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Api Himal Expedition is the journey towards the western part of Nepal. It is the least visited area of the country by the tourists. Api Himal Expedition lets you enjoy the wilderness and beauty of the wetern part of the country. Mt. Api Himal is located in western part of Nepal which is remote and untouched. Very few tourists have visited the region in the year.
This is the country beyond, a wild and extremely beautiful mountain landscape full of erotic people, rapid rivers and pristine forest. This area is a very remote area with Virgin Nature, off beaten path, Mysterious culture and panoramic mountain’s view of Nandadevi, Rajramba, Api Himal, Kappa Chuli Peak and other many more peaks. There is also a lake called Kali Dhunga, which is about 2 hours by walking from Api Himal Base Camp. This well known holy lake of this area. Api, Nampa and Saipal are a trio of high mountains located in extreme northwestern Nepal.
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 – Tadeuz 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 bejeweled with the cultural diversity, beautiful mountain landscapes, and serene wilderness.
Deep in the heart of the Himalayas nestled between the sweltering Indian subcontinent and the frozen plains of the Tibetan plateau, Humla lies hidden in the far northwest corner of Nepal. Shadows of the towering Api Saipal range and sacred Takh and Changla Himals loom over this barren forgotten basin of the mighty Karnali River. It is an extreme geographical condition with the elevation fluctuating between 1524 m – 7337 m, and an approximate population of 47,000. the natives still speak an archaic dialect of Tibetan and Nepali languages. Summer in Humla is pleasant while the winter is harsh and cold, leaving the region isolated and mostly snowbound. Mt. Api Himal offers you the wonderful trekking and climbing trip in your lifetime.
The trip starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to the airstrip of Dhangadhi. 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 rest or explore around the crowded market streets of Dhangadhi. A huge number of people from every corner of the country gather here for trade purposes.
Today you will take a drive from Dhangadi and drive towards Baitadi and further towards Gokuleshwor which is the starting point of the trek. The drive goes over Mahakali Highway for about six to seven hours passing through Baitadi , driving towards Gokuleshwor. During the drive journey, you will have a chance to see the drastic changes of the landscapes as you will be driving from the flat plains of Dhangadhi all the way up to the hilly zigzag roads of Baitadi and Gokuleshwor.
The first day of your trek starts from Gokuleshwor, as you trek you are confronted with great views of surrounding mountains. It is a short day of trekking, so you will enjoy every moment of the amazing scenery and nature while trekking. Your trek continues until you reach a good campsite near Karkale.
You will leave your 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. The trail crosses several suspension bridges and heads towards Chiureni. Chiureni is famous for its butter trees. You will camp along with butter trees surrounding you in the pristine vicinity.
You will leave Chiureni and follow the trail that goes along Chamliya Khola. Soon the trail goes along some of the narrowest parts of the whole trek. The trail ascends and descends for a few hours through dense forest areas and passes along several villages. You will continue your trek until you arrive at Makarighat where there is a good campsite.
All set to go, you will leave your campsite at Makarighat and start trekking on the trail that is a steep uphill climb. The trek passes through several small villages and with great views of snow-capped mountains as you hear towards Seti for the overnight camping.
You will leave your campsite and trek on the trail that heads towards Lwathi -the last village settlement during the trek. After crossing Lwathi the trail climbs steeply through dense forest areas to reach Bayaligad which is also known as Saheb Bazaar. You will make a stop here at Bayaligad and prepare for your overnight camping.
You will pack your gears and continue to follow your trail that is gradual uphill trekking through dense forest areas. The trek continues as you 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.
From Simar, you will continue your 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, you will arrive at a good campsite near Dhaula 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. You will make a short excursion to the cave once you arrive at Dhaula Odar for the overnight camping.
Today is a short day of trekking as you will trek higher up to reach the Base camp. After breakfast, you will leave your campsite at Dhaula Odar and follow the trail that is gradual uphill trekking all the way to a good campsite at 4190 meters. The 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. You can hike up to the Holy Lake – Kali Dhunga which takes about two hours from the base camp.
You will spend several days doing climbing training practices between the camps for the best acclimatization. Taking weather conditions into consideration, you will follow the guidance and footsteps of experienced climbing experts. The Sherpa crew will do all the hard work of carrying and setting up camps, provide healthy meals and find an accessible route to the summit. Overcoming several technical climbing sections you will head towards the summit. Once at the top you 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. You will spend short quality time at the summit and then descend following the same route back to base camp.
Having achieved your target – the summit of Api Himal, you will make a relaxed start. After breakfast, you will engage in cleaning the base camp and then prepare for the return trekking. You will start to retrace your steps back on the same trail that descends passing through Dhaulo Odar and heads back towards Simar. From there, your trail descends passing through dense forest areas all the way to Bayaligad.
After breakfast, you will leave Bayalighad and follow the trail that descends through dense forest areas to reach Lwathi. From there, the trail passes through Seti as you head back to reach Makarighat for your overnight camping. Magnificent sceneries of picturesque villages with snow-capped mountains on background truly add flavour to your return trek today.
From Makarighat, you will continue to retrace your steps on the same trail that passes through several villages with ups and downs. After some hours of trekking, you will arrive at the plain grounds of Bitule Chaur – which offers good camping grounds for overnight camping.
The last day of your trek starts from Bitule Chaur as you will trek passing through several picturesque villages. The trail is a fairly moderate trek all the way back to Gokuleshwor.
You will take a drive from Gokuleshwor back to Dhangadi which takes approximately about a 6 hours drive journey.
Today you will take a flight from Dhangadhi and fly back to Kathmandu.
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