Api Nampa and the Byas valley
Also known as: Api Himal · Byas · Tinkar · अपि नाम्पा
The far north-west corner of Nepal: Api Himal, and the Byas valley of the Byansi people on the old route to Tibet.
Api Nampa Conservation Area, created in 2010, covers the mountains of northern Darchula, including Api (7,132 m) and Nampa. Its forests and alpine meadows shelter musk deer, Himalayan tahr and snow leopards.
In the Byas valley along the upper Mahakali, the Byansi (Sauka) people have their own language and traditions and historically traded with Tibet over the Tinkar and Lipu Lekh passes. Treks to Api base camp and Tinkar are remote and require permits and a guide.