Mt. Api is the highest mountain of the Yoka Pahar section of the Guras Himal which is situated at the most rural district, Darchula district, Sudur Paschim Province, western Nepal. The height of the mountain is 7132 m.
This mountain peak is less-visited as it is situated in the rarely visited and rural part of Nepal. This place is one of the beautiful places in Nepal.
Local peoples:
There are people of different caste and culture so, it is a diverse place. Peoples like Brahmins, Chhetries, Mahara, Lohar, and Bohora. These people have their own culture and own tradition. They usually speak their language rather than the Nepali language.
Seasons for the expedition:
The perfect time for the expedition is the spring and autumn seasons and the views are seen more clearly and the sky becomes clear. The climate and temperature remain more stable during this season.
Permits:
You have to take a permit for the Mt.Api expedition and the permit to enter Api Nampa Conservation Area. This permit is taken from the Nepal tourism board.
Itinerary:
After you arrive in Kathmandu you can explore some places of Kathmandu and prepare for the expedition. Then the next day you fly to Dhangadi and drive to Gokuleshwor, Baitadi. The next day you head towards Karkale to Chiureni then to Makarighat and Seti. From Seti, you head towards Bayaligad then to Jungle camp, and Simar heading towards DhauloOdar to Api base camp, and finally to the summit of Mt. Api. From the summit, you hike back the same way to Dhangadi and fly to Kathmandu again. Here a brief itinerary is given below:
Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Day 2: Explore Kathmandu
Day 3: prepare for the Mt. Api expedition
Day 4:Fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadi airport (210 m). Total duration: 1 hour
Day 5: Drive from Dhangadi to Baitadi-Gokuleshwor. Total duration: 7-8 hours of drive
Day 6: Trek from Gokuleshwor to Karkale (968 m). Total duration: 4-5 hours
Day 7: Trek from Karkale to Chiureni (1120 m). Total duration: 5-6 hours
Day 8: Trek from Chiureni to Makarighat (1800 m). Total duration: 7 hours
Day 9: Trek from Makarighat to Seti (2980 m). Total duration: 6-7 hours
Day 10: Trek from Seti to Bayaligad (3400 m). Total duration: 5-6 hours
Day 11: Trek from Bayaligad to Jungle camp
Day 12: Trek from Jungle camp to Simar (3680 m). Total duration: 6 hours
Day 13: Trek from Simar to DhawaliOdar 93860 m). Total duration: 5-6 hours
Day 14: Trek from DhawaliOdar to Mt. Api Base Camp (4190). Total duration: 5 hours
Day 15-Day 31: Climbing period to Mt Api (7132 m). Total days: 16 days
Day 32: Trek back from base camp to Bayaligad
Day 33: Trek back from Bayaligad to MakariGhat
Day 34: Trek back from Makarighat to BituleChaur (1200 m)
Day 35: Trek back from BituleChaur to Gokuleshowr
Day 36: Drive from Gokuleshwor to Dhangadi
Day 37: fly from Dhangadi airport to Kathmandu
Day 38: Rest and explore Kathmandu city
Day 39: Departure
You can explore:
You can explore the beautiful landscapes, villages, mesmerizing view of some snow-capped mountains, dark and dense forests. You can explore the Yarsagumba, a rare medicinal herb. You can explore a historical cave, DhauloOdar. You also can hike to Kali Dhunga lake which is the famous Holy lake. You also can know about the tradition and culture of the local people residing there.
So, this expedition is one of the best expeditions as you can explore the hills carpeted with green forest, views of mesmerizing mountains, and a lot more. It will be one of your most amazing expeditions in a lifetime.
-Article written by: Kusum Kharel for Land Nepal
