Api Base Camp Trek

A representative from Oriental Journeys welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can give us your address for the pickup and first meeting. We will have a first tour briefing session at our place. Overnight at a hotel in Thamel.

It is the first day of our tour. You will fly from Tribhuvan International Airport Domestic terminal to Dhangadi. The flight takes approximately 1 hour. The flight is scenic with the view of high mountain range all the way to Dhangadi.

Today, you will drive from Dhangadhi to Gokuleshwar. It takes 8 hours to reach the destination for today. The drive is along the hilly highway with nice views and sceneries. On the halfway, we reach Dadeldhura. You will have lunch and rest for a few minutes. Dadeldhura is a hill’s town known as Queen of Hills. The drive continues on the winding road. Enjoy your drive with amazing views of the Himalaya and Chamelyia valley. You will reach Gokuleshwar by the afternoon. Overnight at a lodge.

The real trekking begins at Latinath which is 2 hours driving distance from Gokuleshwar. Along the way, you will follow the Chameliya river and cross through the Chameliya Hydropower station. The Chameliya Hydropower station is the biggest one in the region. Start hiking at Latina. After an hour trek, reach at Paribagar. It is a small settlement beautifully situated by the riverside.

Hiking from Paribagar to Makarigaad takes 5 hours. On the way, pass through the traditional villages. The small houses are traditional and built with stones. They look pristine and unspoiled by the modern advancements. Later pass through ancient terrace farms. On the halfway, there are some best places and teahouse. Enjoy your lunch at the teahouse. After the lunch continue your trek along Chameliya river. The subtropical forest of the area is rich with pine, fir, oak, hemlock trees. Whereas the area is dominated by the rhododendron forest relatively in higher altitude. The tiny settlement of Makarigaad is a lovely place to stay overnight.

The first part of the trek from Makarigaad is a relatively steeper climb. After crossing the Chameliya river bridge, climb up to the village of Pato. Pato is a small village situated at an altitude of 2189 meters from sea level. Enjoy your lunch at Pato. Continue your trek with a gentle climb. The spectacular views fascinate you throughout the trail. After reaching the final ridge, climb down towards Siti. Relax at Siti and have your dinner. Overnight at Siti.

Hiking the first part of the trail from Siti is a downhill walk up to Khayekot. Khayekot (2036m) is a tiny settlement of the Chameliya valley. Have your lunch at Khayekot and continue to trek up to Domal. The Chameliya river meets with Rokap River at Domal. Confluence is one of the most sacred place of the region. Spent your night at the tents.

Today, accept the challenge of steep climb just after you leave Domal. The trail goes through the forest and opens at the wide pasture area. Continue the trek through the pasture till you reach Dhauli Odar. The Dhauli Odar has got a huge cliff with a cave-like structure. It is also called lower Api Base Camp. The campsite looks perfect with an open grassland and Rhododendron forest on the side. The site is surrounded by high mountains. Besides the trekkers, the locals coming for Yarsha hunting use the site for camping. Enjoy your dinner with campfire. Stay overnight at the setup camps.

Today is the time to enjoy the bliss of Api Base Camp. It is 2.5 hours climb from the Lower Base Camp. Carry your packed lunch for the day. Relatively, the upper base camp is a bigger open plateau. It is surrounded by the mountain peaks of Mt. Api (7132m) at the northern side and Mt. Nampa (6929m) and Mt. Bobaye (6808m) to the east. Continue your walk on the plateau to visit the source of the Chameliya River. There are small temples constructed by the locals to worship the deities. Visitors pray here for good health, luck and blessings. Return the lower base camp for Overnight.

Say goodbye to the Api Himal and trek back to Siti. It is a downhill walk retracing the same trail to Khayekot. Take a pause at Khayakot for lunch.  Separate your footsteps from the Chameliya river at Khayekot. follow the steep trail up through terrace farm to the village of Siti. Stay at Siti for overnight.

Hike for approximately 6 hours from Siti to Makarigaad following the same trail through the ridge. Pass through the forests, farms, and tiny settlements. Have your relaxing lunch at Pato. Continue your steady downhill walk till Makarigaat. Stay overnight at Makarigaad.

Trekking form Makarigaad to Latinath is a pleasant and relatively comfortable walk. It is a 4 hours walk. Cath vehicle at Latinath and drive to Gokuleshwar for 2 hours drive. You will have an option to visit the Latinath Temple in few minutes walk.  Stay overnight at Gokuleshwar.

Your vehicle departs early morning from Gokuleshwar for Dhangadi. It is a long day drive from Dokuleshwar to Dhangadi. Take a pause at Dadeldhura for lunch.

Catch your flight at Dhangadhi Airport for Kathmandu. In Kathmandu enjoy your farewell dinner along with the team of Oriental Journeys.

Finally, this is the end of your trip. A representative from Oriental Journeys escorts you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. A farewell time with promises to be your operator for the next adventure dream in Nepal.