A remote 16–17 day camping trek into Nepal’s far-western Himalaya, the Api Base Camp route moves through river valleys, traditional villages, and high alpine meadows to a 3,861 m base camp beneath the Api massif. Expect long drives, a domestic flight, and sustained altitude gains.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You crest a pasture, cold wind pressing the smell of pine and river mud into your lungs, and Api’s raw granite face fills the horizon—black ribs and tooth-like seracs rising above spruce and alpine meadows. The trail leaves villages of slate-roofed houses and terraced fields behind, following a river that seems to dare you onward toward higher air and quieter skies.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
16–17 days
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness with experience on multi-day treks; ability to carry a daypack and walk 4–7 hours daily.
Wildlife
History
The Api region has long been home to small Khas and Tharu communities with seasonal alpine pasturing; the area stayed off major trekking circuits until recent years.
Conservation
Travel here impacts fragile alpine soils and local water sources—pack out waste, limit campfire use, and support local guides to keep economic benefits in the community.
Reserve your spot on the Api Base Camp Trek today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize slowly
Build in rest or short acclimatization days above 2,500–3,000 m to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Treat your water
Use a filter or chemical treatment—river water is plentiful but not reliably potable.
Sturdy footwear
Choose high-ankle trekking boots with good grip for mixed stone, muddy tracks, and scree sections.
Cash and permits
Carry sufficient Nepali rupees and ensure trekking permits are issued in Kathmandu before departure.
Insulated sleeping bag (to -10°C)
Needed for cold nights at tented camps above 3,000 m.
Water filter or purification tablets
Treat river or spring water to avoid gastrointestinal illness on trail.
Sturdy trekking boots
Support and traction on mixed terrain and steep ascents.
Layered clothing system (base, insulating, shell)
Quickly adapt to temperature swings and possible wind or precipitation.