13 Days Rara Lake Trekking

  • Duration 13 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Destination Nepal
  • Start/End Kathmandu
  • Style Lodge/Tea House Trek
  • Group Size 02+
  • Max Altitude 3460 m
  • Best Time March to May and Sep to Dec
All Inclusive PriceUS $1250US $1299
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Highlights

  • Be on an adventure to Nepal's largest and deepest Lake Rara within the serene wilderness.
  • Scenic and most spectacular country Rara Lake within far western Nepal Himalaya.
  • Enjoy the fascinating panorama of beautiful landscapes with snow-capped mountains.
  • Explore remote villages of Far Western Nepal and the origin of the Nepalese language.
  • Beautiful Rara Lake is bound by enchanting forest enriched with flora/fauna.

‘Enjoy Perfect Tranquility within The Pristine Environment of Rara Lake’

Rara Lake Trekking is one of the most exciting and interesting short adventures. This exotic trek lies in Far Western Nepal. It is within the Karnali zone in the Mugu district.  But your walks start from the town and district of Jumla.

Rara Lake Trekking is a scenic and cultural journey. Travelers get plenty to enjoy as the area falls in the off-beaten trails.The trek is less frequented by foreign trekkers. Over the years it has gained popularity among Nepalese as well as western travelers.

There are various routes to reach Rara Lake and the country’s smallest park of 106 sq. km. The best short way is to take a flight to the town of Talca which is a small airstrip.  Another way is by taking a long overland drive of a few days from Nepalgunj city. We have a set itinerary that involves walking from the town of Jumla. This gives you a wonderful chance to enjoy the culture and the scenery of Far Western Nepal. As it goes past the interesting old historical villages.

Rara Lake Adventure with Trekking Planner Inc. USA begins with a sweeping scenic flight to reach Nepal's Far South West region.  It lies within the sub-tropical and warmer areas of the Terai belt. The flight continues to reach the hill town of Jumla. This is an interesting town and headquarters of the district Jumla itself.

The walk then leads you to an uphill ascent. You will be crossing a few passes known as Bhanjyang in the Nepalese dialect. While trekking you will be facing glorious panoramas of the snow-capped mountain range. The views of Api and Shaipal Himal one of the tallest peaks of the Far West Himalayas range are splendid.

Next, you enter into a lovely forested zone of tall coniferous and deciduous tree lines. From here you will be heading through nice farm villages. This village belongs to the Malla Thakuri Chettries and Rokas. They are the original inhabitants of the country. This is the place where the Nepalese language first originated.

The Rara Lake Trekking continues after heading past many nice farm villages. Passing through the well-tended farm terraces you reach the heart of Rara. The sight of the beautiful shimmering lakes. enclosed by tiers of green hills and snow-capped mountain range is magical.

You have an extra day to rest and explore around as per the set itinerary. This is a region of beautiful wilderness surrounded by enchanting woodland. The tall pine, spruce, fir, oak, and birch are a treat to watch. The deciduous tree species of Indian horse-chestnut, walnut, and Himalayan poplars are remarkable.

This pristine forested area makes an excellent home for various wildlife species. The musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, goral, Himalayan Thar, and wild boar are a treat to watch.  Within the lake, the snow trout is the only fish species recorded and found here.  This fish species makes a good diet for the Gallinaceous birds and migrant waterfowl. These birds are also quite common in this area.

The sight of great–crested grebe, black-necked grebe, and red-crested pochard is remarkable. The flocks of these migratory birds are found only during the winter season. Other common birds are the snow-cock, chukar partridge, Impeyan pheasant / Danfe.  Danfe is the national bird of Nepal with kalij pheasant and blood pheasant.

After spending a mesmerizing time around the scenic Rara Lake our adventure comes to an end. You then will walk towards the highest spot on the hills of Murma. From up above the hill the views of the surrounding environment are incredible.

Finally, our walk ends at the town of Talca. This is your last overnight stop around the Rara country. You will be then taking a sweeping scenic flight back to Kathmandu. It is a journey of a lifetime experience.  The memories of the splendid Rara Lake will always remain with you.  It will always keep you guessing about its vastness and the height of this largest lake in Nepal. A swooping 10.08 sq. km / 3.90 sq. miles located above 2,990 m and 9,809 ft high is extraordinary.

Itinerary

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You will arrive at the Tribhuwan international airport in Kathmandu. Upon arrival after your immigration check, you will meet our airport representative. He/ She will be waiting for you holding a placard with your name on it outside the arrival gate.   Soon you will be driving in a private vehicle to your destined hotel in the hub of Kathmandu city in the Thamel area.

After checking into your room you take a rest for some time. Later in the afternoon, you will be meeting your trek guide or a leader down at the meeting place in the hotel lobby. You will be taking all important details of the trekking journey from your trek leader or a guide.

In the evening you will be joining a welcome dinner held in your honor. Various authentic Nepalese dishes are there for you to taste.  Enjoy the local entertaining cultural program along with the dinner too.

    It is an interesting morning for you in Kathmandu. Today you will be spending your entire day on a sightseeing tour. You will be visiting various places of great interest in and around Kathmandu. The city has famous landmarks and world heritage sites. These sites are important for both Hindu and Buddhist religious followers. It is an exciting tour to get a glimpse of Nepalese cultures as they were hundreds of centuries old.

    Later in the afternoon, you will make your way towards the Kathmandu domestic airport. You will be boarding a scenic flight meant for reaching the Far South Western city of  Nepalgunj city. The airport is located around a low sub-tropical climatic zone. This area is under Indian influence, as it is close to the border of the Indian state UP (Utter Pradesh).

    Upon landing at the Nepalgunj you will be transferred to your respective hotels. Later in the afternoon, you will get enough time to explore and have a look around the city of Nepalgunj.

      After an early breakfast in the morning, you will be reaching the  Nepalgunj airport. From here you will board a connecting flight to Jumla for Rara Lake Trek. Once you reach Jumla you get to meet your camping staff waiting for you. Your trek begins with a walk past the nice and lovely farm villages around Jumla.  This is the headquarters town of the Jumla district. The walk starts with a climb. As you climb the front-facing grand views of the snow-clad peaks and rolling green hills is a treat to watch.  Walking ahead from here you reach a small farm village at Chauriya Chaur for the overnight stop.

        After the first overnight stop in far west Nepal, you start the morning climb. You will be heading into rhododendron, birch, and pine forest at first. It is for reaching the high ridge top and a small pass of Jaljala Bhanjyang.  The views of Kanjibroba and Api, Shaipal Himal that you get from here are outstanding.

        The walk continues into the wilderness surroundings. Soon you will start descending downhills for a few hours until you reach a summer pasture. It is a nice grassy field where you will camp overnight.

          The morning walk today starts with a descent to reach an interesting place at Sinja. This is an old kingdom of the Malla regime that existed or dates back to the 6th until the 17th Century.

          The walk continues to follow the Jaljala Khola (stream). It then enters into a dense pine forest that leads to a terraced farm village at Sinja. This was once a former palace during the Malla regime. Its traces can be found in its ancient ruin and rundown temples.  The monuments, old sculptured stones, covered in thick moss and weeds are self-explanatory.

          After spending some time here the walk heads upstream to a small village of Ganj. The walk continues until it reaches an interesting gorge.  This marks the end of the day's walk at Botan village for an overnight halt.

            Today is a day of pleasant walk to Ghorsain. Trekking on from here you will reach the entrance of the Rara National Park. As you walk further you leave Sinja Khola following the Ghatte Khola (stream.) Trekking further north you will be making a short climb to a scenic valley around farm areas. This is an interesting and primitive grinding mill powered by water power for you to watch.

            The walk then continues to Ghorasai. It is a small village located on the outer rim of Rara National Park. An afternoon is free for you to explore or relax and catch up with your dairy. An overnight stop at a camp.

              Today your walk starts at a scenic place. The walk takes you to the most awaited destination of Rara Lake. The morning begins with a climb to Chuchemara Danda. It is a high ridge above 3,150 meters high. It offers superb views of high snow mountains. Beholding these glimpses you then make a downhill descent into the forest.  of bamboo and birch trees, cross Khatyar Khola to reach Rara Lake for two overnight stops.

                It is a perfect spot for rest and a free day to explore this marvelous area. This area is less frequented by trekkers. It is a climb to a wooden tower for the best views of Rara Lake. You will get glimpses of beautiful rolling green hills and snowcapped peaks.

                  After spending a pleasant and one of the most memorable times at Rara Lake you move on. In the morning you are in for a slow and a steady climb up to a ridge at Murma.  This place lies on a scenic hilltop which is the highest point of the adventure.

                  The walk leads through the beautiful scenery of peaks and hills.  You will enter into nice cool alpine tree lines. Later in the afternoon, you can enjoy the views of the beautiful landscapes. This area is covered with pristine forests and snow-capped peaks. Overnight at a nice lodge

                    In the morning you get up enjoying the panoramic views of the Rara lake and its surroundings. After having a hearty breakfast you will be trekking back to Talcha. It is a nice farm town and the closest airstrip to and from Nepalgunj. You will reach Nepalgunj in the afternoon. With time in hand, you can explore the town bazaar and observe the local culture of great interest.

                      In the morning you will be heading towards the airport for boarding a flight to Nepalgunj. A short flight takes you to low warm areas at Nepalgunj, and then for taking a connecting flight. The flight takes 50 minutes to reach Kathmandu.  Upon landing at Kathmandu airport a short drive reaches you to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

                        This is a free day in Kathmandu. It is a day kept as a reserve day in case of flight delay at Jumla and Talcha airport to and from Nepalgunj. You can use this day for doing individual activities of your choice. You can go shopping with options to join in a tour around Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur.

                          This is the last and final day of your trekking in the high mountains of Nepal. One of our airport representatives will see you off at the airport. You will be boarding an international-bound flight back home. The chances are you will be reflecting on your journey to Rara Lake and planning to be in Nepal soon again.

                            Rara Lake trekking provided with standard Itinerary days where some walks can be shorter or longer as per your physical fitness, some designated overnight stops can change, due to available rooms and other facilities and etc…….

                            We will follow the itinerary if its need to be changes in case of weather, landslides and difficulties on walks requiring more days where our leader and lead head guides decides holding full authority for Trekking Planner Inc, USA.

                            Want to customize this itinerary? Or Download PDF

                            Cost Details

                            Includes

                            • All airport pick up drop off by private vehicle (for both international and domestic flights)
                            • Welcome dinner in an authentic restaurant
                            • Twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on BB in Kathmandu
                            • Twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on full board in Nepaljung
                            • Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu with private vehicle (entrance fees extra)
                            • Kathmandu to Nepaljung to Jumla to Nepaljung to Kathmandu by flight
                            • All necessary trek permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System( TIMS card)
                            • A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, well-trained, Government license holding guide. Price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
                            • 02 guest to 01 porter with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation and equipment
                            • Your cost includes insurance, wages, food and lodging for both your guide and porter. We take excellent care of our guides and porters, they are like family to us.
                            • twin shearing accommodation during the trek
                            • Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee during the trekking.
                            • Snacks of biscuits/peanuts and seasonal fresh fruits dessert during the trek
                            • First aid kit
                            • Trekking Planner’s sleeping bag, down jackets, T-shirt, cap, duffle bags, city and trekking route maps – if necessary.
                            • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your travel insurance company)
                            • Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily during the trek (very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) symptoms). This helps ensure your trek is in the safest hands possible.
                            • All applicable government and local taxes per the itinerary
                            • One-hour complimentary spa/massage in Kathmandu after the trek

                            Excludes

                            • Nepal Visa fee (Bring accurate fee in USD and two Passport size Photo)
                            • International airfare to and from Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
                            • Diner and lunch in Kathmandu
                            • Personal  travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation
                            • Extra night accommodation and lunch and dinner in city because of early arrival, late departure and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) then the scheduled itinerary
                            • Personal expenses (phone calls, baggage charge, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
                            • Tips to the trekking crews and drive
                            • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control
                            • Anything not included in service includes column

                            Essential Info

                            Best Seasons for Rara Lake Trekking:

                            The spring months of April and May, are the best time for trekking. The days remain clear with bright sunshine.  This makes the trek interesting and special.  Besides that, it is clear from morning till late afternoon. Later in the day, it can get cloudy with a chance of snow around higher elevations.  It is cold in the morning and nighttime (without wind-chill factors).

                            The autumn months of September to early November are the second-best time for treks. Most days are crystal clear from morning till mid-afternoon. The days are shorter and as well with the sunlight hours.  It remains cold with freezing temperatures in the morning and night. As it is in the case of shades above 2, 000 m high (not adding extra wind-chill factor).

                            Local Culture and Religion:

                            The Rara Lake region lies within the Jumla and Mugu district has various communities. It belongs to the Chettries, Bharamins of Hindu origin as well as the Dalits and Magar. The Magar in particular are tribesmen of the hilly region. They are often linked to the Tibetans. As they have similar culture and way of life that resembles the Tibetan impression.

                            Rara areas of Mugu and Jumla comprises of mixed tribes. It includes Hindu Chettries of the Malla Thakuri clan. But the Rokas tribe includes Magar the hills tribe.  This Western Nepal region is an ideal mixture of Hindu and Buddhism religions.

                            The Western Nepal Hindu tribes were also known as Khas people. This is where the Nepalese language and its origin started. Which is around this region of Karnali zone in Far Western Nepal.

                            Climate and Weather:

                            The Himalayan climate can be unpredictable at times. The months of April to the first week of June are one of the best seasons. As it is the time of spring when days are longer with enough sunlight hours.

                            The morning and night time as well in shade can be cold. The temperature freezes around higher areas above 2,000 m.

                            The months of September and October are the second-best time for treks around Nepal Far West. The days are clear for views and to summit the top of the peak.  The autumn months are much colder, especially in the morning and nighttime. The sunlight is much shorter.

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