Town or village
Khalanga (Darchula)
A riverside border town on the Mahakali, facing India across the water and serving as the gateway to the Api region.
Far Westअपि आधार शिविर
Api Base Camp
A remote trekking goal below Api, the highest peak of Nepal's far west, in the Api Nampa Conservation Area.
- Altitude
- -*
- Best months
- Apr-May, Oct-Nov
- Type
- Trek stop
- District
- Darchula, Sudurpashchim
- Permit
- Permit required
Higher seasonal exposure: landslides (Jun-Sep), snow (Dec-Mar).
Why go
Api Base Camp lies below the north-western face of Api, at 7,132 m the highest mountain in the far west of Nepal, in the north of Darchula district. The trek to it is one of the most remote in the country, passing through steep river gorges, terraced villages, forests of oak and rhododendron and high pastures, and it sees only a small number of trekkers each year.
The route lies within the Api Nampa Conservation Area, which protects the high mountains and valleys of northern Darchula. Wildlife includes Himalayan tahr, musk deer and many birds, and the forests are rich in medicinal plants. From the base camp area the views of Api and the surrounding peaks are dramatic and wild, with glaciers and moraine filling the upper valley.
Facilities on the trek are minimal. Most trekkers go fully supported, with camping equipment, food and a local guide, and should be prepared for long, rough days on trails that can be damaged by landslides.
History and culture
Api was first climbed in 1960 by a Japanese expedition, and it has remained a little-visited mountain since. The Api Nampa Conservation Area was established in 2010 to protect the region's biodiversity and to support the livelihoods of local communities, who depend on farming, herding and the collection of medicinal plants such as yarsagumba.
The villages on the approach are home mainly to Khas communities in the lower valleys and to Byansi people in the high north, with traditions linked to trade over the passes to Tibet. Respect local customs, ask before photographing people and shrines, and keep camps clean.
Things to do in Api Base Camp
Api Base Camp trek
A camping trek of about two weeks from the road head in Darchula; arrange it with a licensed agency.
Wildlife and plants
Watch for tahr and musk deer and the rich high-altitude flora.
Village stays
Spend time in villages along the route on the way up.
Weather and the best time to visit Api Base Camp
Weather in Api Base Camp
Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Apr-May, Oct-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Good month: Apr
- Good month: May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November give the most stable weather and clearest views.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February brings deep cold and snow at higher levels; the trek is not normally done.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- April and May are good, with flowers and longer days; some snow may linger high up.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to September is very wet with frequent landslides and leeches; not recommended.
Where to stay
CampingHomestays
Lodging on the trek is very limited; most groups camp, with occasional homestays in lower villages.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Travel by road from Dhangadhi to Darchula, continue by jeep to the road head, then trek north for several days to the base camp.
Nearest hub: Dhangadhi
- flightKathmandu to Dhangadhi by domestic flight.
- roadDhangadhi to Khalanga (Darchula) by bus or jeep via Dadeldhura and Baitadi.
- jeepOnward by jeep to the road head in northern Darchula.
- trekSeveral days on foot through villages and forest to the base camp area; camping gear is usually needed.
Permits and fees
Permit required
An Api Nampa Conservation Area entry permit is required. Check whether parts of the route need a restricted area permit, and the current rules on licensed guides.
- Api Nampa Conservation Area entry permit: Check the latest rules and fees.
- Restricted area permit: May apply to some northern areas of Darchula; verify for your route.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Api Base Camp
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Landslideshigh in a typical yearJun-Sep
Steep valley trails and roads in Darchula are hit by frequent monsoon landslides.
Snowhigh in a typical yearDec-Mar
Snow at higher levels in winter and early spring can block the upper trail.
Altitudemoderate in a typical yearAll year
The base camp area lies at roughly 3,800-4,000 m; ascend gradually and watch for symptoms of altitude sickness.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
Practical tips
- Go with a licensed guide and a fully supported team.
- Carry a good first-aid kit; medical help is days away. General information, not medical advice.
- Build in rest days for acclimatisation and spare days for landslide delays.
- Bring all cash needed from the Terai.
Questions about Api Base Camp
How high is Api?
Api rises to 7,132 m and is the highest peak of Nepal's far west.
How long is the Api Base Camp trek?
Roughly two weeks from the road head is typical, depending on the route and acclimatisation; check with an agency.
Do I need a permit?
Yes, an Api Nampa Conservation Area permit; check whether a restricted area permit applies.
Are there teahouses?
Very few; most treks are camping trips.
Nearby
Temple, monastery or heritage site
Malikarjun Temple
A hilltop Shiva shrine in southern Darchula, the focus of one of the district's main religious fairs.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Api (mountain), Wikipedia, Api Nampa Conservation Area, Wikipedia, Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation