Tour Facts
Tour Duration:
16 Days
Country:
Nepal
Activity:
Trekking
Region:
Western Nepal
Accomodation:
Teahouse, Lodges, Guesthouse
Grade:
Challenging
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ,Tea or Coffee
Best Season:
September - November and March - May
Departure From :
Kathmandu
Api Saipal Himal Trek Overview
The Api Saipal Trek is one of the most remote and exciting treks in Nepal. It is perfect for people who love nature, adventure, and quiet places far away from crowded tourist trails. This trek takes you to the far western part of Nepal, in the Api and Saipal mountain region. The area is still untouched, so you can enjoy amazing views of snow-capped peaks, green forests, rivers, and small villages where life is simple and peaceful.
This trek is for people who enjoy walking in high mountains and exploring places where very few travelers go. You will see huge mountains like Api (7132m) and Saipal (7031m) up close. The trails take you through forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak. In spring, the flowers bloom and make the mountains colorful and beautiful. You might also see wild animals like snow leopards, Himalayan tahrs, or blue sheep if you are lucky.
Along the way, you will meet local people living in small villages. They are very friendly and welcome trekkers with warm smiles. You can see their simple lifestyle and traditional culture. Staying in teahouses or small lodges in these villages gives you a chance to enjoy local food and learn about their daily life.
The trek is not easy. The trails are steep, and the villages are far apart. You need to be ready for long walking days and changing weather. The highest points give you amazing views, but the air is thin, so you need to walk slowly and carefully. It is recommended to take this trek with an experienced guide or a local trekking company because it is remote and maps are not always clear.
The Api Saipal region is still natural and quiet. There are no big towns, no traffic, and no busy roads. This makes the trek special because you can enjoy peace, silence, and nature. The trek is a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Every day brings new landscapes, mountains, rivers, and forests to explore.
In short, the Api Saipal Trek is perfect for travelers who love adventure, want to see some of the most beautiful and untouched parts of Nepal, and enjoy meeting friendly villagers along the way. It is a journey that connects you with nature, challenges your body, and rewards you with unforgettable memories of the Himalayas.
Api Saipal Himal Trek Highlight
- Stunning Mountain Views – See amazing snow-capped peaks like Api (7132m) and Saipal (7031m) close up.
- Remote and Peaceful – Walk in quiet places far from busy towns and crowded trails.
- Beautiful Forests – Pass through pine, rhododendron, and oak forests filled with colors in spring.
- Local Village Life – Meet friendly villagers and see their simple, traditional lifestyle.
- Wildlife Sightings – Spot Himalayan animals like blue sheep, Himalayan tahrs, and maybe snow leopards.
- Untouched Nature – Enjoy clean rivers, waterfalls, and pristine mountain landscapes.
- Adventure and Challenge – Experience steep trails, high altitudes, and remote trekking for an exciting journey.
- Cultural Experience – Taste local food and learn about the traditions and customs of the people living in the region.
- Panoramic Views – Watch sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas from peaceful high viewpoints.
- Memorable Journey – Every day brings new scenery, quiet moments, and memories that last forever.
Api Saipal Himal Trek Itinerary
Expand AllToday you will arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. After landing at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can rest and relax. Kathmandu is a busy city with many colorful streets, shops, and markets. You can enjoy a short walk around the hotel area to see local life, small shops, and restaurants. Your guide will meet you and give an introduction about the trek, important details, and answer your questions. You can also check your trekking gear to make sure everything is ready for the journey ahead. Today is mostly for resting and preparing for the adventure. You will stay overnight in the hotel, sleep well, and get ready for the next day’s drive towards the starting point of the trek.
Distance travelled today is mostly in the city, about 5–10 km including short walks around the hotel.
Today you will spend the day exploring some beautiful and historic parts of Kathmandu. You can visit places like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Durbar Square, which show the culture, history, and traditions of Nepal. These sites have beautiful architecture, colorful prayer flags, and a peaceful feeling. Your guide will explain interesting stories about the temples, monuments, and local customs.
After sightseeing, you will return to the hotel and focus on preparing for the trek. You can check your gear, make sure your backpack is ready, and pack essentials like warm clothes, water, and snacks. Your guide will also go over the trek route and safety instructions.
The day involves light walking and city travel, covering about 8–10 km in total. This day is good for resting, learning about the culture, and getting ready for the adventure ahead.
Today you will take a short flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The flight takes about 1 hour and gives you a chance to see the landscapes of Nepal from above, including rivers, forests, and small villages. Nepalgunj is a quiet town in the western part of Nepal and serves as the gateway to the Api Saipal region.
After landing, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can rest and freshen up. In the afternoon, you can explore the local market area, see daily life in the town, and enjoy local food. Your guide will help with any last-minute trekking preparations and make sure all permits and documents are ready for the trek.
Today involves light walking around the town, covering about 5–8 km. This day is mainly for travel and preparation before the real adventure begins.
Today you will take a 45-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot, the starting point of the Api Saipal Trek. From the plane, you can enjoy beautiful views of mountains, rivers, and forests below. After arriving in Simikot, you will start your trek toward Dharapuri, walking through small villages and green hills.
The trail is surrounded by forests, streams, and traditional houses. You may meet local people carrying goods or tending their animals along the way. The path gradually rises, giving you a chance to enjoy the changing scenery as you gain altitude.
The trek today takes about 4 hours, covering roughly 10 km. You will reach Dharapuri, a peaceful village where you can rest in a teahouse, enjoy a simple local meal, and watch the mountains as the sun sets.
Today you will continue your trek from Dharapuri to Kermi, walking through forests, hills, and small streams. The trail gradually climbs, giving you beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, you will pass small villages where local people live a simple life. You may see children playing or farmers tending their fields.
The trek today takes about 6 hours and covers roughly 12 km. The path can be steep in some parts, so it is important to walk at a comfortable pace and take breaks when needed. Kermi is a quiet village where you can rest in a teahouse, enjoy warm meals, and watch the mountains change colors as the sun sets. The peaceful environment allows you to relax and prepare for the higher trails ahead.
Today you will trek from Kermi to Yalbang, walking through forests, small hills, and streams. The trail gradually climbs, and you will start seeing higher mountains and wide valleys around you. The forests are peaceful, with birds singing and fresh mountain air all around. Along the way, you may meet local people carrying goods or tending their animals.
The trek today takes about 5 hours and covers roughly 11 km. The path is gentle in some parts and steeper in others, so it is important to walk at a steady pace. Yalbang is a small village where you will stay in a teahouse, enjoy warm local food, and rest. From here, the views of surrounding mountains and valleys are beautiful, making it a perfect place to relax and prepare for the higher parts of the trek.
Today you will trek from Yalbang to Chala, climbing higher into the mountains. The trail passes through small forests, rocky paths, and open meadows. As you gain altitude, the views of snow-capped peaks become more clear and breathtaking. You may also see streams flowing down the hills and colorful wildflowers along the trail.
The trek today takes about 6 hours and covers roughly 12 km. The path is steeper in some sections, so it is important to walk slowly and take breaks when needed. Chala is a small settlement where you will stay in a teahouse and enjoy warm meals. The peaceful surroundings and the quiet mountains make it a perfect place to rest. From here, you can see the beauty of the Api and Saipal region as the sun sets behind the peaks.
Today you will trek from Chala to Karang Khola or Labuk Depsa, moving higher into the remote mountains. The trail passes rocky paths, small streams, and open ridges with amazing views of the surrounding peaks. As you climb, the air becomes cooler and the scenery more dramatic with snow-capped mountains all around. You may see grazing animals or wildflowers along the trail, adding color to the rugged landscape.
The trek today takes about 6 hours and covers roughly 12 km. Some sections are steep, so it is important to walk steadily and take breaks when needed. Karang Khola or Labuk Depsa is a small settlement where you will stay in a teahouse. From here, the views of the Api Saipal range are beautiful, and the quiet surroundings give you a chance to rest and enjoy the mountains before the higher trails ahead.
Today you will trek from Karang Khola / Labuk Depsa to the Api Saipal Base Camp. The trail climbs gradually through rocky paths, alpine meadows, and small streams. As you gain altitude, the mountains appear larger and closer, and you can enjoy clear views of snow-capped peaks surrounding the valley. The air becomes cooler and fresher, and the quiet of the mountains makes the trek feel peaceful and refreshing.
The trek today takes about 5–6 hours and covers roughly 10 km. Some parts of the trail are steep, so walking slowly and taking short rests is important. Reaching Base Camp is a special moment where you can see the grandeur of the Api and Saipal peaks up close. At the camp, you will stay in a basic teahouse or tent, enjoy a warm meal, and rest while taking in the beautiful mountain scenery around you.
Today is a rest day at Base Camp, giving you time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. You can wake up slowly, enjoy a warm breakfast, and take short walks around the area. The fresh mountain air and quiet environment make it a perfect day to rest your body and recover from the previous trekking days.
You can take photographs of the snow-capped peaks, observe the nearby glaciers, or simply sit and enjoy the peaceful views of the Api and Saipal mountains. The rest day also allows your body to adjust to the higher altitude, which helps in staying safe and feeling comfortable for the next part of the trek.
Distance walked today is light, about 2–3 km, mostly short walks around Base Camp. You will spend the day relaxing, enjoying the scenery, and preparing for the higher trails ahead.
Today you will start your return journey from the Base Camp to Karang Khola, retracing part of the trail through alpine meadows, rocky paths, and small streams. The trail is mostly downhill, making it easier than the climb up, but it is still important to walk carefully and maintain a steady pace.
As you descend, you can enjoy the changing views of the mountains and valleys. The snow-capped peaks of Api and Saipal remain in sight, providing a beautiful backdrop for photographs. Along the way, you may meet local villagers returning from fields or see grazing animals in the meadows.
The trek today takes about 5–6 hours and covers roughly 10 km. In Karang Khola, you will stay in a teahouse, enjoy warm local meals, and rest. The peaceful surroundings make it a comfortable place to relax and prepare for the next day’s descent.
Today you will continue your descent from Karang Khola to Yalbang or Salle Khola. The trail moves through forests, small streams, and open hills. Walking downhill is easier on your legs, but it is important to take steady steps and rest when needed. The air is fresh, and the mountain views are still very clear as you pass ridges and valleys.
Along the way, you may meet villagers returning from their fields or see animals grazing in the meadows. The small villages along the trail give a glimpse of local life and traditional culture.
The trek today takes about 5–6 hours and covers roughly 12 km. In Yalbang or Salle Khola, you will stay in a teahouse, enjoy a warm meal, and rest. The quiet surroundings allow you to relax and prepare for the next day’s trek down toward lower altitudes.
Today you will continue descending from Yalbang / Salle Khola to Dharapuri. The trail passes through forests, streams, and small hills. Walking downhill is easier than climbing, but it is important to move carefully and take breaks when needed. You will notice the trees, birds, and flowers along the way, which make the trek peaceful and relaxing.
The trek today takes about 5–6 hours and covers roughly 12 km. You may meet local villagers or see children playing near their homes as you pass through the small settlements. Dharapuri is a quiet village where you will stay in a teahouse. Here, you can enjoy warm meals, rest, and reflect on the beautiful mountain scenery you have experienced during the trek. This day allows your body to recover as you move toward lower altitudes.
Today you will continue your descent from Dharapuri to Simikot. The trail goes through forests, small hills, and local villages, giving you a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains one last time. Walking downhill is easier, but it is important to take your time and watch your steps. Along the way, you may see villagers carrying goods or children playing near their homes.
The trek today takes about 5–6 hours and covers roughly 13 km. In Simikot, you will stay in a teahouse, rest, and enjoy a warm meal. This is a good time to relax and reflect on your trek through the Api Saipal region. You can also take some time to explore the town, interact with locals, and prepare for the flight back to Nepalgunj the next day.
Today you will leave Simikot and take a flight back to Kathmandu, with a short stop in Nepalgunj. The total flight time is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. From the plane, you can enjoy the views of mountains, rivers, and forests you passed during the trek. Flying over the western hills gives a final chance to see the remote landscapes of the Api Saipal region from above.
After landing in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel where you can rest and relax. You can also explore the city a little or enjoy a quiet evening preparing for departure. Today involves mostly air travel with light walking around the airport and hotel, covering about 5–8 km. This day allows you to reflect on the memorable trekking journey and the beautiful mountains you experienced.
Today is your departure day from Kathmandu. After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. You can take some time to pack your belongings, check your trekking gear, and make sure you have all your personal items.
Before leaving, you may take a short walk around the hotel area or buy some last-minute souvenirs from local shops. The streets of Kathmandu are lively, with colorful shops, small cafes, and local life happening all around.
Distance walked today is light, about 2–3 km, mainly around the hotel or airport area. This day is mostly for travel and preparing for your journey back home. You will carry wonderful memories of the Api Saipal Trek, including the mountains, villages, and the quiet beauty of the remote western region of Nepal.
Api Saipal Himal Trek Includes/Exclude
Cost Include
- All the airport pick-ups and drop-offs by private vehicles.
- 3 nights of 3-star category hotel accommodation in Kathmandu city (inclusive breakfast).
- Complimentary welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- Tea house / homestay / twin-sharing tented accommodation while on the trek.
- 1 night of deluxe hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj city.
- 1-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour including city tour guide and private transport.
- All the domestic airfares including airport taxes as per the itinerary (Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Simikot – Kathmandu).
- All the required trekking permits and official paperwork for the trip.
- An experienced and government-certified local trekking guide for the trek.
- Supporting local porters to carry your belongings while on the trek.
- The full board of meals while on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Food, salary, accommodation, and accidental insurance of all our trekking staff.
- First-aid medical kit with an oximeter to check your pulse and oxygen level while on the trek.
- All the Nepal government taxes and company service charges.
Cost Exclude
- Nepal visa fee (Can be obtain upon Arrival at airport/boarder).
- International airfare and taxes to/from Kathmandu.
- Meals: lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Your travel insurance.
- Any kind of beverage.
- Personal expenses and extra trips/services not included in the service.
- Personal trekking Clothing/Gears.
- Tipping/Gratuities.
- Expenses caused by unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, natural disaster, political issues, personal illness, etc.
- All the bar bills and personal expenses (Phone call, Laundry services, WiFi, Battery recharge, a bottle of water, Hot water, Desert and Shower).
- Your high altitude emergency travel insurance.
- Tips for Guide and Porter.
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the “Included” section.
Api Saipal Himal Trek FAQS
Expand AllIt is a remote trekking journey in western Nepal, taking you to the Api and Saipal mountains with beautiful views, forests, and small villages.
The trek is usually 16 days, including arrival in Kathmandu and return.
The highest point is the Api Saipal Base Camp at 4250 meters.
Yes, it is moderate to challenging. Trails can be steep, and you walk long hours each day.
Yes, a guide is recommended because the area is remote and trails are not well-marked.
You will stay in small teahouses or lodges along the route.
Yes, teahouses serve local meals like rice, noodles, and soups.
Yes, you need a trekking permit and entry permit for the Api Saipal region.
The best seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
It is better for teenagers and adults due to long walking hours and high altitude.
Bring warm clothes, layers, trekking shoes, gloves, and a hat for cold and changing weather.
Yes, you will meet villagers, see their daily life, traditional homes, and friendly culture along the trail.
Reviews
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Very good
Everest Gokyo Trek
This was a wonderful, educational tour where we learned a lot and had a very fulfilling time from start to finish.
Everest Gokyo Trek an excellent tour of Nepal
Excellent! Bishnu was an excellent guide on our trip. Knowledgeable, kind and answered all of our questions. Thank you for an excellent tour of Nepal!
Annapurna Panorama Trek
Vishnu has been a very insightful guide, taking me and my partner to beautiful places that we couldn't even imagine to see. The views from the mountains left us breathless and we highly recommend Altitude Trek Nepal Pvt. Ltd company for mountain and city hiking and sightseeing.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Vishnu was an amazing guide. Altitude Trek Nepal made the whole trip seamless - they booked our transport, accommodation and helped us to hire the gear we needed. Organising all this without local knowledge would have been difficult, but they made it so easy. The trip itself was amazing! I will never forget it. Thank you so much for everything.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Excellent.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Altitude trek nepal pvt.ltd was a great help in planning my Annapurna circuit trek. When I came to Nepal I had no idea how to move forward with my plans, but these guys helped me and we're very friendly!
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Good guide, always patience and helpful
Everest Base Camp Trek – Smooth, Safe, and Enjoyable Journey
The trek leader from Altitude trek Nepal - Mr Shivaji met us a Lukla airport right when we landed, guided us through our EBC trek and made sure we got back on our flight out of Lukla safely. His experience and guidance was essential to the success of our trek. He was easy to communicate with in Hindi and English. He understood our needs and made adjustments based on our conditions. Would highly recommend him for a safe and enjoyable journey
Annapurna Region Trek – Excellent Organisation and Trusted Guiding.
Altitude Trek Nepal delivered an excellent trekking experience in the Annapurna region from start to finish. Everything was well organized, smooth, and thoughtfully planned, which let us focus fully on the mountains and the journey. The itinerary, pacing, and logistics were spot-on, and the team was consistently professional and friendly. A special thank-you to my guide, Vishnu Kumar, whom I’ve known for many years and trust completely. Vishnu’s experience, calm leadership, and attention to detail made every day feel safe, enjoyable, and stress-free. He always checked in on everyone, handled every small issue quickly, and shared great local insight along the way. I truly appreciate his dedication and warmth, and I can confidently recommend Altitude Trek Nepal to anyone planning an Annapurna trek, or any other trek in Nepal!
