Trekking Route to Mount Api Base Camp Opens, Boosting Tourism in Sudurpaschim
The trekking route to Mount Api Base Camp in Darchula, Sudurpaschim Province, is now open, with essential infrastructure established to attract tourists.
The route was developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nepal and in cooperation with the Department of Tourism under the Sustainable Tourism for Livelihood Recovery Project (STLRP). The project also facilitated the construction of residential houses, bridges, and signboards. The Department of Tourism assisted in building the road from Thaikot to the base camp.
With a population of around 7,000, the municipality has organized various tourism-related programs to provide quality services to tourists. In collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, it has offered homestay training for women and trekking guide training for youths.
Located 23 miles from the district headquarters, Khalanga, Api Himal Rural Municipality features mountains, hills, and diverse geographical landscapes. Mount Api (7132m), the highest peak in Sudurpaschim, along with 16 other peaks above 6000 meters, including Nampa, Kapa Chuli, and Jethi Bahurani, lies within this municipality. This area has significant potential for adventurous tourists and holds important religious sites rich in local culture and scenic beauty. The region is also known for its mountain herbs and plants.
The blend of high hills, mountains, traditional culture, and scenic spots makes Api Himal Rural Municipality an excellent tourist destination in Sudurpaschim and the trekking routes is expected to boost employment, economy, and the social, cultural, and educational status of the rural municipality.
The trekking route offers villagers opportunities to generate income by selling agricultural products to trekkers, thereby creating employment and economic prosperity in the district. Api Himal Rural Municipality, consisting of wards such as Khandeshwari, Ghusa, Guljar, and Sitola, holds significant natural, cultural, and religious value. Notable religious sites include Dharmi Cave, Markandey Cave, Syaule Temple, Surmanbhawani Temple, and the origin of the Chameliya River. Kalidhunga Lake, located at 4,500 meters and a two-hour walk from the base camp, provides scenic beauty and attracts tourists. Visitors can also experience the local Madhesi customs, arts, dances, and the unique culture of the Byansi community, found only in Darchula district.
Within the Api Nampa Conservation Area (ANCA) along the trekking route, a variety of wildlife, including musk deer, lophophorus, Himalayan tahr, pheasants, and snow leopards, can be found. The area is also rich in medicinal herbs such as yarsagumba, panchaule, satuwa, and jatamansi. According to ANCA data, the annual revenue from this area is the highest due to the collection and export of herbs.
