As an adventurous traveller, I was thrilled to embark on the Mount Api Base Camp trek, a remote and least-trekked region of Nepal located in the far-western part of the country. I had always been drawn to off-the-beaten-path destinations, and the Api Nampa conservation area seemed like the perfect place to explore.
My journey began with a flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi. Although I could have driven all the way, the flight took just 65 minutes, which saved me a lot of time and effort. From Dhangadhi, I took another drive to Khalanga, where the actual began. The drive took about 9 hours, but the scenic views along the way made it worth it.
Before beginning the trek, I had to obtain two types of permits: the TIMS CARD (trekking information management system), which costs $20 USD for independent trekkers, and the Api Nampa conservation area entrance fee, which costs 3000 Nepalese rupees per person. As a citizen of a SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) country, I was fortunate to pay only 500 Nepalese rupees for the latter.
Finally, the day of the trek arrived, and I was excited to start my adventure. The first few days were spent driving to the trailhead and then trekking through the subtropical forests of the Api Nampa conservation area. The trek was challenging, with steep inclines and rough terrain, but the scenic beauty that unfolded before me was worth every step.
I witnessed animals like snow leopards and musk deer, as well as birds like the Himalayan monal. The highlight of the trek was the stunning view of mountains like Api (7132 m) and Nampa (6757 m), which left me awestruck. The entire area was the least developed, which added to the charm of the trek.
On the fourth day of the trek, we reached Ghusa, a small village nestled in the hills. The village was surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and I could feel the chill in the air. We set up camp and spent the night under the stars, surrounded by the peaceful sound of nature.
The next day, we continued our trek towards the base camp of Mount Api. The climb was steep, and I found myself struggling to catch my breath. But the stunning views of the Himalayas kept me going. We finally reached the base camp in the evening, and I was exhausted but thrilled to have made it.
The next day, we hiked to Kali Dhunga Lake, located at an altitude of 4000 meters. The lake was crystal clear, and the surrounding mountains were reflected in its still waters. We spent the day relaxing by the lake and taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
The return journey was equally challenging, but the memories of the trek kept me going. We trekked back to Khaikot, the last local village, and spent the night in a local homestay. The hospitality of the locals was heartwarming, and I got a glimpse of the simple yet fulfilling life in the mountains.
The rest of the journey was spent trekking back to the trailhead, driving back to Dhangadhi, and flying back to Kathmandu. The entire experience was unforgettable, and I felt like I had accomplished something great.
The Mount Api Base Camp trek is not for the faint-hearted. But if you are an adventurous traveler looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, then this trek is for you. The trek offers an opportunity to explore the unexplored, witness the beauty of nature, and experience authentic Nepalese culture.
I would highly recommend the Mount Api Base Camp trek to anyone who is up for a challenge and wants to explore the unexplored beauty of Nepal. The trek will leave you with unforgettable memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
photo credit: Mount Mania, https://travelxlog.com/, Odyssey Treks, Dare Adventure Nepal - Word
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