Rara Lake Trek

Trip at a Glance

  • Trip Name: Rara Lake Trek
  • Trip Code:
  • Trip Duration: 15 days
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Activities: Nepal Trekking
  • Meals: 14 Breakfast, 11 Lunch, 11 Dinner
  • Transportation: Plane
  • Best Season: September to late December and February to late June.
  • Country: Nepal
  • Max Altitude: 3,055m/10,023ft
  • Trip starts: Kathmandu
  • Trip ends: Kathmandu
  • Group size: Min-2

Trip Overview

Rara Lake Trek is an amazing trip to Western Nepal revealing an enormous hidden beauty. Rara Lake also known as “Mahendra Taal” after Late King Mahendra, is the biggest and largest freshwater lake in Nepal. It is also situated at an altitude of 2990 meters covering an area of about 10.8 sq. km. Trekking in Rara Lake is taking its climb in tourism as it is one of the strenuous trekking routes. Similarly, Rara National Park is considered one of the best and finest National Parks in the world. It has become an ideal home for wildlife like Himalayan black bear, Musk deer, Himalayan ghoral, Thar, Leopard, etc. The 15-day Rara Lake Trek is an amazing opportunity to dip into the enchanting natural beauty and the untouched, pure ancient cultures of Western Nepal. The lifestyle of the local people is rustic and simple.

Rara Lake Trek provides the golden chance to enjoy the best views of the North-western side of Nepal. The Himalayas surrounding the Rara Lake, the alpine meadows, and the dense forests of Juniper, Pine, and Spruce gives a pleasant feeling. Starting from the runway of Jumla airport, passing through the Rara National Park, Chuchemara danda and way back to Jumla again via Ghurchi Lagna pass and Danphe Lagna pass complete the trekking to Rara Lake. On the way, you come across many settlements like Sinja valley, Ghorosingha, Pina, etc. You can experience the wonderful combination of ancient traditions and pure nature. This Rara Lake Trek is really delightful though strenuous. Nowadays, the Rara Lake Trek has been speeding up and many trekkers are shockingly charmed. Far away from the busy streets and crowded towns, Rara Lake is one of the tourist destinations to spend a relaxed and quality time.

Very much like the “Off the Beaten Treks”, this Rara Lake Trek is an ideal choice for those trekkers who want a quiet trekking route, less explored and full of the fascinating surrounding. It is not easily accessible like the trekking in Everest region of the Annapurna region. You will witness the vibrant landscapes with incredible nature. You will just enjoy the unexpected thrill during this trip. If you want solitude trekking, you better choose Rara Lake Trek. Step on Himalaya is always ready to organize a comfortable trip to Rara Lake. All the entrance permits, trekking permits, and other permits will be taken care of by Step on Himalaya. You will surely have a one-time superb experience in the Rara Lake Trek. Nevertheless, Rara Lake Trek is one of the trekking you should not miss. So, hey friends, grab this chance with Step on Himalaya and enjoy to the fullest.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu (4593ft/1400m)

The representative of Step on Himalaya will be ready to receive you at the arrival gate of the Tribhuwan International Airport. After clearing customs and claiming the baggage, you will be escorted to the Hotel. You can freshen up, then either stroll around the local markets or rest for the day. We will meet you for the welcome dinner in the evening and a short discussion about the further program. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing (4593ft/1400m)

This day is allotted for Sightseeing of Kathmandu valley, guided by an expert, English-speaking guide. We will begin the tour after breakfast and visit especially the places which are included under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. i.e. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, etc. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a typical example of the ancient arts and architecture of Nepal during the Malla reign. Swayambhunath Stupa, popularly known as the “Monkey Temple” is situated at the height from where the Kathmandu valley can be seen all around. Pashupatinath Temple, built at the bank of the holy river, Bagmati is a Hindu temple dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva. Boudhanath Stupa is another largest Buddhist Stupa. The sightseeing tour will end from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. Stay overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: B

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (492ft/150m)

Today you will fly for about an hour from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is a small town in Western Nepal, known as a gateway to Simikot, Humla. There is a mini-zoo and local market in the nearby villages. You can have a short excursion here. Stay overnight here in Nepalgunj.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: B

Day 04: Flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla (8248ft/2514)

After early morning breakfast, you will fly to Jumla. It is a small village located on the slopes of the Sisne Himal. Jumla is the gateway to the Karnali region of Nepal. Stay overnight here in Jumla.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: B

Day 05: Trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur (10022ft/3055m)

On the first day of the trek. You will ascend gradually from Jumla towards Chere Chaur following the trail of the Jugad Khola. You will pass the Khalanga Bazaar on the way. People from nearby villages do shop here. There are a couple of villages ahead and a temple before reaching Chere Chaur. Stay overnight here in Chere Chaur.

Accommodation: Lodge/Guest House

Meal: B,L,D

Day 06: Trek from Chere Chaur to Chalachaur (9776ft/2980m)

After having breakfast, you will walk towards the west from Chere Chaur and gradually climb up until you reach the Jaljala pass. After crossing the pass, you will walk straightly until Jaljala Chaur and then again ascend a steep entering the Rara Lake Circuit. Here you arrive at Chalachaur, stay overnight here in Chalachaur.

Accommodation: Lodge/Guest House

Meal: B,L,D

Day 07: Trek from Chalachaur to Sinja Valley (8170ft/2490m)

Today’s destination is Sinja Valley. It is an uphill climb today. You will come across many villages and continue your walk following the trail of the Jaljala Khola. You will then arrive at Sinja valley. It is the old capital city of the Khasa Kingdom. The Department of Archaeology at Cambridge University was able to dig out the remains of the settlements, the palaces, and the temples from this valley. It is believed this area was ruled from the 12th century to the 14th century. Stay overnight here in Sinja valley.

Accommodation: Lodge/Guest House

Meal: B,L,D

Day 08: Trek from Sinja to Ghorosingha (10006ft/3050m)

After breakfast, you will walk from Sinja valley following the trail of the Hima river. You will climb up on a steep for some time and then a straight path until you reach Laha village. From there, it is another steep ascend till Ghorosingha, alongside the Ghatte Khola. Stay overnight here in Ghorosingha.

Accommodation: Lodge/Guest House

Meal: B,L,D

Day 09: Trek from Ghorosingha to Rara Lake (9875ft/3010m)

Today you will destine to walk till Rara Lake. You have your breakfast and start walking up towards the steep following the trail alongside the Chuchhemara Danda. An amazing view of the Himalayas, the beautiful Rara Lake, and the bestowing vegetation of Rara National Park can be seen from here. You will come across some settlements including Murma and the Khatyar Khola camp. The walk will get cozier from Murma. Continuing the walk towards Chapri village, you will arrive at Rara Lake. The Head Quarter of Rara National Park lies here in Chapri village. Stay overnight here in Rara Lake.

Accommodation: Lodge/Hotel

Meal: B,L,D

Day 10: Rara Lake Exploration (9875ft/3010m)

Rara Lake is the deepest and largest freshwater lake in Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 2990m above sea level. It is a paradise on the earth. The lush vegetation, cool environment, and majestic Himalayas surrounding the lake are admirable. Boating in Rara Lake is an amazing heart-soothing experience. The enchanting view of the lake is a lot mesmerizing. There is Chuchemara Peak on the southern part, Ruma Kand, and Malika Kand peaks on the northern part of Rara Lake. It is also called Mahendra Taal after the late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Stay overnight here in Rara Lake.

Accommodation: Lodge/Hotel

Meal: B,L,D

Day 11: Trek from Rara Lake to Pina (8005ft/2440m)

The trek will head towards Pina today. You will walk on an easier straight path until Gamgadhi, the headquarter of the Mugu district. From there, you will walk down a steep path reaching Pina village. Stay overnight here in Pina.

Accommodation: Lodge/Guest House

Meal: B,L,D

Day 12: Trek from Pina to Bumra (9350ft/2850m)

The trek will descend from Pina towards Bumra. You will cross the Ghurchi Lagna pass at an elevation of 3480m. Then continuing the walk, you will come across a few villages before arriving at Bumra/Nauri Ghat. Stay overnight here in Bumra.

Accommodation: Guest House

Meal: B,L,D

Day 13: Trek ends at Bumra to Jumla (8248ft/2514)

Today you will reach Jumla. On the way, you will cross two suspension bridges and then descend for a few hours. There is a hot spring where you can dip and allow your tired body to soothe and relax. After spending some time in the hot spring, you will cross the Danphe Lagna pass at an altitude of 3691m. You will then reach Cherechaur and follow the previous trail, you will arrive at Jumla. Stay overnight here in Jumla.

Accommodation: Guest House

Meal: B,L,D

Day 14: Flight from Jumla to Nepalgunj and then another flight to Kathmandu

From Jumla, you will take the earliest flight to Nepalgunj as you have to board another flight to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, you will be taken to the hotel. Rest or stroll around. The choice is yours. Farewell dinner in the evening. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: B

Day 15: Final departure from the International Airport

The final day in Nepal. You will be escorted to the Tribhuwan International Airport by the representative of Step on Himalaya in private transport. You should reach at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled flight for the check-in. Wishing you a safe journey, hoping to serve you again.

Meal: B

Service Includes

3-night tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu on BB plan

Transportation for drop-off and  pick-up services to the domestic airport

Three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek

Accommodation (twin-sharing basis) during the trek

Permits of Rara National Park

Service Excludes

Meal during the stay in city

International air tickets and Nepal Entry Visa Fee

Emergency Evacuation or Rescue Service charges

Personal expenses like beverages, hot showers, charging electronic devices, etc.

Personal gears and equipment for trekking

Any items that are not mentioned in the “Cost Includes” section