticket
    • Dhangadhi to Gokuleswar to Latinath bothway by publish bus
    • Guide and porter service
    • All food and accommodation and tea house / camping
    • National park permits
    • Company service charge and tax 

Doesn't Include

    • International airfare and visa fees
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
    • Personal expenses of bar and beverage bills, wifi, hot shower, bottle of water, extra porters, laundry or any other things which are not mentioned by the company 
    • Your trekking gears and extra nights in a certain destination
    • Your travel insurance which should include the emergency rescue
    • Tips for your guide and porters                        
    • Entrance fees during the sightseeing
    • Extra expenses due to any event such as strikes, weather conditions, or flight delays 

Equipment List

  • Back pack
  • Flash or torch light
  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping bag
  • Water bottles
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat or cap
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Warm down jacket
  • Hiking socks and shoes
  • Raincoat and rain trousers
  • Toiletries
  • Antibacterial hand wash
  • Travel towel
  • Mouth wash
  • Tooth brush and tooth paste
  • Small personal power bank
  • Camera and batteries
  • Full-sleeves shirt 
  • T-shirts
  • Sun lotion
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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal