Rara Lake Trek

Overview The Rara Lake Trek is a captivating journey through the pristine landscapes of western Nepal. This trek also takes you to the mesmerizing Rara Lake, the largest lake in Nepal, nestled at an elevation of 2,990 meters (9,810 feet) in the Rara National Park. With its crystal-clear waters, serene ambiance, and breathtaking surrounding mountains, Rara Lake often referred to as the "Queen of Lakes." The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to the remote town of Jumla, where the adventure truly starts. As you embark on the trek, you'll also traverse through dense forests, charming villages, and…

Overview

The Rara Lake Trek is a captivating journey through the pristine landscapes of western Nepal. This trek also takes you to the mesmerizing Rara Lake, the largest lake in Nepal, nestled at an elevation of 2,990 meters (9,810 feet) in the Rara National Park. With its crystal-clear waters, serene ambiance, and breathtaking surrounding mountains, Rara Lake often referred to as the “Queen of Lakes.”

The trek begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to the remote town of Jumla, where the adventure truly starts. As you embark on the trek, you’ll also traverse through dense forests, charming villages, and lush meadows, offering a glimpse into the authentic rural life of Nepal. The trail gradually ascends, providing panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including Api and Saipal ranges.

One of the highlights of the Rara Lake Trek is reaching the shimmering turquoise waters of Rara Lake. As you stand on its shores, you’ll also get captivate from the mirror-like reflection of the surrounding hills and the serene atmosphere that envelopes the area. The lake is also home to various species of birds and wildlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

During the trek, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the friendly locals, who belong to the Thakuri, Chhetri, and Magar ethnic communities. Their warm hospitality and cultural traditions will leave a lasting impression on your journey.

The trek typically takes around 10 to 12 days, depending on the chosen route and pace. Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are considered the best seasons for this trek, as the weather remains stable and the landscapes come alive with vibrant colors.

Conclusion and Summary

In conclusion, the Rara Lake Trek offers a unique opportunity to explore the unspoiled beauty of western Nepal. From lush forests to towering mountains and the enchanting Rara Lake, this trek promises an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and those seeking a glimpse of Nepal’s hidden gems.

Read Less

Trip Highlights

Rara Lake: The Rara Lake is a crystal-clear lake that is surrounded by pristine forests and majestic snow-capped peaks. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal and a must-visit destination for nature lovers and trekkers.
Rara National Park: The Rara Lake is located inside the Rara National Park, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including Himalayan black bears, musk deer, and the endangered red panda.
Scenic Flight: The trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by another flight to Jumla. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas and the Nepalese countryside.
Off-the-Beaten-Path: The Rara Lake Trek is a relatively off-the-beaten-path trek that offers a peaceful and tranquil trekking experience. The trail passes through remote villages and pristine forests, giving you a chance to experience the local culture and way of life.
Rich Culture: The trek takes you through the traditional villages of the Mugu district, where you can experience the rich culture and traditions of the local people.
Stunning Scenery: The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Api, and Mount Saipal.
Adventure: The trek is moderately challenging and involves trekking through rugged terrain and crossing high-altitude passes, making it a great adventure for thrill-seekers.

Itinerary Expand All

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Nepal Challenge Trek who will drop us off at our hotel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Nepal Challenge Trek which will introduce you to the Nepalese cuisine.

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing: World Heritage Sites

After breakfast, we begin our sightseeing tour by visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square showcases Nepalese art and architecture at its best. The architecture is typical of the Malla dynasty who ruled over Nepal from the 12th to the 18th century. Swayambhunath Temple is popular among foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large monkey population residing in the area. Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River and is one of the principal temples of Lord Shiva. The Bauddhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in South Asia which is built on the ancient trade route to Tibet.

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

After our short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla

After early breakfast we leave the Terai plains of Nepalgunj and fly to the hilly landscape of Jumla, one of the least accessible districts in Nepal. Situated in the foothills of the Sisne Himalya, Jumla is also the gateway for trekkers who want to explore the remote Karnali region of Nepal. Overnight in Jumla.

Day 05: Trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur

Today is the first day of our trek. We leave Jumla and ascend to Chere Chaur along the Jugad Khola. On the way, we pass Khalanga Bazzar, a small market place for the nearby villages. We also pass a couple of villages and a temple before reaching our destination. Overnight in Chere Chaur.

Day 06: Chere Chaur to Chalachaur

From Chere Chaur we take the western trail and ascend slowly until the Jaljala pass (3580m). We cross the pass and continue trekking on a relatively straight trail until reaching Jaljala Chaur. From here we ascend on a steep trail and enter the Rara Lake Circuit before reaching Chalachaur. Overnight in Chalachaur.

Day 07: Chalachaur to Sinja Valley

It is an uphill climb to Sinja Valley. On the way we pass through several villages and walk along the Jaljala Khola (stream). Sinja Valley holds an important place in the history of Nepal. The valley houses the ancient capital city of the Khasa Kingdom that ruled this area from the 12th to the 14th century. Palaces, temples, and the ancient remains of a settlement were uncovered during excavations spearheaded by the Department of Archaeology at Cambridge University. Overnight in Sinja Valley.

Day 08: Sinja to Ghorosingha

We leave Sinja on an uphill trail alongside Hima River. From the village we climb on a steep trail for a while followed by a relatively easy trail until Laha Village. From Laha, it is a steep climb up until Ghorosingha alongside Ghatte khola (stream). Overnight in Ghorosingha.

Day 09: Ghorosingha to Rara Lake

We begin our steep ascent after breakfast. Our trail is alongside Chuchhemara Danda from where we get to admire the Himalayan panorama, the vast and tranquil Rara Lake, and the lush vegetation of the Rara National Park. On the way to Rara Lake, we pass through Khatyar Khola Camp and a few villages including Murma. From Murma, the ascent gets a little easier. We continue walking towards Chapri village which houses the Rara National Park Head Quarter. Overnight at Rara Lake.

Day 10: Explore Rara Lake

Rara Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Nepal. After breakfast we investigate the azure waters of the massive lake also referred to as Mahendra Taal (Lake) after late king Mahendra. While boating we get to admire the picturesque setting of the lake and discover quite a few varieties of fish. Chuchemara Peak lies on the southern side of the Rara Lake whereas Ruma Kand and Malika Kand peaks frame its northern area. Overnight at Rara Lake.

Day 11: Rara Lake to Pina

From Rara Lake our trail is easy and we walk on a relatively straight path until Gamgadhi which is the headquarters of the remote Mugu District of Nepal. From Gamgadhi, we descend on a steep trail to Pina Village where we spend the night.

Day 12: Pina to Bumra

From Pina we descend and cross the Ghurchi Lagna pass at 3480 m. We continue our descent and pass through a few villages before reaching Bumra. The Bumra village is also known as Nauri Ghat.

Day 13: Trek ends: Bumra to Jumla

We cross two suspension bridges above Hima River and walk downhill. After walking for a few hours, we get to a hot spring where we can ease our aching body with a dip. Not long after the hot spring, we cross Danphe Lagna pass at 3691 m. After reaching Cherechaur, we follow the same trail we took couple of days back and reach Jumla. Overnight in Jumla.

Day 14: Fly to Nepalgunj, fly to Kathmandu

We take the earliest flight available to Nepalgunj from Jumla. After reaching Nepalgunj, we fly yet again to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. After reaching Kathmandu, we freshen up and take a rest. In the evening there will be a farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier to celebrate the successful completion of the Rara Lake trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 15: Final departure

Our Nepal Challenge Trek representative will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport for your connecting flight home approximately 3 hours earlier than the scheduled time. Have a safe flight back home!

What's Included

Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off
Complimentary welcome dinner
Four-night stay on arrival in Kathmandu with breakfast included (on a twin-sharing basis)
All necessary trekking permits for Rara National Park, TIMS cards, etc.
All accommodation during the trek
Three meals a day during the trek
If and when available, fresh fruit should be eaten every day.
Complementary duffel bag or agency T-shirt
Professional English-speaking government-registered and first-aid trained local guide
First-aid kit
Return connecting flights between Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Jumla
Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
Rescue arrangements, if necessary
Agency service charge and government tax or VAT
Certificate of Achievement

What's Excluded

International airfare and Nepal visa fee
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
Sightseeing costs (temples, monasteries, etc.)
All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, etc.
Tips for staff

Trip Information

The Rara Lake Trek is a scenic trek in the far-western region of Nepal that takes you to the stunning Rara Lake, one of the largest and deepest lakes in Nepal. Here are some of the highlights of the trek:

Overall, the Rara Lake Trek is a unique and unforgettable trekking experience that offers a combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. The stunning Rara Lake, the pristine forests of the Rara National Park, and the rich culture and traditions of the local people make it a must-visit destination for any trekker or nature lover visiting Nepal.