Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport, a representative from Naata Trek and Tours will be waiting for you at the airport, displaying a playing card imprinted with your name. They will then transfer you to the designated hotel. In the evening, we can enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by Naata Trek and Tours. We can enjoy Nepalese cuisine during the dinner, which will introduce us to the country’s food culture.
Rara Lake Trek
15 Days
Trip Facts
Duration
15 Days
Fitness Level
Moderate
Max. Altitude:
3691 meters
Location
Nepal
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Teahouses during the trek
Group size
1-16
Arrival On
Kathmandu
Departure From
Kathmandu
Rara Lake Trek Highlights
- Visit the Rara Lake, Nepal's deepest and largest freshwater lake.
- Trek through the Rara National Park, which is home to 20 species of mammals and 214 species of birds.
- Enjoy the breathtaking views of mountain ranges from Chuchhemara Hill.
- Trek through the fairly gradual trail, making it an almost easy trek.
- Experience boating in the blue waters of Rara Lake.
- Visit the Sinja Valley, a place where the Nepali language began.
- Visit Jumla, a beautiful place that is one of the largest producers of apples.
- Experience the lifestyle of the Himalayan people.
- Observe the local community's perfect blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
- Taste the local authentic Nepal cuisines like Daal Bhaat, Dhindo, Gundruk, etc.
Overview
Rara Lake Trek is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal. This trek takes us through the off-beaten trails of western Nepal and to the country’s deepest freshwater lake. There is no denying that Rare Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal. Situated at 2990 meters above sea level, lush green hills surround the lake and are quite a spectacle. The largest lake falls under the smallest national park in Nepal, the Rara National Park, covering an area of 106 km square.
The national park has several blue pine, oak, black juniper, cypress, and rhododendron forests. These jungles have also been home to the Himalayan black bear, Musk deer, Leopards, Ghoral, Tahr, Jackal, wild dog, wild boar, common langur, rhesus macaque, otter, yellow-throated martin, and the highly endangered red panda. In addition, the national park also houses 200 species of colorful birds and butterflies.
As for the life inside the lake, snow trout is one of the fish species found here. During the winter, the park brings in birds such as coots, great-crested grebe, black-necked grebe, red-chested pochard, mallards, common teal, mergansers, and gulls. Migrant waterfowl and gallinaceous birds can also be seen during certain seasons. Chuchemara Hill, at 4087 meters, is the best vantage point to see the lake and the mountains up close.
Often referred to as the ‘queen of lakes,’ the tranquil nature of the lake and its ever-changing background with the seasons is an awe-inspiring sight. Located in the remote far-western section of Nepal, the national park gets fewer visitors than other regions, making it ideal for those who like a bit of solitude in their treks. Undisturbed by the hordes of tourists, the lake’s trail and blue waters are a unique experience.
Itinerary
Maximum
Altitude :
1400 meters
Meal :
Dinner
Accommodation
:
3-star hotel
After breakfast, we will have a pre-trip meeting where you will be introduced to your Guide. During the meeting, you can provide yourself with any queries regarding the trip.
We visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most significant Buddhist shrines in the world, where we observe Buddhist monks praying in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. After Boudhanath Stupa, we visit Pashupatinath Temple, the most famous Hindu temple in the country. It is located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Here, we see Hindu holy men (sadhus) meditating, pilgrims bathing, and occasionally funeral pyres burning on the ghats. We will also visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a collection of pagoda and shikhara–style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood.
The attractions of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, art galleries, and the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.
Maximum
Altitude :
1400 meters
Meal :
Breakfast
Accommodation
:
3-star hotel
After breakfast, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in Western Nepal. The town is situated near the Nepal-India border and the gateway to Humla and Simikot. It represents the diverse culture of Nepal. We visit local villages, markets, and a mini-zoo nearby.
Maximum
Altitude :
150 meters
Meal :
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
:
3-star hotel
We have breakfast and take a 20-minute flight to Jumla, a place less known and with little access. Located in the remote Karnali region in the west, it is also the gateway for trekkers exploring the western part of Nepal.
Maximum
Altitude :
2540 meters
Meal :
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
:
Teahouse
Walking
Distance :
We leave and start the trek ascending to Chere Chaur along the Jugad Khola. On our way to Chere Chaur, we pass Khalanga Bazaar, a small market used by nearby villages. We also pass through a couple of other villages before we reach our destination. We stayed the night in Chere Chaur.
Maximum
Altitude :
3055 meters
Meal :
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
:
Teahouse
Walking
Distance :
4-5 hours
We take the west trail and ascend gradually until we cross the Jaljala pass (3580m). We descend from there and continue on a straight trail, reaching Jljala Chaur. We ascend on a steep trail and enter the Rara Lake Circuit before reaching Chalachaur, where we spend the night.
Maximum
Altitude :
2980 meters
Meal :
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
:
Teahouse
Walking
Distance :
4-5 hours
After breakfast, we start ascending to Sinja Valley. Along the way, we pass through several villages and walk along Jaljala Khola (stream). The valley is an essential place in Nepal’s history books. The ancient capital city of Khasa Kingdom ruled this area from the 12th to the 14th century. Palaces, temples, and the remains of ancient settlements were uncovered during excavations spearheaded by the Department of Archaeology at Cambridge University. We stayed the night in the Valley.
Maximum
Altitude :
2490 meters
Meal :
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
:
Teahouse
Walking
Distance :
4-5 hours
Today, we climb on a gradual uphill trail alongside the Hima River. We come across a village, where the trail steeply climbs for a while and again eases off until Laha village. The trail again climbs steeply along the Ghatte Khola until we reach Ghorosingha. We stayed the night in Ghorosingha.
Maximum
Altitude :
3050 meters
Meal :
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
:
Teahouse
Walking
Distance :
4-5 hours
We make a steep ascent following the trail alongside Chuchhemara Danda, from where the Himalayan range starts to appear, as do the tranquil Rara Lake and the lush green vegetation of the National Park. Then, we pass Katyar Khola Camp and a couple of villages. We reach a town called Murma, from where the ascent becomes more accessible, and we continue our walk towards Chapri village, where the National Park Headquarters is located. We stayed the night at Rara Lake.
Maximum
Altitude :
2990 meters
Meal :
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
:
Teahouse
Walking
Distance :
5-6 hours
Although Rara National Park is the smallest national park in Nepal, it is also the biggest lake in the country. Also referred to as Mahendra Taal (Lake) after late king Mahendra, the lake is one of the most preserved lakes in Nepal, and few tourists travel here due to the remoteness of the place. However, everything is forgotten when we boat on clear waters walled by green hills on all sides. We can find 500 species of flowers and 214 species of birds, making the place an absolute paradise. We stayed the night in Rara.
Maximum
Altitude :
2990 meters
Meal :
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
:
Teahouse
From Rara Lake, we walk on an easy and relatively straight path until we reach Gamgadhi, the headquarters of the Mugu District of Nepal. The trail then descends steeply till we reach Pina Village, where we stay the night.
Maximum
Altitude :
2440 meters
Meal :
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
:
Teahouse
Walking
Distance :
4-5 hours
We continue to descend from Pina Village and cross the Ghurchi Lagna pass (3480 meters). Continuing, we pass through several villages before reaching Bumra, known as Nauri Ghat. We stayed the night in Burma.
Maximum
Altitude :
2850 meters
Meal :
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
:
Teahouse
Walking
Distance :
4-5 hours
Leaving Bumra, we cross two suspension bridges above the Hima River and walk downhill. After walking for a few hours, we reach a natural hot spring where we can dip and ease our aching muscles. Then, we cross Danphe pass at 3691 meters,, which takes us to Chere Chaur, where we take the same trail back to Jumla. We stayed the night in Jumla.
Maximum
Altitude :
2540 meters
Meal :
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation
:
Teahouse
Walking
Distance :
4-5 hours
We board the earliest flight available to Nepalgunj. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we board another flight heading to Kathmandu. We have the rest of the day to rest and have some time in Kathmandu.
Later in the evening, we will have a dinner program organized by Naata Trek and Tours hosted by Naata Trek and Tours.
Maximum
Altitude :
1400 meters
Meal :
Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation
:
3-star hotel
Today is the last day of our trip. A Naata Trek and Tours representative will escort you to the international airport for your departure.
Meal :
Breakfast
Included in the Cost
- Airport pickup and drop in a private vehicle
- 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj with breakfast
- Tea houses accommodation during the trek with three times meals a day
- Welcome and farewell dinner programs
- All ground transportation on a private vehicle
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu) and (Nepalgunj-Jumla-Nepalgunj)
- Guided city tour of Kathmandu in a private vehicle
- Entrance fees for sightseeing
- An experienced, English speaking and government-liscensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
- Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- Naata Travel & Adventures trekking bag, t-shirt and trekking map (which are yours to take)
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits
- Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
Not Included in the Cost
- Nepalese visa fee (Bring accurate USD cash and two passport size photographs)
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj and Jumla in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porter, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
- All other not mentioned in cost includes section
Traveler Reviews
Darcy Lee
May 17, 2024
May 17, 2024
As a nature enthusiast, I was absolutely captivated by the Rara Lake trek. No matter how much I write, it would be less while describing the beauty of Rara Lake. Besides, passing through traditional villages while interacting with locals and learning about their way of life was a unique experience. Also, I want to heartily thank Naata Travel and Adventure for their assistance.
Amélie
September 2, 2021
September 2, 2021
The trek to Rara Lake started with a challenging ascent through dense forests and rugged terrains, but the reward was worthy from pristine turquoise waters to the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Highly recommended.
Isabella Patel
December 13, 2023
December 13, 2023
Rara Lake trek was a mesmerizing retreat, where I found solace amidst its serene waters and breathtaking surroundings, leaving me in awe of nature’s wonders.
Write Us A review
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Information
Day-to-day itinerary
Rara Lake trek starts with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu. We visit Boudhanath, the biggest stupa in Nepal. Then, we visit Pashupatinath, the biggest Hindu temple in Nepal and the most religiously significant one. Later in the day, we visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, one of the three ancient palaces in the Kathmandu valley. The next day, we fly to Nepalgunj, the far-western side of Nepal, and the gateway to Humla and Simikot. We can visit the local villages and the mini zoo nearby on this day.
The following day, we took a 20-minute flight to Jumla, a place seldom heard of and with little access. It is also the gateway to treks in the western region of Nepal. We have the rest of the day to explore the village. The village is rich in Natural beauty with views of the mountain ranges. Moreover, Jumla is one of the biggest producers of apples in Nepal.
Our trek officially starts on the fifth day since your arrival. We leave Jumla and hike along the Jugad Khola(river). On our way, we pass through the small town of Khalanga Bazaar, a temple, and a few other villages to reach Chere Chaur, where we stay the night. The next day, we follow the trail to the west and gradually ascend through beautiful birch, pine, and rhododendron forests to Jaljala Pass (3580 meters). Jalajala Pass offers fantastic views of the Kanjiroba mountain. We make a steep ascent as we reach the area circuit before reaching Chala Chaur, where we stay the night.
The day after, we ascend to Sinja Valley. On our way, we walked along Jaljala Khola towards Sinja Valley at the banks of the Hima River. Sinja Valley is a significant place in Nepal’s history. The valley used to be ruled by Khasa Kingdoms or the Malla dynasty. Excavations have uncovered the remains of ancient temples and palaces. The Sinja valley is where the Nepali language originated, and examples of Devanagari script were found dating back to the 13th century.
From there on, we leave Sinja for Ghorosingha. We follow the upstream trail and reach Laha village. The trail continues to the small settlement of Gani. Following a steep trail, we reach Ghorosingha. The following day, we make a steep ascent alongside Chuchemara Hill, where views of the Himalayan range and the lake start to appear. We reach a village called Murma, and the climb gets more accessible there. We walk towards Chapri village, where the headquarters of Rara National Park is located.
The next day is filled with the exploration of the lake. It is also called Mahendra Lake, after the late king Mahendra. Dense green forests surround the lake, home to diverse flora and fauna. You can hike to Murma top, from where you can see clear views of the lake, or sit on the banks of the lake as well. The changing hues of the lake throughout the day are a sight.
The following days of our trip mark our return. The trail today is an easy one and a pleasant one. We reach Ghamgadi, which is the headquarters of Mugu district. We follow a beautiful trail in the forest to Jhayari Khola. A short uphill climb takes us to Pina, where we stay for the night. We start to descend from Pina to Burma. The trail takes us to Ghurchi Langna Pass, which is 3,480 meters. You can see colorful praying flags and views of the Karnali River below.
We reach the beautiful village of Bumra to spend the night. Leaving Bumra, we cross two suspension bridges over the Hima River. A couple of hours of downhill hike takes us to a hot spring. We can spend a couple of hours in the hot spring to give a much-needed rest to our aching muscles. We cross the Danphe Lagna pass (3,691 meters), the trek’s highest point, and reach Chere Chaur. From there, we follow the same trail back to Jumla. We take the return flights to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu, where our trip ends.
The Difficulty of Rara Lake Trek
The Rara Lake trek is moderately difficult. Although the trail is gradual without many steep climbs, the fact that we have to trek for 8 days makes it difficult. However, anyone with a decent fitness level can accomplish this trek. The trail’s highest point at 3480 meters relieves us from too many steep climbs and is rather gradual. Also, problems related to altitude shouldn’t be much of an issue. The average walking distance per day stands at 5-6 hours. The lowest point of the trip is 150 meters, but the lowest point of the trek is Jumla, which is at 2,540 meters. We gained about a thousand meters altitude throughout the trip, making it an easy uphill climb.
Best time for Rara Lake trek
Spring (March till May)
Spring is one of the best seasons for the Rara Lake trek. This time of the year, the sky is clear, and the temperatures are mild. Rhododendrons and other flowers bloom this season, making the trail colorful. The mornings and evenings are chilly, but the days are comfortably warm. Although Rara Lake doesn’t get many visitors compared to other regions, you will also get to interact with fellow travelers on the trail.
Autumn (September till November)
The autumn season is another great time to visit Rara Lake. As the monsoon has just passed, the forests will be dense and lush green. This season, too, the sky is vibrant and clear, with plentiful greenery. The temperature is neither hot nor cold, making up for the perfect weather. The monsoons will have passed, and winter is just around the corner. Autumn season makes up one of the best times to visit Rara Lake.
Summer (June to August)
Going to Rara during the summer is possible, but it has challenges. The summer coincides with the monsoon season, which brings in heavy rainfall. You would also have to deal with muddy, slippery trails and leeches. You must be an adventurous soul to trek this time of the year. However, it is not advised to trek in the monsoon as the hills are prone to landslides.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is not the ideal time to trek in Rara Lake or any high-altitude trek in Nepal. The weather is rather harsh due to the extreme cold as the temperature goes below freezing. The winter marks lots of snowfall covering the passes, making it very difficult to traverse the terrain. Trekking in the winter is not advised unless you seek thrill and adventure.
Why Should You Trek To Rara Lake?
There are several good reasons to trek to Rara. Most importantly, you can look at our complete guide to Rara Lake Trek. It is the largest lake in Nepal, located in the Rara Lake National Park. The beauty of Rara Lake gives a lot to write about. It is the deepest lake in Nepal, and the beautiful area lake is also home to snow trout, the only fish recorded in the lake. The Rara Lake trek takes us inside the Rara National Park, home to 20 species of mammals and 214 species of birds. Furthermore, the trending mountains and radiant blue waters make the pristine Rara Lake a place worth visiting.
Things to know about Lake Trek
Experience Required
You don’t need much experience to trek to Rara Lake. The route is not as demanding, and the climbs and descents are gradual, making it a relatively easy trek.
Pre-Trip Meeting
Depending on your flight time, you will have a pre-trip meeting on arrival or the following day. In the pre-trip meeting, you will meet your guide for the trip, be briefed about your trip ahead, and have your queries answered.
Equipment Check List
You won’t need a lot of equipment for the trek as we won’t be going to high altitudes. However, you must carry good trekking gear to travel in comfort. The essential things to carry are a puffer jacket, thermals, Windstopper, gloves, woolen hats, socks, sunshade, sunscreen, raincoat, bag-pack, and trekking poles. Other optional items are chargers, extra batteries, wet wipes, chocolate or granola bars, etc.
Accommodation
Like any other trekking region in Nepal, the area of Rara offers good teahouses on the way. Teahouses are basic lodges with bathrooms shared in most places, and the rooms usually sleep 2 to 3 people. The lodges are small, and the sanitation is quite decent despite the lack of facilities. Despite the basic amenities there, the locals make up with their warm hospitality, making the trekking experience enjoyable.
Insurance
As we don’t offer our insurance, it is highly recommended that you sign up with an insurance company for your trek. Please note that you should take insurance covering all the required trek conditions, such as the maximum elevation and helicopter rescue services.
Altitude Sickness
The trek to Rara Lake is not very demanding, although you spend several days on the trail. The lake is situated at a decent altitude of 2990 meters, and the trek’s highest point, at just 3,700 meters, makes it a comfortable experience. Although the trek is long, the average altitude is not high to the point where altitude sickness should be an issue.
Meals for Rare Lake Trek
Since Rara Lake has been gaining popularity among domestic and international tourists, you can find many dishes that fit your liking. The food offered on the way to Rara Lake is quite similar, with several Nepali dishes complimented by a few dishes from the West. You can have dal bhat(rice, lentils, and curry), momos (dumplings), potato pancakes, and bread with baked potatoes. You can also choose from omelets, porridge, and pancakes. The food isn’t too expensive and can certainly cater to your needs.
Food and accommodation in Rara lake trek
The food and accommodation are quite basic for most part of the trek. One can find budget hotels to high end hotels in Nepalgunj but after we reach Jumla, the options will be rather limited. You can find Nepalese dal bhat (rice, curry, lentil, pickle) and noodles in almost every part of the trail. You will have other options in Nepalese food such as momo’s and some Tibetan inspired dishes. In addition, you will also have a few western options such as pancakes, oatmeals, omletes in few of the places. However, we suggest to carry some packaged or canned food for your trail or if you like having you own options as well. All in all, the food is mostly basic but enough to fulfill a trekkers appetite.
Like the food, the accommodations are basic as well. You will be staying in teahouses for most part of the trek. The rooms will be well maintained but will have very few amenities such as shared bathroom. But the hospitality of the people is sure to make up for the rather basic facilities.
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