Api Himal Expedition

Today, we will dedicate most of our day to sightseeing around several UNESCO World Heritage sites within the Kathmandu Valley. Additionally, we will complete all the necessary paperwork and other preparations for the Api Himal Expedition with us.

Please note that it is not possible to visit all the heritage sites in Kathmandu in one day, so you can select 3-4 places for the day’s sightseeing.

>> Click Here to know more about the Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley

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After breakfast, we will pack our gear and prepare for a scenic one-hour flight from Kathmandu to the airstrip in Dhangadi. Dhangadi, a city in western Nepal near the Indian border, serves as the main administrative center and headquarters of the Kailali District. Upon landing in Dhangadi, you will be transferred to the hotel. You can either rest or explore the bustling market streets of Dhangadi, where a large number of people from all over the country gather for trade.

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Today, we will drive from Dhangadi to Baitadi and onward to Gokuleshwor, the starting point of our trek. The drive along the Mahakali Highway will take about six to seven hours. As we pass through Baitadi, we will witness dramatic changes in the landscape, transitioning from the flat plains of Dhangadi to the hilly, zigzag roads of Baitadi and Gokuleshwor.

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Our trek begins on the first day from Gokuleshwor, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It will be a relatively short day of trekking, allowing us to fully savor the stunning scenery and natural beauty along the way. We will continue our trek until we reach a suitable campsite near Karkale.

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After breakfast, we depart from our campsite at Karkale and follow an ascending trail that gradually climbs through terraced farmlands and picturesque villages. The local people are always happy to greet foreigners, as this trail is off the beaten path and less popular, providing a true adventure for trekkers. We will cross several suspension bridges as we make our way toward Chiureni, a place renowned for its butter trees. Our campsite will be surrounded by these trees, nestled in a pristine and serene environment.

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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.

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Ready to continue, we leave our campsite at Makarighat and start trekking on a steep uphill trail. The route takes us through several small villages, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains as we make our way toward Seti, where we will camp overnight.

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After breakfast, we depart from our campsite and trek towards Lwathi, the last village settlement on our journey. Beyond Lwathi, the trail climbs steeply through dense forest areas until we reach Bayaligad, also known as Saheb Bazaar. We will stop here and set up our campsite for the night.

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We pack our gear and resume our journey, trekking gradually uphill through dense forest areas. Our trail leads us to Simar, where we will camp overnight. This area is known for the abundant presence of the exclusive and expensive natural herb Yarsagumba, especially during the summer. People from nearby villages often leave their jobs and schools to search for this valuable herb.

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From Simar, we press on with our trek along an ascending trail that winds through yet another forested area, offering splendid vistas of snow-capped peaks. After a few hours of trekking, we will reach a suitable campsite near Dhaulo Odar. “Odar” in Nepali translates to “Cave,” indicating the historical significance of this location where people once resided. Scientific evidence attests to human habitation in the cave in the past. Upon arrival at Dhaulo Odar, we will embark on a brief excursion to explore the cave before settling in for overnight camping.

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Today’s trek is brief as we ascend higher to reach the Base Camp. After breakfast, we depart from our campsite at Dhaulo Odar and follow a gradually uphill trail all the way to a suitable campsite at 4,190m (13,743ft). Our Sherpa crew will set up the base camp and make necessary preparations for establishing additional camps at higher altitudes. They will also inspect all climbing gear before our main summit attempt of Api Himal. If time allows, we can embark on a hike to the Holy Lake – Kali Dhunga, which is approximately a two-hour journey from the base camp.

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Over several days, we focus on climbing training amid unpredictable mountain weather. Our experienced guides lead us through challenging terrain, while Sherpa support ensures camp setup and safety. Despite obstacles, we steadily progress towards our summit goal. Each day brings new lessons and challenges, humbling us before the mountain’s might. Yet, with perseverance, we push forward, driven by the shared dream of reaching the apex. When the weather permits, we’ll seize the opportunity, prepared to face whatever lies ahead. It’s not just the summit that calls to us, but the journey itself—a test of our limits, a bond of camaraderie, and a testament to the human spirit.

At the summit of Api Himal (7,132m/23,392ft), we are greeted by breathtaking vistas, with Mt. Nanda Devi (7,817m/25,646ft) towering majestically beyond the Indian border. The surrounding peaks, including Rajamba Peak and Kappa Chuli Peak, create a stunning backdrop. We pause, absorbing the awe-inspiring scenery, cherishing a brief yet profound moment of triumph. With gratitude in our hearts, we begin our descent, retracing our steps back to base camp, each step a testament to our resilience and determination.

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As we near towards bidding farewell to the base camp after summiting the peak, a bittersweet atmosphere fills the air. Memories of triumph and camaraderie linger as we pack our gear and prepare for departure. The towering peak, now conquered, stands as a testament to our resilience and determination. Yet, there’s a sense of longing for the simplicity and solidarity of mountain life. With a final glance at the majestic landscape, we embark on our descent, carrying with us the lessons learned and bonds forged amidst the challenges of the climb. Though the journey may be over, the spirit of adventure and the memories of our shared triumph will forever reside in our hearts.

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With our triumphant summit of Api Himal behind us, we begin our last day at base camp with a leisurely start. After a hearty breakfast, we gather to clean and organize the camp, preparing for our return trek. Retracing our steps along the familiar trail, we descend from the heights, passing through Dhaulo Odar and onward to Simar. The path leads us through dense forested areas, each step carrying us closer to the comforts of home. As we make our way back to Bayaligad, we reflect on the challenges overcome and the memories made during our mountain conquest. Though the journey may be ending, the spirit of adventure and achievement will linger in our hearts long after we’ve returned to civilization.

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After a hearty breakfast, we bid farewell to Bayaligad and begin our descent through dense forested terrain towards Lwathi. Continuing onward, our trail leads us through Seti as we make our way back towards Makarighat for our overnight camping. Along the way, we are treated to magnificent vistas of picturesque villages set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, adding a delightful flavor to our return trek. Each step brings us closer to the comforts of Makarighat, yet we savor the beauty of our surroundings, cherishing the memories of our mountain adventure. As the day draws to a close, we settle in for the night, grateful for the experiences shared and the sights beheld on our journey back from the summit of Api Himal.

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Continuing our journey from Makarighat, we retrace our steps along the familiar trail, passing through several villages with undulating terrain. After hours of trekking, we reach the expansive plains of Bitule Chaur, which provides excellent camping grounds for the night. As we pitch our tents and settle in, we reflect on the adventures and challenges of our mountain ascent, grateful for the camaraderie and memories forged along the way. Surrounded by the tranquility of the Himalayan landscape, we prepare to rest, rejuvenating our bodies and spirits for the final leg of our return journey.

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On the final day of our trek, we depart from Bitule Chaur, trekking through picturesque villages as we make our way back to Gokuleshwor. The trail offers a fairly moderate trek, allowing us to soak in the beauty of our surroundings one last time. As we reach Gokuleshwor, a sense of accomplishment fills the air, mingled with nostalgia for the journey now coming to an end. In the evening, we gather with our climbing crew to celebrate our achievements and reminisce about the challenges and triumphs of our expedition. With laughter and camaraderie, we cherish the memories made during our time in the mountains, grateful for the bonds forged and the experiences shared.

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Following breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive from Gokuleshwor back to Dhangadi, a journey spanning approximately six hours. Upon our arrival in Dhangadi, we are transferred to the hotel, where we have the option to relax or explore the bustling market streets of the city. As evening descends, we may choose to take a leisurely stroll, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Dhangadi one last time before bidding farewell to this unforgettable adventure.

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Following a short flight lasting approximately 50 minutes, we arrive back in Kathmandu, where a day of relaxation and exploration awaits. With no scheduled activities planned, this free day provides the perfect opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate after our mountain adventure. Whether strolling through the bustling streets of Thamel, exploring the ancient temples of Durbar Square, or simply indulging in delicious Nepalese cuisine, there is no shortage of ways to immerse oneself in the vibrant culture and charm of Kathmandu. As the day draws to a close, we reflect on the memories created during our journey, grateful for the experiences shared and the sights seen along the way.

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It’s time to bid farewell to the enchanting city of Kathmandu as we transfer to the airport for our departure.  With memories of our adventure still fresh in our minds and hearts, we carry with us the spirit of exploration and the bonds forged during our time in Nepal. As we navigate the bustling streets one last time, we reflect on the sights seen, the experiences shared, and the friendships made. Though our journey may be ending, the memories we’ve created will linger on, inspiring future adventures and reminding us of the beauty and resilience of the human spirit. With gratitude for the journey and excitement for the adventures yet to come, we embark on the next leg of our travels, carrying the spirit of Nepal with us wherever we go.