Best season: Mar-May + Sep-Dec
Rara Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal, known for its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and unique culture. The trek starts and ends in Kathmandu and takes approximately 10 to 12 days to complete. The main highlight of the trek is Rara Lake, the largest lake in Nepal, which is located within Rara National Park. The trek takes you through the protected area, which is rich in biodiversity and offers opportunities for wildlife spotting. The trek also takes you to a remote and less-visited region of Nepal, where you can experience the local way of life and interact with friendly inhabitants. The trek offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and an off-the-beaten-path experience, making it a remarkable journey for trekkers. The Rara Lake Trek is a picturesque and less-visited trekking route in Nepal's remote far-western region, focusing on the largest lake in Nepal and one of the most pristine high-altitude lakes in the Himalayas. The trek starts from Jumla and takes travelers through Rara National Park, a protected area with diverse flora and fauna. The main highlight is reaching Rara Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 2,990 meters (9,810 feet). The trek passes through remote villages, scenic landscapes, and Murma Top, offering panoramic views of Rara Lake and the surrounding mountains. The trek typically takes 10– or 14 days, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization days. The best seasons for the Rara Lake Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is stable and the skies are clear. Proper gear, permits, and acclimatization are essential for a successful and enjoyable trek to Rara Lake.
The Rara Lake Trek is a popular choice for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the untouched beauty of the Himalayas and experience the rich cultural heritage of the local communities. The trek offers a chance to witness diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like musk deer and Himalayan black bears. It is advisable to hire a local guide who can provide valuable insights into the region's history, culture, and natural wonders.
Located in the Banke region in far western Nepal, Nepalgunj is a popular transportation and industrial hub. Today you’ll have enough time to explore this multi-ethnic city of Nepal. You’ll get a close insight into the unique culture and lifestyle of the Terai people who are quite different than people living in the capital city. You can visit Grasscutters’ Lane or indulge yourself in street food.
After having breakfast, you’ ll take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla. It is a short 20-minute flight and you’ ll reach Jumla at an elevation of 2,540 meters. Today you’ ll feel the drastic change in the landscape as you fly from the plain land of Terai to the hilly landscape of Jumla. Jumla is one of the remote and less developed Karnali regions of Nepal.
After having breakfast you’ ll start your trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur (3,055 meters). Today is your first day of the trek so you need to slowly ascend and drink plenty of water. On the way to Chere Chaur, you’ ll pass Khalanga Bazaar, a small marketplace. After passing through several small villages and temples you’ ll reach Chere Chaur for an overnight stay.
After Breakfast, you’ll follow the western trails and make a slow ascend through beautiful rhododendron, birch, and pine forests to the place called Jaljala Pass (3,580 meters). Jaljala Pass offers a stupendous view of Kanjiroba Himal. You’ll cross this pass and continue your trek through a pristine trail. After a couple of hours, you’ ll reach a summer grazing pasture called as Jaljala Chaur. After 5-6 hours of walking, you’ll enter the main Rara CIrcuit trail and reach
Chala Chaur 2,980 meters.
After Breakfast, you’ll head towards Sinja Valley, a remote village situated at the bank of the Hima River. The trail passes through several small settlements. You’ll be well accompanied by the Jaljala River. Finally, after 4-5 hours of walking, you’ll reach Sinja Valley 2,485 meters for an overnight stay. This beautiful valley is the capital of the Malla Dynasty from the 12th – 14th century. Thus, this Sinja Valley offers numerous ancient temples and places to explore to the trekkers.
After Breakfast, you’ll head towards Sinja Valley, a remote village situated at the bank of the Hima River. The trail passes through several small settlements. You’ll be well accompanied by the Jaljala River. Finally, after 4-5 hours of walking, you’ll reach Sinja Valley 2,485 meters for an overnight stay. This beautiful valley is the capital of the Malla Dynasty from the 12th – 14th century. Thus, this Sinja Valley offers numerous ancient temples and places to explore to the trekkers.
After having breakfast you’ll head towards Rara Lake (3,015 meters with a steep climb along the side of Chucharmare Danda. At the top of the hill, you’ll get fabulous Himalayan views with magnificent deep blue serene Rara Lake surrounded by green hills. Enjoying the natural scenery, now you’ll enter into a forested trail and continue your trek until you reach Majhghat. After crossing Majhghat, you’ll follow the Khatyar River and reach Chhapri village which is also the headquarter of the Rara National Park.
After having breakfast, you’ll head towards exploring one of the biggest lakes in Nepal. It is surrounded by dense green forests which are home to diverse flora and fauna including some indigenous species of birds, fish, and animals. If you want to go for a long day trip, then Murma Top offers a mesmerizing view of the lake from above. It’ll take around 6-7 hours to go there and come back. Also, if you just want to stay on the bank of the lake you can also enjoy the spectacular view of the lake and the Himalayas. The changing light of the lake’s hues whose magical transformation will definitely offer you a lifetime memorable experience. Besides all this, you can also experience short boating trips on a clear day, even thous swimming is not allowed to avoid polluting crystal clear water.
Today’s walk is around
4-5 hours and quite pleasant until you reach Gamgadhi, the headquarter of the Mugu District. Further, you’ll follow the beautiful forest trail to Jhyari Khola. And after short uphill walks take you through the pine forest to Pina 2,445 meters.
The trail is downhill and leads through Ghurchi Langna Pass at an altitude of 3,485 meters. This is the highest point of the trek. You can see colorful prayer flags and from the top of the pass, you can see the beautiful Karnali River. After enjoying the view, you’ll continue your trek down to Bulbule. From Bulbule, you’ll move towards the south and continue through the small settlement around Chautha.
Enjoying the final day of your Rara Lake Trekking you’ll cross two suspension bridges over Hima River. After a few hours of downhill walking, you’ll reach a hot spring. Here you can take a bath and relax your body. After spending some time in the hot spring, you’ll cross Danphe Lagna Pass at 3,691 meters. You’ll continue your trek and reach Chere Chaur. From this village, you’ll walk on the same trail you took a few days back.
After reaching Nepalgunj, you’ll again catch a flight back to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Upon your arrival at International Airport, you’ll get a transfer to the respective hotel.
Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with your travel companions and organize your photos. A representative from Mount Adventure Holidays Trekking will take you to the airport, approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
07 Sep, 2023 from Kathmandu | 31 May, 2024 to Kathmandu | Duration 14 Days | From $ 1500/pers | Availability |
The Rara Lake Trek is considered a moderate trek with a few challenging sections. The trail involves ascending and descending through various terrains, including forested areas and steep paths. While the trek does not require technical climbing skills, it does involve long hiking days and requires a moderate level of physical fitness and stamina.
The best time to do the Rara Lake Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and favorable trekking conditions. The spring season brings blooming flowers and lush vegetation, while the autumn season offers excellent mountain views. However, it is possible to do the trek during other months as well, but the weather and trail conditions may be more challenging.
Yes, you need permits to trek to Rara Lake. You will need a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and a Rara National Park entry permit. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj before starting the trek. It's advisable to arrange these permits through a registered trekking agency or with the help of a guide.
Along the Rara Lake Trek route, you will find basic teahouses or lodges for accommodation. These teahouses provide simple rooms with basic facilities such as a bed, blanket, and shared bathrooms. The availability of amenities may vary, and it's recommended to be prepared for basic accommodation during the trek.
While it's not mandatory to have a guide and porter for the Rara Lake Trek, it is highly recommended. A local guide can provide valuable insights into the local culture, help navigate the trail, and ensure your safety. A porter can assist with carrying your heavy backpack, allowing you to trek with less weight and more comfort.While it's not mandatory to have a guide and porter for the Rara Lake Trek, it is highly recommended. A local guide can provide valuable insights into the local culture, help navigate the trail, and ensure your safety. A porter can assist with carrying your heavy backpack, allowing you to trek with less weight and more comfort.
Altitude sickness can be a concern during the Rara Lake Trek, as the highest point you reach is around 3,180 meters (10,433 feet) at Ghorosingha. It's important to acclimatize properly and ascend gradually to minimize the risk of altitude-related issues. Adequate rest, hydration, and following a slow and steady pace are essential to prevent altitude sickness. Having a guide who is knowledgeable about altitude-related risks can also be beneficial.
Rara Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal, focusing on the largest lake in Nepal and one of the most pristine high-altitude la...
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