Api Himal 7132 meters is the highest mountain in western Nepal. The attractive mountain of Api Himal Expedition rises between the Indian sub-continent and frozen plains of Tibetan Plateau in Humla District of Nepal. Api Himal Expedition is technically straightforward with several challenges before reaching the main summit. Hence, previous experience of technical peak climbing with good physical fitness is highly recommended for those wanting to conquer the summit of Api Himal.
Doshisha Alpine Society of Japanese Expedition Team has made the first successful ascent of Api Himal Expedition in 1960. Through the Northwest route. Later on December 24, 1983 – Tadeusz Piotrowski and Andrzej Bielun from Poland made the first winter ascent of Api Himal. From the summit of Api Himal, we can see stunning views of Mt Nandadevi 7817m.
Mt. Nandadevi lies in Uttar Pradesh, India. we can also see the Rajamba Peak 6537m, Kappa Chuli Peak 6850m, and other surrounding peaks. Apart from the expedition experience, one gets to explore the less beaten and remote region of Nepal. The remoteness of the region is bejewelled with the cultural diversity, beautiful mountain landscapes, and serene wilderness.
Api Himal Expedition Cost and Itinerary
Api Himal Expedition starts at Kathmandu. After spending a couple of days at Kathmandu, sightseeing and making necessary preparations for the climb. Likewise, we will take a flight from Kathmandu towards the airstrip of Dhangadi. From Dhangadi, we will take a drive towards Baitadi and Gokuleshwor. The starting point of our trek.
We start our trek from Gokuleshwor on a less-visited trail that leads passing through remote villages. Largely unexplored serene wilderness, passing through Karkale, Chiureni, Makarighat and Lwathi village. Then we trek towards Api Himal Base Camp. Once at the base camp our expedition Sherpa crew will make necessary preparations for setting up higher camps above base camp.
With proper acclimatization and guidance of our experienced climbing experts, we will spend several days. Then head towards the summit of Api Himal. The challenging climb to the summit is rewarded with panoramic views of Mt Nandadevi 7817. That rises beyond the Indian border in Uttar Pradesh, Rajamba Peak, Kappa Chuli Peak, and other surrounding high peaks.
After spending short quality time at the summit, we will descend following the same route and head back towards base camp. Having achieved our target summit of Api Himal. Then we will retrace our steps on the same trail and trek back to Gokuleshwor, Baitadi. Finally, the memorable and inspiring Api Himal ends with a drive from Baitadi to Dhangadi and a sweeping flight from Dhangadi back to Kathmandu.
Equipment Needed During Climbing
Trip Highlights
- Summit of Api Himal Expedition / Api Himal is at 7,132 meters – Highest Mountain in Western Nepal.
- Opportunity to explore the less-visited and remote region of Nepal that offers views of beautiful mountain landscapes and pristine wilderness.
- Technically challenging and straightforward Himalaya
- Excursion of the Holy lake – Kali Dhunga (approximately 2 hrs walking distance from the Base Camp)
- Gain climbing experience over 7000m altitude mountain
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu [1345m/4411ft] & transfer to Hotel
Our representative from Everest Expeditions Nepal will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival schedule. You will then be transferred to the hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city. Our staff will assist you until the check-in procedure ends at the Hotel. In the evening, please join our welcome dinner program organized by Everest Expeditions Nepal.
Meals: BB Plan + Welcome Dinner
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu & Climbing Preparations
Hotel/Resort
Today we will spend most of our day sightseeing around some of the world heritage sites of UNESCO inside Kathmandu valley. Most importantly we will complete all the necessary paper works and make other preparations required for Api Himal Expedition with Everest Expeditions Nepal.
Note: It is not possible to visit all world heritage sites in Kathmandu within a day. So you can choose at least 3-4 places for day sightseeing.
Meals: BB Plan
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadi [210m/688ft]
1 hour Flight Lodge
After breakfast, we pack our gears and get ready for an hours’ scenic flight from Kathmandu to the airstrip of Dhangadi. Dhangadi is the city in western Nepal near to Indian border. It is the main administrative centre and headquarters of Kailali District. After landing at Dhangadi, you will be transferred to the hotel. You can either have rest or explore around the crowdy market streets of Dhangadi. A huge number of people from every corner of the country gather here for trade purpose.
Meals: BB Plan
Day 04: Drive to Baitadi-Gokuleshwor
6-7 hrs Drive Lodge
Today we take a drive from Dhangadi and drive towards Baitadi and further towards Gokuleshwor which is the starting point of the trek. Our drive goes over Mahakali Highway for about six to seven hours passing through Baitadi we drive towards Gokuleshwor. During our drive journey, we will have chance to see the drastic changes of the landscapes as we drive from the flat plains of Dhangadi all the way up to the hilly zigzag roads of Baitadi and Gokuleshwor.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 05: Trek from Gokuleshwor to Karkale [968m/3175ft]
3-4 hrs Trek Tented Camp
The first day of our trek starts from Gokuleshwor, as we trek we are confronted with great views of surrounding mountains. It is a short day of trekking, so we will enjoy every moment of the amazing scenery and nature while trekking. Our trek continues until we reach a good campsite near Karkale.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 06: Trek from Karkale to Chiureni [1120m/3673ft]
5-6 hrs Trek Tented Camp
After breakfast, we leave our campsite at Karkale and follow an ascending trail that gradually climbs through terraced farmlands and beautiful villages. Local people are always happy to greet foreigners as the trail is off the beaten, less popular but offers true adventure for trekkers. Our trail crosses several suspension bridges and heads towards Chiureni. Chiureni is famous for its butter trees. We will camp along with butter trees surrounding us in the pristine vicinity.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 07: Trek from Chiureni to Makarighat [1800m/5904ft]
6-7 hrs Trek Tented Camp
After breakfast, we leave Chiureni and follow the trail that goes along Chamliya Khola. Soon our trail goes along some of the narrowest parts of the whole trek. Our trail ascends and descends for a few hours through dense forest areas and passing along several villages. We continue our trek until we arrive at Makarighat where there is a good campsite.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 08: Trek from Makarighat to Seti [2980m/9774ft]
5-6 hrs Trek Tented Camp
All set to go, we leave our campsite at Makarighat and start trekking on the trail that is a steep uphill climb. Our trek passes through several small villages and with great views of snow-capped mountains as we hear towards Seti for the overnight camping
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 09: Trek from Seti to Bayaligad [3400m/11152ft]
5-6 hrs Trek Tented Camp
After breakfast, we leave our campsite and trek on the trail that heads towards Lwathi -the last village settlement during the trek. After crossing Lwathi our trail climbs steeply through dense forest areas to reach Bayaligad which is also known and called as Saheb Bazaar. We make a stop here at Bayaligad and prepare for our overnight camping.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Trek from Bayaligad to Simar [3680m/12070ft]
5-6 hrs Trek Tented Camp
We pack our gears and continue to follow our trail that is gradual uphill trekking through dense forest areas. Our trek continues as we head towards Simar for the overnight camping. Around here, the exclusive and expensive natural herb known as Yarsagumba is found in plenty during summer. People from nearby villages leave their jobs and schools in search of the herb.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Trek from Simar to Dhaulo Odar [3860m/12660ft]
4-5 hrs Trek Tented Camp
From Simar, we continue our trek on a rising trail that goes along an additional forest and with great views of snow-capped mountains. After a few hours of trekking, we will arrive at a good campsite near Dhaulo Odar. Odar in the Nepali language means ‘Cave’. In the past people used to live here in the cave, there is scientific evidence of people’s existence in the cave. We will make a short excursion to the cave once we arrive at Dhaulo Odar for the overnight camping.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12: Trek from Dhaulo Odar to Api Himal Base Camp [4190m/13743ft]
3-4 hrs Trek Tented Camp
Today is a short day of trekking as we trek higher up to reach the Base camp. After breakfast, we leave our campsite at Dhaulo Odar and follow the trail that is gradual uphill trekking all the way to a good campsite at 4190 meters. Our Sherpa crew will set up the base camp and make necessary preparations for setting up additional camps at higher altitudes and checking all the climbing gears before attempting the main summit of Api Himal. We can hike up to the Holy Lake – Kali Dhunga which takes about two hours from the base camp.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13-28: Climbing Api Himal [7132m/23392ft] and descend back to base camp
16 days climbing toward Api Himal Tented Camp
We will spend several days doing climbing training practices between the camps for the best acclimatization. Taking weather conditions into consideration, we will follow the guidance and footsteps of our experienced climbing experts. Our Sherpa crew will do all the hard works of carrying and setting up camps, provide healthy meals and find an accessible route to the summit. Overcoming several technical climbing sections we head towards the summit. Once at the top we are rewarded with stunning views of Mt Nandadevi that rises beyond the Indian border in Uttar Pradesh, Rajamba Peak, Kappa Chuli Peak and other surrounding high peaks. We will spend short quality time at the summit and then descend following the same route back to base camp.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 29: Trek from Base Camp to Bayaligad
6-7 hrs Trek Tented Camp
Having achieved our target – the summit of Api Himal, we will make a relaxed start. After breakfast, we engage in cleaning the base camp and then prepare for the return trekking. We start to retrace our steps back on the same trail that descends passing through Dhaulo Odar and heads back towards Simar. From there, our trail descends passing through dense forest areas all the way to Bayaligad.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 30: Trek from Bayalighad to Makarighat
5-6 hrs Trek Tented Camp
After breakfast, we leave Bayalighad and follow the trail that descends through dense forest areas to reach Lwathi. From there, our trail passes through Seti as we head back to reach Makarighat for our overnight camping. Magnificent sceneries of picturesque villages with snow-capped mountains on background truly add flavour to our return trek today.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 31: Trek from Makarighat to Bitule Chaur [1200m/3936ft]
5-6 hrs Trek Tented Camp
From Makarighat we continue to retrace our steps on the same trail that passes through several villages with ups and downs. After some hours of trekking, we will arrive at the plain grounds of Bitule Chaur – which offers good camping grounds for the overnight camping.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 32: Trek from Bitule Chaur to Gokuleshwor
4-5 hrs Trek Lodge
The last day of our trek starts from Bitule Chaur as we trek passing through several picturesque villages. Our trail is a fairly moderate trek all the way back to Gokuleshwor. We will celebrate the evening with our climbing crew and have some good time.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 33: Drive from Gokuleshwor to Dhangadi
5-6 hrs Drive Lodge
After breakfast, we take a drive from Gokuleshwor back to Dhangadi which takes approximately about 6 hours drive journey. Once we reach Dhangadi, you will be transferred to the hotel. You can either have rest at the hotel or take an evening’s walk around the bust market streets of Dhangadi.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 34: Fly to Kathmandu & transfer to hotel
Hotel/Resort
Today we will take a flight from Dhangadi and fly back to Kathmandu. After landing at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. You can either have rest at Hotel or pay a visit to attraction destination (world heritage sites of UNESCO) sites that weren’t possible to visit on the second day of the trip. Walking around the busy streets of Thamel can be worth spending a good time. We will celebrate the completion of API Himal Expedition and have a final meal together in the evening.
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 35: Transfer to airport for final departure
Our representative will drop you at the International Airport as per your flight schedule.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
- Airport Arrival Departure transfer as per mentioned in Itinerary.
- 4 Nights stay in Kathmandu with BB Plan.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu with an experienced city guide, all entrance fees, and private vehicle.
- Kathmandu – Dhangadi – Kathmandu flight.
- All essential ground transportation by Private Vehicle – as mentioned in Itinerary.
- Climbing permit for Api Himal Expedition.
- TIMS permit card (issued by the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal)
- All essential Trekking permits and National Park fees.
- Tea House and Camping accommodation during Trekking and Climbing.
- All meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during trekking and climbing period.
- Trekking Guide and well-experienced climbing guide Team.
- Required number of porters, and kitchen staff for camping.
- All essential camping equipment – Dining tent, toilet tent, store tent, table – chair for an expedition.
- Guide handbooks and map of the route to keep immersed in the experience.
- Liaison officer.
- All staff’s salary, food, clothing, and insurance.
- All essential climbing gears.
- Emergency oxygen-mask & regulator (need to pay as per usages).
- Solar panel for batteries charging & lighting in base camp.
- EPI gas and stove to heat food and prepare warm beverages.
- Heaters at the base camps to make the experience convenient and cozy.
- Back-up generator powered by fuel to charge electronics when the solar power isn’t enough.
- Satellite Phone (Need to pay as per usages per minute).
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- All applicable TAX, VAT, and necessary paperwork.
- Any additional assistance possible (i.e. guidance with the visa extension procedure, details on flight information and departures).
What’s Excluded
- Personal Climbing gear.
- Your climbing insurance.
- International flight tickets and airport costs.
- Bar and Beverage bills.
- All personal nature expenses.
- TIPS for staffs
- Refundable garbage deposit