Api Saipal Base Camp Trek

Day 1 Arrival Kathmandu and transferred to Hotel, free day

Whatever time you arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be welcomed by one of our airport representatives. He will help you get transferred to your Hotel. There are no planned activities for the day, so you may check into your Hotel and get rid of jet lag. Tour plans and programs will be provided to you later. Overnights stay at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 Prepare for the Trip

Today, we take our time to make sure all our equipments are ready for travel. We also take time to gather all the necessary permits required for this journey. Kathmandu valley Sightseeing tour will start early in the morning. The holy Pashupatinath temple will be our very first visit. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. Built in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings, the site itself is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium when a Shiva lingam was discovered here. It lies on the banks of the Bagmati River and is one of the most revered holy sites of the Hindu people. The Pashupatinath is built in the pagoda style architecture and contains many smaller shrines outside the main temple as well. It is also the cremation site of many hindu people and sometimes, it can be observed. The next site of the tour is the holy Bouddhanath stupa. The Buddhist stupa of Boudha Stupa dominates the skyline; it is one of the largest unique structure's stupas in the world.The influx of large populations of refugees from Tibet has seen the construction of over 50 Gompas (Tibetan convent) around Bouddhanath. The Stupa is on the ancient trade route from Tibet which enters the Kathmandu Valley by the village of Sankhu in the northeast corner. Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Boudhanath. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha. The next site, in the tour, is the Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is known as the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the royal palace. The Durbar at the Durbar square was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and was where important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch, took place. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels and houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum are located here. Time and again the temples and the palaces in the square have gone through reconstruction after being damaged by natural causes or neglect. Presently there are less than ten quadrangles in the square. On 25 April 2015, an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 7.9 hit the region and severely damaged the Square, reducing several buildings to rubble. The oldest temples in the square are those built by King MahendraMalla (1560–1574). They are the temples of Jaggannath, KotilingeswaraMahadev, Mahendreswara and the Taleju Temple. More and more temples and statues were added to the Square under different ruling kings over the time. It is one of the most architecturally intricate showcases of Nepali art and the unique Newa architecture. Then finally, the last site of the tour will be the Swayambhunath Stupa- an ancient religious architecture at the top of a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. Swayambhunath is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites especially for Tibetans and followers of the Tibetan Buddhism. We were breathless and sweating as we stumbled up the last steep steps and practically fell upon the biggest vajra (thunderbolt scepter) that I have ever seen. Behind this Vajra was the vast, round, white dome of the stupa, like a full solid skirt, at the top of which were two giant Buddha eyes wisely looking out over the peaceful valley which was just beginning to come alive. The complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. After visiting each site, we will head back to the Hotel. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Day 3 After breakfast Flight to Nepalgunj

We take an early flight to Nepalgunj first. Nepalgunj is a steaming hot in summer and too cold in winter city located in South Western Nepal, in the lowlands of Terai. Indian is just 8 km away from Nepalgunj. Cycle rickshaw, electic rickshaw and horse carts are the main means of transportation. Bageswari temple is one of Nepal’s most important Hindu temples and is worth to visit. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Day 4 Flight to Simikot and trek to Dharapuri

It takes 60 minutes to complete flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot which covers a distance of 208 kilometers. Locals welcome travelers with a white silk scarf and with three blobs of butter, which is highly symbolic in Tibetan rituals. Simikot is situated at an altitude of 2910 metres from sea levels, is administrative headquarter of the humla district which falls within karnali Zone,mid western region, Nepal. It is the gateway for the Mt .Kailash, Western Tibet and Mansarovar. . A mix of local Humla and Tibetan culture provides endless and fascinating opportunities for exploration. The climate of Simikot is very pleasant & comfortable. During the winter, there can be a snowfall, but rest of the year the temperature is mild. The actual trek starts from Simikot. We begin our trek to Dharapuri. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Day 5 Trek to Kermi

Karnali River would be our friend because we follow the river as move towards our destination. The way the river winds, we move on the winding route,sometimes high on the slope, with the river far below y us, and sometimes dipping back down so that the trail is almost with the level of the water. Sometimes we move through narrow gorges with high rocky slopes. Then we walk along the fields of mainly barley, buckwheat, rice, and potatoes. In the afternoon, we reach at the two natural hot springs. We take rest and get relaxed at the springs. We then move ahead and step into an important Kermi village. It is a small agricultural village and is pure Buddhist village on the trail. There are two interesting monasteries close to Kermi: Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Day 6 Trek to Yalbang

The Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery is the biggest in the region and houses 130 monks, along with a school and a clinic Today's the trail is almost plain and passes the fields planted with barley and buckwheat. We cross a small pass and descend down to the Sali River and cross it via suspension bridge made up of iron. The trail goes through beautiful pine forests and below it flows the emerald green Karnali River that can be seen from the route. On the way, we may meet caravans of mules and dzopas (a crossbreed of yak and cow) carrying goods for the trade. The travelers/traders are mostly from Simikot and the Nyinba Valley to the east of Simikot. They move to and fro to Taklakot, just across the border with Tibet, to buy and sell goods for trading. After 5-6 hours of trekking, we reach a beautiful village. Above the village, there is a beautiful monastery: the Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery which is the biggest monastery in the area. There is a huge stone near by the monastery carved with Tibetan mantra. Buddhist monk explains about it and escorts around. They also invite for tea upstairs. You can attend the Buddhist prayer ceremony which is performed daily at 7 am and 4 pm. Overnight at hotel, breakfast included.

Day 7 Trek to Chala

We head towards Yalbang early in the morning. We cross the Karnali River via the suspension bridge and accompany Puiyan Khola downstream. The route is joyful and pleasant because of its landscape. Our journey gradually picks up its pace ascending towards Syakup Lek / Syakup La located at an altitude of (4,214m.) And then, we begin descending towards Chala. It is one of the best places to enjoy the cultural life of the locals and get to know about the traditional way of life. Overnight stay at Chala.

Day 8 Trek to Karang Khola/Labuk Depsa

From Chala, the route divides into two paths: one that leads to Syakup Langa and the second to Karang Khola. We take the second one to the west. We move through the Karang Khola valley. Our trail moves on to the west descending to Labuk Depsa. Overnight stay at Labuk Depsa.

Day 9 Trek to Base Camp

We begin our journey heading towards the Northern Glacier of Saipal Himal (7,031m) which is also the Northern Base Camp. We then cross Karang Khola which is originated from the Northern Saipal Glacier. We move on ahead on a series of steeps ascending and descending towards the base camp. Navigating through the snowy Himalayan trails; the journey takes us on an ascending run alongside Phirankoph Khola. Continuing moving through the valley and past some summer pastures, we reach Northern Saipal Base Camp. Overnight stay at Base Camp.

Day 10 Exploration/Rest Day

Today, we wake up little earlier before the sun rise to watch and enjoy the amazing view. As the first sun rays fall on the Himalayas, it starts turning into golden color. Mt. Saipal (7,031m), Api Himal (7,132m), and Phirankoph Chuli (6,730m) add to the beauty of the journey. We take time to explore around the base camp, enjoy the surrounding, take photographs, and familiarize with the snow and more. The enchanting views and vistas adorn the skyline. Overnight stay at Base Camp.

Day 11 Trek back to Karang Khola

Today, we say goodbye to the beautiful base camp and head back to Karang Khola. We begin our journey on the trail stretching along the glacial moraines. We move on the descending zigzag trail to the Karang Khola Valley down below. We make our way to the bank of Karang Khola. We cross the river and reach to our camp for overnight stay in tents. Overnight stay at Karang Khola.

Day 12 Trek back to Yalbang/Salle Khola

Trek starts early because the route is longer but exciting as well. We make our way towards Yalbang. Heading out of Karang Khola, the journey once again makes its way towards Syakup La Pass (4,214m) enjoying views of the Saipal Himalayas. Along the bank of Puiyan Khola, we make our way towards the suspension bridge over Karnali River and then cross it and head to Chala. After taking a brief rest at Chala, we pick up our pace and head towards Yalbang for overnight stay. Today's journey is the longest one. Overnight stay at Yalbang.

Day 13 Trek back to Dharapuri

Leaving Yalbang, we make our way through the fields of barely and buckwheat gradually ascending through Nepali flatlands. Back at the hilly region, we are welcomed by lush green forests and rural landscapes all while being accompanied by Karnali River. Reaching the hamlet of Kermi, we continue downhill all the way to Dharapuri. Overnight stay at Dharapuri.

Day 14 Trek back to Simikot

The final day of our trek, we head back to Simikot. As we did before, winding through lush green forests and pleasant rural landscape, we head back to Simikot. The journey is a shorter and easier one and in no time we find ourselves in Simikot. As the time permits us to roam around the local region enjoying the local delicacies before celebrating the successful completion of our trek. Overnight stay at Simikot.

Day 15 Fly back to Nepalgunj then Kathmandu

The day arrived to say goodbye to mountains, we make our way back to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, we board another flight heading back to Kathmandu. The 55 minutes flight gives us one final chance to bid goodbye to the Himalayas. As we reach the city of temples i.e. Kathmandu, we head directly back to the hotel for refreshment. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Day 16 Free Day

Today are left free. You can choose your own adventure. You are free to stay back at the hotel or make your way down to the local areas. Enjoy the diverse culture and way of life of Nepalese people. We recommend you to try the Newari dishes while you explore the city. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Day 17 Departure/You will be transferred to Airport for your onward flight

Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from our team will take you to the airport. Breakfast included.