22 daysExtreme5,143 mKanchenjunga Base Camp Trek — 22 Days
From / person
$3,600
Trek
Api Base Camp Trek — 16 Days
16 days3,900 mFrom Dhangadhi (fly from Kathmandu), drive to Gokuleshwar/DarchulaBest: Mar–May, Oct–Nov
Photo by Sunuwargr on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
01 / 07
Duration
16 days
From
$2,490/person
Max Altitude
3,900 m
Difficulty
Strenuous
Starts
Dhangadhi (fly from Kathmandu), drive to Gokuleshwar/Darchula
Group Size
2–10 People
Stay
Tea House / Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Best Season
Mar–May, Oct–Nov
4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later
Trip Highlights
Trek beneath Api Himal (7,132 m) and Saipal (7,031 m) in Nepal's remote far-west
Almost zero crowds — one of the least-visited trekking regions in the country
Close-up views of the Api and Nampa glaciers from Api Base Camp
Alpine meadows of Khaliya and Dhar, thundering waterfalls and rhododendron forest
Authentic Byans and Chhipla village culture untouched by mass tourism
Rich wildlife and pristine landscapes inside the Api Nampa Conservation Area
A genuine wilderness adventure with teahouse and tented camping
Scenic flight to Dhangadhi and an epic overland journey into Darchula
Trek to the foot of Api Himal (7,132 m) in Nepal's wild far-west — alpine meadows, glaciers and Byans culture, with almost zero crowds.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(16 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 3,900 m · Day 10Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu and meet your guide for a trek briefing and permit paperwork. Evening at leisure in Thamel.
1,400 m–––Hotel
The Api Base Camp Trek leads into the remote far-western corner of Nepal, a region so seldom visited that you may walk for days without meeting another foreign trekker. Hidden within the Api Nampa Conservation Area in Darchula district, the trail climbs beneath the twin giants of Api Himal (7,132 m) and Saipal (7,031 m), through rhododendron forest, terraced Chhipla and Byans villages, thundering waterfalls and the high alpine pastures of Khaliya and Dhar.
This is genuine wilderness trekking. The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi and a long, scenic drive to the Gokuleshwar and Darchula roadhead, before the trail works its way up the Chamliya valley to the lower base camp at Dhauli Odar and, finally, to Api Base Camp at roughly 3,900 m, where the Api and Nampa glaciers spill from the headwall above.
Why trek to Api Base Camp
Few treks in Nepal offer such a rich blend of dramatic mountain scenery and untouched local culture. The far-west sees a tiny fraction of the visitors who flood Everest and Annapurna, so the experience feels raw and authentic — basic teahouses and tented camps, warm village hospitality, and uninterrupted views of one of the Himalaya's most striking unclimbed-by-most faces.
Who this trek is for
This is a strenuous, committing trek for fit, experienced walkers who are comfortable with long days, simple accommodation, remote logistics and limited facilities. In return you get one of the last great wild corners of Nepal almost entirely to yourself.
What's Included
Included
- Airport transfers in Kathmandu and the far-west by private vehicle
- Domestic flights Kathmandu–Dhangadhi–Kathmandu
- All ground transport Dhangadhi–Gokuleshwar–trailhead and return
- Api Nampa Conservation Area Permit (ANCAP) and TIMS card
- Licensed, experienced English-speaking trekking guide
- Porters to carry your main baggage
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All teahouse and tented camp accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- Camping equipment, cook and kitchen crew where required
- Guided UNESCO sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
- First-aid kit and all government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast
- Drinks, bottled water, hot showers and battery charging on the trek
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guide, porters and crew
- Personal expenses, laundry and extra nights due to flight delays
- Anything not listed under What's Included
Pickup
Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?
This trip begins in Kathmandu. If you are already in Pokhara, we can bring you across (Pokhara and Kathmandu are about 200 km apart: 25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus).
Pickup in Kathmandu
Trip starts hereLanding in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.
- Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)Included
- Kathmandu domestic airportIncluded
- Kathmandu hotel pickupWe quote
- Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Pickup in Pokhara
Staying in Pokhara? We can bring you to Kathmandu for the start.
- Pokhara hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight. We confirm the price with you.We quote
- Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
- Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Hotel in the city
- Kathmandu: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)Included
- Kathmandu: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Kathmandu: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.
Best Time to Go
Spring (Mar–May)
The prime season. Rhododendron forests burst into colour at lower elevations and the weather is generally stable with good mountain visibility.
Low: -5°C High: 15°C Melting snow on the high meadows and around base camp early in the season.
Summer / Monsoon (Jun–Sep)
Not recommended. Heavy monsoon rain brings leeches, slippery trails, landslides and frequent flight delays to Dhangadhi, with clouds hiding the peaks.
Low: 5°C High: 20°C Little snow but persistent rain and cloud at all elevations.
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
The other prime season. Crisp, clear air after the monsoon delivers the sharpest views of Api and Saipal, with stable, dry trekking weather.
Low: -8°C High: 12°C Light early-season snow possible near base camp later in November.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Very cold and challenging. Heavy snow can block the upper trail to base camp and many basic teahouses close. Only for well-equipped, experienced parties.
Low: -18°C High: 5°C Deep snow on the high meadows and around base camp; trail may be impassable.
Permits Required
Api Nampa Conservation Area Permit (ANCAP)
NPR 2,000 (about US$15)Required to enter the Api Nampa Conservation Area. Fee for foreign nationals; SAARC nationals pay a reduced rate. Carry your passport and passport photos.
TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)
NPR 2,000 (about US$15)Mandatory trekker registration card. We arrange this for you with your trek booking.
Licensed Guide
IncludedA government-licensed guide is mandatory for this remote far-western route and is included in your package.
All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.
What to Pack
Merino or synthetic base layers — two sets, one worn one drying
Fleece or light insulated mid-layer
Waterproof shell jacket
Trekking trousers (not jeans, not cotton)
Sun hat and sunglasses — UV is fierce above the treeline
Warm hat and gloves for early starts and evenings
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
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