About Rara Lake Trek:
The Rara Lake Trek is a popular trekking destination in Nepal, known for its stunning natural beauty and remote location. Rara Lake, also known as Rara Tal, is the largest lake in Nepal and is situated in the remote northwest region of the country, within Rara National Park. Rara Lake Trek is a rewarding adventure for those who seek natural beauty, remote trekking experiences, and a glimpse into the culture of the western Himalayan region of Nepal.
Rara Lake is located in the remote Mugu District of northwestern Nepal, near the border with Tibet, China. Rara Lake Trek usually begins in Jumla and ends in Jumla or Talcha Airport, which has flight connections to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu. The Rara Lake altitude is 3,010m/ 9,875 feet and it is the highest lake in Nepal that is proudly addressed by the Nepalese people as the Queen of Lakes. During your trek, you will also be entering the Rara National Park which is considered to be one of the finest parks in the world and is an ideal habitat for musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, Himalayan goral, and other exotic animals. On your journey, you will not only be in the presence of snowcapped mountains, forests and enchanting lakes but will also get to witness the rustic life of the locals who call this remote land their home.
Rara Lake Trek Highlights:
- Remote Wilderness: Experience the tranquillity of the remote and less-visited region of western Nepal, away from the crowds.
- Unique Flora and Fauna: The trek passes through the Rara National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the red panda and Himalayan tahr.
- Scenic Flight: The journey typically starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Jumla, providing panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks.
- Authentic Culture: Interact with the local Thakuri and Chhetri communities, gaining insights into their traditional lifestyles and cultures.
- Trekking Challenges: The trek offers varying degrees of difficulty, from steep ascents to serene walks, making it suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:
You will be picked up at the airport by one of the Tour and Trekking Nepal staff and driven to your Kathmandu host family or a hotel. Here you will be welcomed into the family, be given your own room and be provided with all your meals while in Kathmandu. This will be your home during your orientation and volunteering in Nepal. With easy bus routes into town and the surrounding countryside, this quiet and safe suburb is the perfect base for your time in Nepal. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation:
We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square sheds light on the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at the Tour and Trekking Nepal office. Overnight in Kathmandu. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj:
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 stay in Nepalgunj. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla:
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 Himalaya, Jumla is also the gateway for trekkers who want to explore the remote Karnali region of Nepal. Overnight in Jumla. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 05: Jumla to Chere Chaur Trek:
We leave Jumla and ascend to Chere Chaur along the Jugad Khola. On the way, we pass Khalanga Bazaar, a small marketplace for the nearby villages. We also pass a couple of villages and a temple before reaching our destination. Overnight in Chere Chaur. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 06: Chere Chaur to Chalachaur Trek:
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 we reach Jaljala Chaur. From here we ascend on a steep trail and enter the Rara Lake Circuit before reaching Chalachaur. Overnight in Chalachaur. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 07: Chalachaur to Sinja Valley Trek:
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 which 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 08: Sinja to Ghorosingha Trek:
We leave Sinja on an uphill trail alongside the 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 09: Ghorosingha to Rara Lake Trek:
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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
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 the 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 11: Rara Lake to Pina Trek:
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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 12: Pina to Bumra Trek:
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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 13: Bumra to Jumla Trek:
We cross two suspension bridges above the Hima River and walk downhill. After walking for a few hours, we get to a hot spring where we can ease our aching bodies with a dip. Not long after the hot spring, we cross the Danphe Lagna pass at 3691 m. After reaching Cherechaur, we followed the same trail we took a couple of days back and reached Jumla. Overnight in Jumla. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 14: Fly black to Nepalgunj then 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 15: Farewell Friend and Departure/Fly back Home:
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today! A Tour and Trekking Nepal representative will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way to home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Service Included
- Free airport picks upon your arrival and a drop at the end of your trip
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit. (ACAP Permit)
- 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara.
- All necessary ground transportation as per itinerary
- Complete free trekking information before going to trek
- Full Board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
- All nights in local teahouses/lodges during trekking
- An experienced licensed holder Trekking Guide
- Foods, transportation, accommodations and local tax for guide and porters
- Medical first aid kit box ( which is carried by your team)
- Down jacket, sleeping bag and all necessary trekking gears are available on a hire
- Trekking Map
Service Excluded
- Your travel insurance ( Travel insurance is compulsory to take an adventure trip and it must be covered both medical and emergency evacuation with a minimum cost of USD 100, 000.
- Hot shower, WIFI, and any electronic battery charge only in trekking.
- Bottled/alcoholic/cold drinks, room service, and cart meals.
- Extra night accommodation or meals in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure and early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Tips and gratitude to your guides, porters, and drivers
- Nepal entry visa fees
Note: The above-mentioned program itinerary is a sample. The period and cost of tour, trekking, volunteering or internship can be changed or extended as per travellers or volunteers' availability of duration.
