How difficult is the Api Himal Trek?

The trek is moderate to challenging, reaching altitudes up to 4,000m. Good physical fitness and prior trekking experience are recommended.

What is the best time to trek Api Himal?

The ideal seasons are autumn (September–November) and spring (March–May) for clear skies, stable weather, and the best mountain views.

Is camping necessary on the Api Himal Trek?

Yes. Camping is the only accommodation option along this remote route, as there are no lodges or teahouses in the high-altitude sections.

Api Himal Trekking

Api Himal Trek (7,132m) is a remote, non-touristy trekking trail in western Nepal, offering spectacular Himalayan scenery, diverse wildlife, rapid rivers, and pristine landscapes. The trek provides panoramic views of peaks like Thado Dhunga Tuppa (5,368m), Rajama (6,537m), Kapchuli (6,850m), and Mt. Nanda Devi (7,817m), among many others.

The trek passes through a diverse mix of communities, including Brahmin, Chhetri, Mahara, Bohora, Thekare, Jhakari, and Lohar (Ironsmith), giving a unique cultural experience. Spanning 16–19 days, the route reaches altitudes up to 4,000m, making it an average-level trek suitable for moderately experienced trekkers.

The journey starts from Karkale and passes through Gokuleshwor, Chiureni, Makarighat, Seti, Bayaligad, Simar, Dhawaliwadar, Saheb Bagar, and Bitule Chaur, before returning to Kathmandu. Along the way, trekkers enjoy breathtaking mountain views, untouched villages, and the serenity of western Nepal’s remote landscapes.

Accomodation
Hotel/ Tea house.
Best Season
Sept, Oct, Nov, March, April, May
Maximum Altitude
4240m
Transportation
Jeep/ Car/ fly.
Walking Hours
5/6 hours

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Overview

Api Himal Trek is a remote, less-touristed trekking destination in western Nepal, where only camping-style trekking is possible. The best seasons to trek are autumn and spring, though Everest Alpine Trekking can arrange trips year-round according to travelers’ schedules. The trek requires a minimum of three weeks and good physical fitness.

Api Himal is truly an off-the-beaten-path adventure, offering pristine nature, towering Himalayan peaks, rich cultural heritage, and lush valleys—perfect for trekkers seeking solitude, spectacular landscapes, and authentic local experiences.

Trip Highlights

Panoramic view of snowcapped mountains like Thado Dhunga Tuppa (5368m), Api Himal (7132m) , Rajama (6537m), Kapchuli (6850m) and many other peaks.
Reach the base camp of highest peak in western Neal- Api Himal (7132m).
Experience in the least developed area of Nepal.
Mahakali and Chamelia Rivers.
Experience the real wildness and remoteness in western part of Nepal.
Subtropical forests and amazing alpine pastures.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and transfer to your hotel. Attend a briefing in the evening to prepare for the trek ahead. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02 :

Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

Explore Kathmandu’s cultural heritage, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Patan Durbar Square. In the evening, finalize trek preparations. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03 :

Fly to Nepalgunj, Drive to Gokuleshwor

Take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. From there, drive to Gokuleshwor, the starting point of the Api Himal Trek, passing scenic landscapes and local villages along the way. Overnight in Gokuleshwor.

Day 04 :

Trek to Karkale (950m)

Begin the trek through lush forests, terraced fields, and small villages. Reach Karkale, a remote settlement and the official starting point of the Api Himal Trek. Overnight camping in Karkale.

Day 05 :

Trek to Chiureni (1,100m)

Trek through scenic landscapes, passing rivers, farmland, and local villages. Arrive at Chiureni, a charming village showcasing traditional western Nepalese culture. Overnight camping in Chiureni.

Day 06 :

Trek to Makarighat (1,800m)

Ascend through forested trails and terraced fields, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Arrive at Makarighat, a peaceful village nestled in the mountains. Overnight camping in Makarighat.

Day 07 :

Trek to Seti (3,000m)

Trek through alpine landscapes, crossing rivers and walking past yak pastures. Arrive at Seti, a high-altitude village offering stunning views of surrounding Himalayan peaks. Overnight camping in Seti.

Day 08 :

Trek to Lawathi (3,400m)

Continue trekking through alpine valleys and rugged trails, passing remote villages and yak pastures. Arrive at Lawathi, a serene settlement with panoramic views of nearby Himalayan peaks. Overnight camping in Lawathi.

Day 09 :

Trek to Simar (3,600m)

Trek through high-altitude valleys, passing yak pastures and small settlements. Arrive at Simar, a remote village offering breathtaking views of surrounding Himalayan peaks. Overnight camping in Simar.

Day 10 :

Trek to Dhawaliwadar (3,800m)

Ascend through alpine meadows and rugged trails, enjoying stunning views of the Api Himal and surrounding peaks. Arrive at Dhawaliwadar, a remote high-altitude village. Overnight camping in Dhawaliwadar.

Day 11 :

Trek to Api Himal Base Camp (4,000m)

Trek through rugged alpine terrain and high-altitude valleys, reaching the Api Himal Base Camp. Enjoy panoramic views of Api Himal, Kapchuli, and surrounding peaks. Overnight camping at Base Camp.

Day 12 :

Trek to Saheb Bagar (2,800m)

Descend through alpine valleys and terraced fields, passing remote villages along the way. Arrive at Saheb Bagar, enjoying views of surrounding hills and settlements. Overnight camping in Saheb Bagar.

Day 13 :

Trek to Makarighat (1,800m)

Descend through scenic forests and farmland, retracing part of the route from the ascent. Arrive at Makarighat, a peaceful village in the mid-hills. Overnight camping in Makarighat.

Day 14 :

Trek to Bitule

Continue trekking through forests, rivers, and terraced landscapes. Arrive at Bitule, a quaint village surrounded by hills and Himalayan views. Overnight camping in Bitule.

Day 15 :

Trek to Gokuleshwor (850m)

Descend through lush valleys and small villages, completing the return leg of the Api Himal Trek. Arrive at Gokuleshwor and prepare for the journey back to civilization. Overnight in Gokuleshwor.

Day 16 :

Drive to Dhangadi

Drive from Gokuleshwor to Dhangadi, enjoying scenic landscapes and local village life along the route. Arrive in Dhangadi and stay overnight at a hotel.

Day 17 :

Flight to Kathmandu (1,400m)

Take a morning flight from Dhangadi to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest after completing the Api Himal Trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 18 :

Departure from Kathmandu

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Conclude your Api Himal Trek with unforgettable memories of the remote Himalayas, scenic landscapes, and local culture.

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Airport pick up and transfer to the hotel.
An experienced, helpful, and friendly government-licensed trekking Guide.
Kathmandu Mahendra Nagar overland transportation by bus, as mentioned in the itinerary.
Required trekking porter/sherpa who will carry your backpack during the trek.
two person will get one trekking porter
1 porter carry 25 kg as per rule and regulation of Nepal workers Union .
One experienced trekking cook entire the trip.
One trekking kitchen boy entire the trip.
Trekking accommodation in tented / camp entire the trekking as mentioned in itinerary.
Full board meal (veg. / non veg.) prepared by our expert cook who will prepare food entire the trekking.
Nepalese, Chinese , Indian, American , Tibetan dishes) during the camping trekking
Required staff such as kitchen boy, dish washer entire the trip
Kitchen equipments , trekking equipments and tents (two men tent, kitchen tents, etc),mattress during the tented accommodation as mentioned in itinerary
Three time meal Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast during the trekking.
Desert/fruit after having dinner as company provided.
API trekking permit.
Trekkers Information Managements system ( TIMS Card)..
Mahendra Nagar to Kathmandu overland transportation by bus as mentioned in itinerary.
Kathmandu valley guided sightseeing tour as mentioned in itinerary.
Kathmandu valley tour with private vehicle as mentioned in itinerary.
All programs are mentioned in the itinerary.
Overland transportation.
Trekking guide, both-way flight ticket.
Insurance for Nepalese staff. ( Trekking guide, and porters).
Guide and porter fares and taxes.Government Tax and office service charge.

Cost Excludes

Lunch & Dinner during Kathmandu stay.
International flight ticket.
Nepal entry visa fee.
Disembarkation Airport Tax in Nepal.
High risk medical insurance.
Entrance fees while sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley.
Alcoholic beverage and telephone calls.
Hot drinks, Soft drinks such as cola, mineral water.
Nepal Visa Fee.
Emergency rescue evacuation if needed.
Purely personal nature expenses.
Tipping /Tips(Tipping is Expected).

Api Himal Trekking

Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs