Rara Lake: Nepal's Biggest Lake - Asian Heritage

Rara Lake: Nepal’s Biggest Lake

Rara Lake is the biggest lake in Nepal and It is located in the Mugu district of Karnali province. It is the deepest and biggest freshwater lake in Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 2990 m with a water surface of 10.8 sq km. it has a maximum depth of 167m.

In 2007 September it was declared as a Ramsar site which covers 15.83 sq km of the surrounding wetland. The Lake is surrounded by the beautiful view of snow-capped mountains in Rara National Park.

Rara Lake Features

There are many features of Lake that the visitors can see and feel. One of the interesting things about Rara Lake is that it is a colorful lake. It exhibits three different colors in a day. The reason is still unknown. Similarly, the background of the lake keeps on changing time and again. It is also another mystery about.

The next amazing feature of the Lake is its mirror effect. The water of the lake is crystal clear. People do not even feel that they are on water while boating. While boating on the lake, the visitors are amazed by the views of the hills and green forests at their front, and exactly the same inside the water with their own images.

History of Rara Lake

Rara is believed to have been formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago during the last ice age. The glaciers carved out the basin in the Himalayan mountains.

Rara was included as part of Rara National Park in 1976. In 1976, people of two villages chapra and Rara were resettled to Nepalgunj. In 2007 it was declared as a Ramsar site covering 15831 ha including surrounding wetlands.

More: Phewa Lake: Nepal’s Second Largest Freshwater Lake

In the 1980s and 1990s, some small-scale tourism began developing around Rara as trekkers ventured to the remote Himalayan valley to experience its natural beauty.

The designation of Lake and its environment as a national park in the 1970s has preserved scenic natural areas relatively undisturbed by modern development.

Rara Flora and Fauna

The Rara Lake is a combination of Rara National Park. the reserve is identified by sub-alpine and high-temperate vegetation. Common plants and species are found there including fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper, and spruce. It is the home of surroundings animals around 20 different species of mammals including musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jackal, Himalayan thar, wild dog, otter, common langur, red panda, and rhesus macaque.

rara lake view
Image: Rara Lake View and it’s Surrounding Nature (Source: Asian Heritage Treks and Travels)

It is the home of 214 species of birds including coots, snow cock, and different species of pheasants, grebes, mallards, common teal, red-crested pochard, and gulls. At the time of winter, many migratory birds join the residential Gallinaceous.

Rara Lake Trek

The Rara Lake Trek is one of the popular trekking destinations of Nepal among other beautiful places. The trails go through beautiful cultural villages and with the views of mountains. It goes through a less cowardly and peaceful route through glades of junipers, spruce, and pine. The mountain views to one side and the pristine waters of Rara add their reflective gifts on the other.

Rara National park

Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake Trek has been a popular trekking destination with limited travel accessibility in Western Nepal. The glimpse of culture and scenery on the way is quite different from than Annapurna and Everest trek.

And best time to visit for trekking during autumn and spring seasons are the best times to trek. Enjoy the cool and breezy climate and pleasant views of diverse landscapes and mountain views.

How long is the Rara Lake trek

Rara Lake is the biggest lake in Nepal, it is situated at 3000m in Rara National Park. A trek to this natural wonder will take about two weeks from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Visitors will witness beautiful natural beauty. Not only that you will witness picturesque views and also diverse flora and fauna. The alternative way to get to Rara is by jeep to Nagma and walking for about half a day to visit Rara and to get back.

 Rara Lake Trek cost

If you are interested in visiting the lake, we provide top-notch packages for the Rara Lake trek, we have our 13 days Rara Lake Trek package, and our package cost includes private vehicles, food and beverage, accommodation, Activities, and other amenities, Stay overnight at Resort and so on.

You may also like: Lakes of Nepal: Begnas Lake, the Third Largest Lake in Nepal

The packages we offer are just $2299/per person. Visit these beautiful and manifesting destinations with your family and friends. This will be the best place for the trekkers and peaceful lovers.

Things to do at Rara Lake

Rara Lake is the best adventure destination of Nepal. There are many activities to do and enjoy yourself in Rara Lake, activities like

Hiking/ trekking: Rara is combined with the Rara National Park. As you can go trekking at the surrounding place of Lake. You can trek around the scenic lake and into the surrounding mountain landscapes. The trek provides an opportunity to see the alpine forests, and glaciers and potentially spot wildlife.

Rara Lake
Image: Rara Lake

Hot springs: hot spring is the best activity to relax your body. There are a few hot springs in the surroundings of Rara where visitors can relax and soak while enjoying mountain views.

Overall, hiking, boating, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the natural scenery and culture tend to be the prime attractions and activities at the remote and pristine Himalayan glacial lake destination.

 The best time to visit Lake

The best time will be during the spring and autumn seasons.

During spring seasons the day temperatures are mild and pleasant which lies between 15-200 c. During this season rhododendron flowers are blooming that add beautiful vibrant color to the landscapes. Spring season is known as the best time for clear views and ideal trekking conditions before monsoon clouds and rain set in.

Also Read: Everything you need to know about Khaptad Lake

During autumn seasons the skies are clear providing unobstructed mountain views. The temperature ranges from 10-200 during the daytime. It is also the best trekking season with stable weather conditions. These seasons offer opportunities to see migratory birds passing through the park.

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