Api Base Camp

Overview

Mount Api is the highest mountain peak of Far western region  of Nepal which stands at the elevation of 7132m. It is typically situated in  northwest corner of Nepal in Humla district. It is highly protected by Api  Nampa Conservation Area. Api Nampa conservation Area itself is a home  to many endangered animals like red Panda, musk deer, snow leopard,  blue sheep, and Himalayan Tahr along with lots of other flora and fauna.  Trail to Api Nampa is not just limited to the views of mountains it also  offers us steep gorges, Mahakali valley, subtropical to alpine forest and  vegetation, grasslands, waterfalls, lakes, Strems and so much more  contributing to the beauty of it. Here, you can also see different ethnic  groups like Jhakari, Lohar, Thekare, Brahmins and chetri who are still very  traditional and proudly follows old lifestyle, whole unique area which has  not been touched by modern world. Api base camp is not much explored  by people but is definitely a deserving place.  

 Temperature and weather 

The average temperature in Api base camp during Mid October to December is around 25-30 degree Celsius at day time but can fall to zero or  below zero degree Celsius at night time. In winter, the day time  temperature is around 20 degree Celsius and can fall to -10 degree Celsius at night time or in higher altitudes. In post monsoon period the day time  temperature can be around 25-30 degree Celsius, in lower altitudes. As you  go above 3000m, the day time temperature can be around 10 -20 degree  Celsius.  

 Best time to visit 

Like in many parts of Nepal the best season to trek Api base camp is no other than Spring (March-May) and autumn September- November). This  months have very fair temperature and doesn’t often experience rainfall.  The trails are in best condition which provides clear and stunning views of  mountains and green forest. In monsoon the trails are slippery and muddy  which increase the risk. In winter there is extreme cold and heavy snowfall  which makes it very difficult to travel. However it is still possible to trek in  these seasons but you have to be very much careful throughout the way.   

 Accommodation and food 

Accommodation – Being one of the remote part of Nepal, the api base camp  trail sadly doesn’t have much facilities to provide. You have to stay on  small teahouses run by local people there. Sometimes when teahouses are  not available and when you reach at very high altitudes you also have to  do camping for overnight. 

Food- You will get very basic food in this route like traditional Nepali  food Dal Bhat, vegetables and Dhido. However if you are planning a camping trek you need to carry all the stuff along with your food. Or if you  belong to a travel agency they can hire a cook for you. The basic meal in  teahouses cost you 200-250 NRS (2-3$). The tea, coffee, and boiled water  can cost you around 100-150 NRS. (1-1.5$)

 Transportation 

Bus– Road transportation facility is nicely available to some point of Api  base camp. You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Mahendranagar which will take 18-20 hours then again from Mahendranagar to Gokuleshwor  which takes 14-15 hours’ drive. And this is your starting point for trekking.  

Airplane– The only flight available is from Kathmandu to Dhangadi. You  need to again drive from Dhangadi to Gokuleshwor for around 8 hours.    

 Communication and electronics 

Communication is not much of a problem in Api Himal base camp. People  there use satellite phone through which you can communicate to your  friends and families. Moreover, internet facility is provided in most of the  teahouses. It might cost you some extra money for it and also free in some  places. Mobile coverage is not really available but having internet facility  even above 5000m will do the best. Electricity is available to charge your  electronics again have to pay extra for it.    

 Guides/porter 

Yes it is definitely very important to have a guide in this trek. Humla district being a very remote area of Nepal, they lack proper infrastructures,  transportation and many other facilities. It might be quite difficult for  trekkers to find their own way, accommodation and foods and information  about the place. This is why having a guide with you is really important.  They can charge you around 25-30$ (2500-3000 NRS). Porters are available  to carry your stuff. But they must not exceed 25 kilos. They might charge  you around 15- 25$ (1500-2000) per day. You can also share your porter if  you don’t have much belonging.

 Safety/fitness 

 This trek can be quite challenging and very difficult to some beginners.  You need to have very good muscle strength. This trek is all about walking  for 6-7 hours per day which can be very hard. It is better to prepare  yourself by normal exercise, running, jogging to build your muscle  strength. It is Important to stay hydrated and have nutritional food  throughout the journey. If you experience any kind of difficulties in your  health you need to talk to your friend or travel guide immediately. 

 Permits/fees 

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) this permit cost you  NRS 1000 (USD 9) per person if they are in a group and NRS 2000 (USD 18) per person if they are solo traveler. 

Api Nampa conservation area entry Permit– this permit is mandatory to  everyone entering Api Nampa base camp. It cost 3000 NRS (30$) to  everyone and have discount for SAARC countries that is 15 $. (1500 NRS).  

 All the permits are provided in Nepal Tourism Board.  

 Other requirements 

Travel insurance – Travel insurance is really very important part of  trekking. You always need a travel insurance especially when you are  traveling to this kind of risky, high places. If ever you need any medical  emergencies your travel insurance will be bearing it for you. It is important  to mention all the places and altitudes you will be reaching, to your  insurance company so that you do not have any problem later. 

Visa/ passport– It is mandatory for every foreigners to have visa and valid  passport to enter Nepal. Only Indian citizen are not required to have visa  for visiting Nepal. You can get your Nepalese visa at Tribhuwan  International airport, Kathmandu