Following the steep gorges of the gorgeous Mahakali Valley, there exists one of the best trekking trails in Nepal, Api Himalayan Trek is a 14-day trek that promises serene and picturesque landscapes of mountain peaks, the sight of rare and endangered species, and a lot more.

Although, less popular than other treks there is no compromise in the quality of experience with the Api Himalayan Trek. The trek features iconic visit places such as Mt Api(7132m), Kalidhunga Taal(4200m), Suklaphata National Park, Bardiya National Park, and many more.

The Api Himalayan trek is a moderately difficult trek that begins from the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, we prepared ourselves for the trek by getting all the necessary permits and paperwork required. Soon, We take a short flight to Dhangadi from Kathmandu to view the incredible mountain range of Nepal.

From Dhangadi, we make our way to Gokuleswor, Darchula where Mt Api is situated. Darchula is home to tranquil lakes, incredible landscapes, authentic Nepali culture of the mountain, and various rare and endangered flora and fauna. Additionally, it is also a great site for bird-watching.

To reach our destination, we take a drive from Gokuleswor to Makarigadh, trek to Khandeswori, Khandeswori to Nali, Nali to SImar, and finally from Simar to reach Api Himal Base Camp.

Our journey to Api base camp will be accompanied by the gorgeous trail following the Mahakali River, the picturesque view of mighty mountain peaks, and the fresh and pure air of the mountainside.

After climbing uphill from Api Base camp, you reach one of the world’s most serene lakes, Kalidhunga Taal (4200m), which is visible at Dhouli Odar. It is a glacial lake whose waters reflect the mountain peak; it is a sight that will stay with you forever. You will feel invigorated and mentally at ease by the sight of the glacial lake at the summit.

Mt Api (7132m) is the highest peak in the far-western of Nepal, it stands towering and mighty among other mountains and provides a great panoramic view of the mountain range. It lies in the Api Nampa conservation area which is home to rare animals such as snow leopards, and musk deer which is a great additional trek feature.

Then, We drive back and retrace our paths by going from Base camp back to Dhouli Odar, Dhouli Odar to Nali village, Nali village to Makarigadh, Makarigadh to Gokuleswor. Upon reaching Gokuleswor, we make our way to Suklaphata National Park(Mahendranagar). The following day, we explore Bardiya National Park featuring a safari jeep ride.

You will get a wonderful opportunity to observe rare floras and faunas in the national parks. Royal Bengal tiger, black buck, marsh mugger crocodiles, and Gangetic dolphins are some of the rare endangered animals you get to see in this place. At Bardiya National Park, we have a jeep safari where we can see majestic tigers in their natural habitats.

Also, on our journey, explore and learn about the lifestyle of the mountain inhabitants, their culture, and their traditions as they welcome you to their world. Rest assured, as you travel toward one of the most beautiful places on earth, you will be greeted with friendly warmth.

Lastly, after touring the national parks we drive to Nepalgunj and fly back to Kathmandu concluding our awesome 14-day trek. We will part ways with the experience of a lifetime having viewed the unforgettable sights and scenery Nepal has to offer.

Transportation

Bus, Flight
Best Season

Autumn and Spring
Trip Type

Off the Beaten

Overview

Itinerary

FAQs

Overview

Itinerary

FAQs

Overview

Trip Higlights

Discover extraordinary visuals of the highest mountains such as Mt Api, Mt Rajama, Nampa, and Mt Thado Dhunga.
Explore the breathtaking views of Jokhar Lake and the holy lake of Kali Dhunga
Visit and engage in the local culture, and tradition of the mountain inhabitants
Take a tour of Suklaphata and Bardiya National Park to observe rare and wild flora and faunas

Itinerary

Day 1:

Fly To Dhangadi from Kathmandu

Our journey begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Here, we prepare ourselves for a journey to conquer the mountains of Nepal. Explore the capital to familiarize yourself with Nepali people and their lifestyle as we begin to embark on our journey.

Today, We take a short flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadi where we will begin our trek. Moreover, looking at the Himalayan range, you will get a glimpse of the journey we are about to take.

Day 2:

Drive to Gokuleswor Darchula

Gokuleswor Darchula is a district of Nepal home to Api Himal(7132m) and Api Nampa Conservation Area. Additionally, along with the mountain range, it also remains home to a tranquil environment of the mountain ecosystem. You will reach Darchula in an 11-12 hr drive and take your day off and rest in a hotel.

Day 3:

Drive to Makarigadh and trek to Khandeswori

We begin our day by driving to Makarigadh which takes about 3-4 hours. Then, we begin our trek by hiking to Khandeswori(Naupata) (2213m) which will take around 3-4 hrs. In total, today our trek will take around 7 hours and we end our tiresome day by staying at a community homestay.

Moreover, We get to view the mighty mountain peaks and the gorgeous Mahakali River as we continue our journey to Khandeswori.

Day 4:

Trek to Nali village

After spending a night on Khandeswori, we continue our journey by reaching Nali village at an altitude of 2430m. We will hike for around 4-5 hours till we reach the village.

Afterward, we take a stroll around the village and call it a day. From Nali village, we can see the mountains getting even more visible and closer.

Day 5:

Trek to Simar

Today, we will continue our trek by reaching Simar (2930m). We can reach Simar by 5-6 hours walk along the gorgeous Himalayan trek. On the way, we can observe local inhabitants in their lifestyle and farm animals helping in their livelihood farm animals.

Tonight, We stay in Simar in a basic tea house and call it a day.

Day 6:

Trek to Api Himal Base Camp

The day has come for us to reach our destination after days of strenuous hiking. Today, we reach Api Himal Base Camp(3900m). We take a 5-6 hour walk there to explore the spectacular views of the mountain peak, breathtaking landscapes, and rare floras and faunas.

Day 7:

Explore Api Himal Base Camp and back to Dhouli Odar

Today, we explore the Api Himal Base Camp and Dhouli Odar. After reaching Dhouli Odar, we can witness the panoramic views of the landscapes and mountain peaks. Also, the environment here itself is very peaceful and pristine allowing you to feel heavenly and at peace.

Finally, we have reached the highest point of our journey at 4200m(Kalidhunga Taal). Kalidhunga Taal is a religious glacial lake that the locals used to worship Lord Shiva. It takes around 4 hours to reach Api Base Camp. The lake feels heavenly as it reflects a gorgeous mountain range.

Day 8:

Trek back to Nali Village

Lastly, after concluding our ascend to the Mt Api Himal Base Camp we have to part ways with the mountains. Starting today, we make our way back to the capital visiting a few national parks on the way. Next, we return to Nali village which takes around 6-7 hours to walk, and conclude our day in a hotel.

Day 9:

Trek Back to Makarigadh and drive to Gokuleswor

Today we trek back to Makarigadh which takes around 3-4 hours to follow the Mahakali river trail which we took to ascend. Afterward, we take a 3-4 hour drive from Makarigadh to Gokuleswor. We accommodate ourselves in Gokuleswor in a basic hotel where we will spend our night.

Day 10:

Drive back to Mahendranagar(Suklaphata National Park) T

Today, we drive back to Mahendranagar where we will take a visit to Suklaphata National Park which is a grassland formed by the floodplain of the Mahakali River where we can see savanna and grassland ecoregion.

Day 11:

Explore Suklaphata National Park

Suklaphata National Park is a hunting reserve featuring huge numbers of rare flora and faunas. Here, we can find numerous protected species such as swamp deer, Bengal tiger, sloth bear, Hispid hare, and Great one-horned rhinoceros to name a few.

Lastly, declaring today as our exploration day we conclude our day in a standard hotel after touring Suklaphata National Park.

Day 12:

Drive to Bardiya National Park

In addition to Suklaphata National Park, we also take our time to visit Bardiya National Park. Firstly, we take a 4-5 hour drive to Bardiya National Park. Thereafter, we take our time touring the park home to endangered animals such as the Royal Bengal tiger, black buck, marsh mugger crocodiles, and Gangetic dolphins.

Overall, you will get a wonderful opportunity to observe various kinds of endangered wildlife flora, and fauna throughout the trek.

Day 13:

Explore Bardiya (Jeep Safari)

The next day, we explore Bardiya which is a perfect explore nature boasting rich flora and fauna and some of the best wildlife viewings. Tiger spotting is the highlight of the day where you will get to witness majestic tigers in their wildlife.

Day 14:

Drive to Nepalganj and fly to Kathmandu

Lastly, we take a 2-3 hour drive to Nepalgunj and fly back to Kathmandu. Finally, our journey has concluded. Over 14 days, we have accumulated vast experience of witnessing mighty Mt Api following the gorgeous trail of the Mahakali River and a lot of rare and endangered flora and fauna.