Rara Lake Trek is a rewarding trail as the site introduces trekkers to the beauty of the remote areas of this Himalayan nation. The beauty of the lake is awe-inspiring and due to this it (lake) is regarded as Queen of Lakes by Nepalese. A simple quotation by the founder of GORP Bill Greer illustrates the beauty of Rara Lake Trekking: “A shimmering blue jewel set in a ring of snowy peaks”.
After experiencing Rara Lake Trekking Trekkers say that Rara Lake is a giant mirror reflecting silver like shining clouds and blue sky. It is such a lake that immerses you in its lap leaving its deep impression on you forever. The narrow trail, mules carrying goods to locals, winding rivers, greenery, and the mountains above your head describes the beauty of Rara Lake Trekking. The spectacular landscapes of Rara are not simply defined verbally.
Among several lakes in the country, this lake is located at the highest altitude. The lake is situated at an altitude of 2,990m. Rara Lake is protected by Rara National Park. The park inhabits endangered species like musk deer. It also shelters Himalayan black bears, leopards, Himalayan goral, and other animals.
Welcome to Nepal! Upon your arrival in Kathmandu Regulus Treks & Expedition receives you at Tribhunvan International Airport and drive you to hotel. If your arrival is at appropriate time then you can enjoy leisurely walk in the streets of Thamel. It is a prime destination for foreigners. It is said that Kathmandu visit is incomplete without strolling in this part of the city. Overnight in a hotel.
From the second day of your arrival starts our trip mission. Today you visit Kathmandu, also known as city of temples with our guide. Basically there are four major touring sites in Kathmandu. They are: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa and and Bouddhanath Stupa. And the main part is these all four sites are listed in World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will be introduced to your guide by Regulus. You can have good conversation with him regarding the upcoming trip. You can enjoy the night life of Thamel which completely depends on your wish. Overnight in Thamel .
We take an hour flight to reach Nepalgunj. It is a town in low lands of Nepal bordering India in South. We will enjoy local market and people in Nepalgunj. Here we will stay overnight.
Early in the morning after breakfast we fly to Jumla. It is a scenic flight of around 20 minute. Jumla is situated in the foothills of Sisne Himal. It is regarded as one of the lest developed districts of Nepal. We put off here at night.
Our actual trekking begins from today. It is ascending trail till Chere Chaur. We walk along Jugad Khola (River). We pass through Khalanga Bazzar. It is a popular but small market place of Jumleli people. We spend night at Chere Chaur.
We follow western course and ascend till Jaljala Pass. After crossing the Pass we follow flat and straight route to arrive at jaljala Chaur. The literal meaning of Chaur in English is field. We ascend from Jaljalachaur until we enter Rara Lake Circuit. Finally, we arrive at Chalachaur where we halt at night.
It is uphill climb today. We walk by the bank of Jaljala Khola and after crossing few villages we arrive at Sinja Valley. From Nepalese historic perspective, Sinja Valley occupies great importance as the site used to be the kingdom of Khasa Dynasty who ruled the area for around 200 years from 12th AD to 14th. We stay overnight at Sinja Valley.
Walking along Hima River we begin ascend climb. It is around an hour walk but later we will follow easy trail till Laha village. The trail turns to be steep from Laha to Ghorosingha. Here we put off tonight.
After breakfast we begin our trek and it is steep climb today. We get nice view of mountains from Chuchhemara Danda. We also get beautiful glimpse of silent Rara Lake. We cross Khatyar Khola Camp and a few villages while arriving at Rara Lake. We spend night at Rara Lake.
Rara Lake is largest Lake of the country. We observe Mahendra Lake. This lake is named after Late King Mahendra. Boating in Rara is a kind of heavenly experience. From here we get clear view of Chuchemara Peak and Ruma Kand and Malika Kand peaks. We put off at Rara Lake.
Today we will follow relatively easy trail to reach Pina. It is almost straight walk till Gamgadhi. It is a head-quarter of Mugu district. We follow descend trail to arrive at Pina. Here we stop for rest at night.
It is descend walk today. We cross Ghurchi Lagna Pass and few villages to reach Bumra. It is also known as Nauri Ghat.
After breakfast we head towards Jumla. We cross two suspension bridges built over Hima River and from begin downhill walk. Couple of hours of walk will brings us at hot springs where we can take dip, if interested. Danphe Lagna Passis our next destination. We arrive at Cherecahur and from here we retrace the same path which we took earlier to arrive at Jumla. Here we put off at night.
We catch first flight to Nepalgunj so that we can catch connecting flight to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu we will get some time to enjoy in the streets of Themel. Here in Thamel you can purchase gifts for your friends and family. Regulus will offer you farewell diner. You spend in a hotel.
Your trekking ends here today. We will drop you at Airport three hours earlier to schedule flight. We are thankful to you as you gave us opportunity to serve. See you soon!
Includes
- All airport/hotel transfers.
- 3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Nepalgunj.
- Kathmandu-Nepalgung-Kathmandu flight fair.
- Nepalgunj-Jumla flight fair.
- Welcome and farewell dinners.
- All accommodation and meals during the trek.
- A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees.
- An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.
- Regulus Nepal Trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map.
- All necessary paper work and permits.
- A comprehensive medical kit.
- All government and local taxes.
Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport
- photographs ).
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Excess baggage charges.
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled Itinerary).
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled Itinerary.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc).
- Travel and rescue Insurance.
- Tips for guides and porters.
Rara Lake Trek is located in the Jumla and Mugu districts of Karnali province of Nepal. The lake lies within the Rara National Park at 3,010m above sea level. Also known as Mahendra Tal, the lake is the largest freshwater lake in the Nepalese Himalayas, stretching over 10 square kilometers (41 sq mi).
The duration of the Rara Lake trek varies depending on the chosen itinerary. If you are a time-bound tourist, you can select the 4-day itinerary, and if you want a longer trekking experience with a relaxed journey, a 16-day itinerary is ideal. Still, Glorious Himalaya provides a trip customization option, and trekkers can customize it according to their preferences.
Rara Lake is 167m (578 feet) above sea level, making it one of the deepest freshwater lakes in Nepal. Its location, surroundings, and depth make it one of the prominent features of Rara National Park.
Getting to Rara Lake is possible through different options, including road, air, and trekking. Airway is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to start the journey to Rara Lake. It begins with a flight to Nepaljung from Kathmandu, then Nepalgunj to Jumla, and hiking to Rara Lake, passing through different village
Yes, you can swim at Rara Lake. Many trekkers swim after reaching the lake after 4-5 hours of walking to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. However, swimming in Rara Lake is not recommended due to its cold water temperature, higher elevation, sacred significance, and lack of safety facilities.
Some interesting facts of Rara Lake include:
Due to its natural beauty, clear blue waters, and diverse wildlife, Rara Lake is known as the “Queen of Lake.”
The lake’s color changes three times a day.
The lake has a strong belief among Hindu and Buddhist people, making it culturally significant.
It is Nepal’s largest and deepest lake.
Yes, you can go boating on Rara Lake. In fact, boating is the most common activity trekkers engage in on the lake. Paddle boats are available at the lake. Generally, morning is best for boating, as it provides an experience like gliding along a mirror. Likewise, boating is dangerous afternoon due to the strong wind.
No, trekking to Rara Lake solo is not possible due to the restricted area. The region where Rara Lake takes place lies within the restricted area, requiring at least two trekkers and a licensed guide as per the rules and regulations.
Jumla, an area in the remote northwest part of Nepal, is the starting and ending point of the Rara Lake trek. The journey begins with a flight from Nepalgunj, and the end phase involves returning to Jumla after exploring the beauty of Rara Lake.
Yes, it is possible to combine the Rara Lake trek with other trekking routes. The trail to Rara Lake connects with Simikot, Mugu, Dhorpatan, Lower Dolpo, and Khaptad, so trekkers combine the Rara Lake trek with the nearby area’s trekking destination.