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.
Rara Lake is the biggest and deepest freshwater lake in the Nepal Himalayas situated at 2,990 m with a water surface of 10.8 sq km and a maximum depth of 167 m. In September 2007, it was declared a Ramsar site, covering 15.83 sq km including the surrounding wetland. Rara Lake is surrounded by the magnificent view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks in Rara National Park. Rara National Park (flora consists of 1074 species, of which 16 are endemic to Nepal; the fauna includes 51 species of mammals and 214 species of birds) was established in 1976 to preserve the beauty of the lake.
The trek begins with the flight to Nepalgunj, which is a scenic 45-minute flight in the afternoon. The next day morning fly to Jumla. Then off the beaten trekking trail goes through Baragaun, Pina, and Gumgari all the way leading to Rara Lake. Thakur society is dominant in the community in the area. Thakur Baba’s Temple is situated in the southeast corner of the lake. Local people believe that the God Thakur shot an arrow to open the passage of the lake reducing the damage caused by flooding. Much of the track passes through Rhododendron, pine, spruce, and juniper forests with a constant backdrop of western Himalayan peaks such as Api Himal, Saipal, and Buraburi. Since the lower belt is inhabited by Khas people you will encounter many Hindu temples such as Chandan Nath Temple in Jumla.
Nepal experiences four seasons. However, autumn and spring are the best time to trek in Rara Lake. September, October, and November: To enjoy the cool and breezy climate and pleasant views of diverse landscapes and Mountain Views. Spring (March, April, and May): During these months the weather is sunny and pleasurable making for the perfect Trekking environment.
Rara Lake is the biggest lake in Nepal situated at 3,000m in Rara National Park. A trek to this Natural wonder will take about two weeks from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. You will witness not only natural beauty and picturesque views but also diverse flora and fauna. The alternative way to get Rara is by Jeep to Nagma and walk for about half a day to visit Rala Lake and back.
Welcome! To Kathmandu. Asian Heritage welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport. On arrival, our Asian Heritage Representative will be waiting outside at the arrival area to welcome you and transfer you to the hotel. Our representative will facilitate you and discuss your travel itinerary. There will be enough time to stroll through the street of Thamel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel Yatri Suites and Spa or similar.
Our office representative will come to receive you in the hotel and you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Nepalgunj. You will be able to observe the magnificent snow-clad mountains ranging from the north to the far East. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, you will be transferred to your hotel. There will be time in the evening to stroll around the town, and surroundings before getting back to the hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
In the morning you will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Jumla. Jumla town is the administrative headquarters of the Karnali Zone. From Jumla you will start walking towards Padmara. You will walk through Dansanhu, the confluence of Tila and the Chaudbise River before walking through a pine forest to reach Urtus, the next confluence of Chaudbise Khola and Ghurseni Khola. A bridge leads east to the Chaudbise area, from where you will ascend steeply through a narrow gorge of the Ghurseni Khola.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
You will walk towards Burma along the Ghurseni stream and commence climbing the first pass, Khali Langa (3545 m), which is about 4 kilometers far from Padmara. Later on, you will follow the right bank of the stream and continue walking down for one hour through a dense forest to reach a log bridge over the Sinja Khola. You will cross the bridge and start walking up to reach Bumra, which is about two kilometers further.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
Have your breakfast and start to walk a trail which is just above the river bank for about one and a half hours to reach Bhargaon (2890 m). Now, the trail continues to the branch streams of the Ghautha River. You will cross the streams using a log bridge and start heading up towards Chautha. After an hour of walking from Chautha, the valley opens up into a pleasant meadow. Now, you will climb up the narrow gorge on the northeast slope and head north to Pine.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
Have your breakfast in the morning and head towards Rara Lake. From Pine, you will walk through a trail following is steep north-facing slope that leads to the flat meadow and then descends to the stream. You will cross the stream and climb up to the hamlet of Jhari (2500m), which will take about two hours. From Jhari, you will ascend west along a ridge to reach a low saddle. From here, it is a pleasant descent to the meadows on the south side of the lake. The village site of Rara (3040 m) on the north side is a pleasant two-hour walk along the western bank of the lake.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
Rara Lake is the biggest lake in Nepal and it is the center of attraction in Rara National Park. It is so huge that the end of the lake is hard to see and its oval shape with the east-west axis has a maximum length of 5 km and a width of 3 km. The lake is surrounded by forests and green hills. Chuchemara Danda (at 4087 m) is the best place to see the panoramic view of the lake and the snow-capped peaks along with the nearby green surroundings. Explore the surroundings and have some rest in your camp.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
Have your breakfast in the morning and later on today, you will leave the periphery of Rara and commence walking through the outlet of Rara Lake by following the downstream of Khatyar Gad for an hour. Cross the stream using a log bridge to the south side and climb gradually uphill through a dense forest until the tree line is reached. The ridge continues to the south for another 200 meters but it is a pleasant walk with an isolated view of the mountains. Now, you will descend by a steep trail from the east side of the ridge to reach Ghorasain.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
After your breakfast, you will leave Ghorasain behind and you will start walking for Sinja. You will descend through the valley to Botan (2895 m). From Botan, you will climb to Diyabala Ridge. This ridge lies south of Ghorasain and offers beautiful panoramic views of the surroundings. From Diyabale Danda, the trail leads to the high fields of Lumsa and then descends to Okharpati village on a high shelf above Mindrabali Gad. Finally, you have to descend to the Sinja village, which takes about 2 hours.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
You will commence walking to Chere Chaur. Your walking begins with crossing a log bridge over Sinja Khola to the east and following the bank of Jaljale Gad. After following the river bank for some time, you will start ascending over the ridge (2865 m). Continuing the trail, we will finally descend down to the headquarters of Jumla. Gad, that drains to Jumla town and one more kilometer walk leads us to the beautiful Chere Chaur.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
Start your hike through a delightful alpine pasture; Chere Chaur. Chere Chaur provides a good view of Jumla town, Tila valley, and Chyakhure Hill. After a few hours, you will reach Jumla, check in to the lodge, have some rest, and later on explore the surroundings.
Accommodation: Overnight in available Local Lodge
Today is your last day in the western region of Nepal, you will go to the Jumla airport to catch the flight to Nepalgunj, from where you will fly back to the capital city Kathmandu. After you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel Yatri Suites and Spa or similar.
Our representative will pick you up and drive you to Kathmandu. You will be advised and assisted with your onward travel arrangements and transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport by our private van around 3 hours before your flight schedule and flight back to your home/other travel destination. Have a safe journey onwards.
Meals: Breakfast
