Rara Lake Trek

  • Trip Duration:
    16 Days
  • Trip Code:
    KRT
  • Trip Grade:
    Moderate
  • No. of Pax:
  • From
    $ /person

Overview

The Rara Lake Trek is a mesmerizing journey through the remote and pristine landscapes of Western Nepal. It leads trekkers to the breathtaking Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest and deepest freshwater lake, nestled within the Rara National Park. The trail takes you through dense forests, charming villages, and lush alpine meadows, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks along the way. The crystal-clear waters of Rara Lake reflect the surrounding snow-capped mountains, creating a picturesque scene that leaves a lasting impression. This trek provides a rare opportunity to experience the unspoiled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this region, making it a must-do for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Trekking to Rara Lake in a far remote Trans-Himalayan valley of Jumla district in the Karnali region is a fascinating journey. If a traveler is looking for wilderness and solitude journey in Nepal, this trek would be an ideal option. The route is very much ‘off the beaten track’ and one can experience unique cultures, tradition and amazing scenery not similar to any parts of Nepal. This trek is named after a beautiful high altitude lake ‘ Rara’ surrounded by alpine meadows and forests of Pine, Juniper, and Spruce.  In fact,  the lake is five kilometers long and two kilometers wide and considered the largest lake in Nepal. Rara  Lake is Nature’s Retreat to every senses– the sight, the feel and the smell that makes every trekker proud of being in this place. Heaven is a myth but Rara is real.

The views of magnificent snow-capped peaks (Sisne, Kanjirobe HImal) in the background are exhilarating. We cross over Ghurchi Lagna Pass at 3450m while heading towards Rara Lake and trek through a few ridges of 3000m elevation. This trek is fairly high and free from monsoon thunderstorms; the summer season is actually the best time to visit. During autumn season trekkers are rewarded with the abundance of alpine flowers.

Rara National Park is one of the best places in Nepal to see the natural habitats of different species of wildlife like  Musk deer, Leopards, Ghorals, Tahr, Himalayan black bear, and the rare Red Panda. The park is also famous for bird watching, especially during the months of  November to  April when many species of birds visit during their seasonal migration. The journey to Rara Lake is accessible by flying to Jumla via Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and begins the trek.

Itinerary:

Overview

A journey into the Jumla district and the Rara Lake is probably one of the most incredible and fascinating treks in all the Himalayan range with its unique tranquility, blending well in perfect harmony with the surrounding mountains and beautiful landscapes. Our adventure trek starts from the hill town of Jumla in the remote north-west of Nepal. From Jumla, the trek heads north passing through beautiful country side, farm villages and valleys with excellent views of snow capped peaks of Dolpo and the Tibetan
mountain ranges. You will feel as if you have entered a totally different world, as you enter the Rara National Park and its beautiful surroundings including the pristine lake Rara. Its scenery and unbelievable quietness is fascinating amidst its charming forest and landscapes. We will camp at Rara Lake for two nights in order to explore around the areas After an enjoyable stay here, we return to Jumla by an alternative route in order to give you the best of this magnificent country, we conclude our wonderful and memorable journey at Jumla with a flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

  • Arrive at the Tribhuwan international airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. This day is simply an arrival day and there will no organized activities. So you will have some free time to relax or walk around for local sights. A predeparture meeting will be held early evening and you will be introduced with your trekking guide. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

  • Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue drive to Patan Durbar Square to see ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour after lunch. After that you will visit the Patan museum. Overnight in Kathmandu

  • We will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to hotel

  • You will take a further flight to Jumla from Nepalgunj. O/N at Jumla.

  • Following the main street of Jumla, passing the red-roofed hospital, the wide level trail leads to the college building and passes a collection of western-style houses. After a long climb the trail passes through Sisnamul (2830m) entering a forest of big trees to Chere (3010m) which is a large horse and sheep pasture. From Chere the trail becomes steeper and climbs through meadows to Danphe Lagna offering the views of Patrasi Himal (6860m) and Jagdula Himal (5785m). The trail descends gently through a forest of spruces, birches and rhododendron and reaches Danphe Lagna. O/N at Danphe
    Lagna.

  • Descending steeply through the forest of firs, birches, walnuts and bamboo the trail comes to Hiran Duski (2840m) and then Sinja Khola. Crossing the bridge the trail follows to Nyawre (2660m). From here the trail leaves the river and starts climbing to Kabra. The steep climb proceeds to Bhara (2920m) which is a classical Tibetan village and descends to the village of Chautha.O/N at Chautha.

  • The trail follows the uphill way crossing some fields at Chante Chaur (2940m) and climbs to Bhulbule, the Rara National park entrance station (3130m). From here, climbing gently you get to Ghurchi Lagna (3450m). From here you can observe views of Mugue Karnali River and the snowy peaks bordering Tibet. Then the trail descends through a spruce forest leading to Pina (2400m). Following the direct trail to Rara Lake through pine forest passing Jhyari Khola at 2400m you reach to the small settlement of Dhotu. O/N at Dhotu.

  • Crossing a stream and making a steep climb to the village through a cedar forest to a huge meadow you can see excellent views of Rara Lake. Descending a short distance you reach Rara Lake. O/N at Rara Lake.

  • After having breakfast you can visit all around Rara Lake which is almost 13km. In Rara Lake there found otter and different kinds of fish. This region is full of birds, flowers and wild animals. O/N at Rara Lake.

  • From Rara Lake the trail follows the Khatyar Khola to Majhghatta and climbing through the forest of pines, spruce and rhododendron you reach the meadow to a ridge at 3660m. On the ridge is Ghurchi Mara (3710m) from where you see excellent views of the western Himalaya. From here the trail drops into Ghatta valley then heads towards Gorosingha. O/N at Gorosingha.

  • The trail leads down the Ghatta valley and then follows the Sinja Khola. After walking down the fertile valley through a heavily populated region of Brahman and Chhetri villages you can reach Sinja on the bank of Sinja Khola. O/N at Sinja.

  • The trail crosses the Sinja Khola passing a few small villages through the forest of pines, birches and oaks and then climbs steeply to Jaljala Chaur. O/N at Jaljala Chaur.

  • Climbing through the forest and descending to a few houses you will get to Chauri Khola (3090m). From here descending sometime and passing the school at Ghurumati t you come to Jumla. O/N at Jumla.

Trip Map:

Map

What is included

  • International arrival/departure transfers
  • Kathmandu half day sightseeing escorted by City Guide ( any foreign language accordingly )
  • 4 Nights standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis
  • 1 Night standard hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj on BB basis
  • Flight Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Jumla & Jumla – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
  • Domestic Airport Arrival/Departure Transfer
  • Domestic Airport Tax
  • Rara National Park Permit Fee
  • Special Permit Fee
  • TIMS card
  • Full Board Camping with meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) on trek
  • Necessary camping equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen equipment etc.)
  • Supporting staff (a professional trekking guide and porter(s), cook & kitchen boy(s) as well as their necessary wages, insurance, meals, transportations and allowances
  • Clients allowed taking only 20 kg. personal luggage  on trek

What is Excluded

  • International airfare
  • Nepal Entry Visa fee
  • Monument entry fee in Kathmandu
  • Single supplement for hotel accommodation
  • Note: Additional cost applies for single tent on camping trek
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Nepalgunj
  • Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation costs
  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks (including cold drinks and mineral water/boiled water), laundry
  • Camera/cell phone battery charge while on trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Excess baggage will be charged if exceeds 20 kg
  • Donation & tips etc.
  • All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evacuation fee, transport, extra hotel night, food etc.)
  • Any other services not specified in the ‘Cost includes’

Rara Lake Trek 2024/2025 Cost and Departure Dates

Trip Code
Arrival Date
Departure Date
Status
Price

Nitty Gritty

  • Trekking Region: Karnali, Nepal
  • Trip Duration: 16 Days
  • Total Trekking days: 11 Days
  • Camping Trek: Full board basis (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu : 04Nights
  • Hotel Accommodation in Nepalgunj : 01Night
  • Trips Starts / Ends: Kathmandu
  • Activities: Camping Trek + Kathmandu Sightseeing
  • Mode of Transportation: Domestic Flight
  • Best Season: Mid Feb – May &  Mid Sept – Dec
  • Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu & camp on trek
  • Type of Trip: Private & Fixed Departure
  • Service available: Standard/Camping
  • Trek grade:  Medium – hard
  • No .of Pax : 2 & above
  • Meals during trip:  Included, except lunch & dinner in Kathmandu & Nepalgunj
  • Maximum elevation: 3350 m
  • Walking hours: 5 – 6 hrs a day
  • Support Staff: Guide 1:10 pax, Leader 1:11 pax above, Assistant Guide 2:10 pax, 3:12 pax, 4:16 pax. Porter 2: 1 pax (20kg each) (Each porter carries only 30 kg. x 2 porters = 60 kg,- 20 kg. clients baggage + 40 kg. camping equipment/food) as per IPPG guideline
  • Kitchen Staff: 1 cook, 1 asst. cook (depending on the group size)

General Information

  • Trip Notes tell you about the itinerary details and supplementary information of the relevant trip of Trek Himalayan. We have prepared specific trip notes adhering to fixed travel dates. Please check which travel dates suit you. If you find any trip notes missing or only partially received while sending to you by email, please bear with us. They will be there anytime soon.

FAQ

  • Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
  • Trekking can be organized for few days to few weeks long, depending on trekkers interest, strength and time frame. Walking could be twelve kilometers or just four kilometers a day and spend the night in the countryside lodge or camp.
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