Rara Lake is Nepal’s largest and deepest lake with an area of 10.8 sq. km at a height of 2,990 m. The beautiful serene lake is surrounded by an enchanting forest of blue pine, oaks, firs, and Himalayan spruce. Which makes an excellent habitat for mountain wild animals and exotic birdlife around the tranquil environment of Rara Lake. Rara Lake lies within Rara National Park, the smallest part of the country covering an area of 106 sq. km. Located in Nepal Far West within the Karnali Zone in the district of Mugu and Jumla, an ancient kingdom of the Malla regime. Where the Nepali language originated populated by Hindu tribes of Malla Thakuri and Rokyas Chettries and Dalits.
Rara Lake Trekking begins with a swift panoramic flight from Kathmandu reaching Nepal Far South West at Nepalgunj city airport. The air journey continues from Nepalgunj heading towards a mountainous and hilly region of Nepal Far North West at Jumla. The headquarter town of Jumla district, where adventurous walks take you to the remote countryside and around hill farm villages.
9 Days Rara Lake Trekking leads to a short circuit of week duration, starting from Jumla town to Mugu district. During the trek heading towards high green hills within dense alpine tree lines and crossing passes facing delightful scenery. Walk from Jumla leads to Sinja the lost kingdom of the Malla Dynasty which ruled most parts of Nepal. As well the Kathmandu valley from 1201 to 1779 AD at present the old historical site lies in ruin. The adventure leads to a high Jaljala pass at 3,585 m and then finally reaches picturesque Rara Lake.
At Rara Lake enjoy a free day to explore its lovely areas with spectacular scenery. After an amazing moment in the most beautiful surrounding then return journey on an alternative short route to Talacha village. Spend the last night around Rara and the Nepal Far West region, and then fly back to Kathmandu.
Short Trek Profile of Rara Lake
Trekking Mode: In local lodges and tented camping.
Trekking Grade: Moderate to Adventurous.
Highest Spot: On top Chuchemara Danda at 4,260 m and Jaljala pass at 3,585 m / 11, 762 feet.
Area of Trekking: Nepal Far North West around Jumla and Mugu districts.
Trekking Days: 07 Nights and 08 Days with flight both ways.
Total Trip: 11 Nights and 12 Days from arrival to final departure.
For Rara Lake Trekking, the best time is in the spring and autumn seasons. The best and high time is from late spring, most days are clear and fine for pleasant walks and views, and this is the time when wildflowers are in seasonal bloom. Can get cloudy in the afternoon with chances of snow above 2,000 m higher. Cold in the morning and nighttime, longer days full of sunshine.
The other best season is in autumn, from September to November, most days are crystal clear with blue sky. Chances of snow sometimes at higher altitudes above 2,000 m.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,320 m and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu for trek preparation and fly to Nepalgunj.
Day 03: Fly to Jumla 2,540 m, trek to Chauriya Chaur 3,055 – 04 hrs.
Day 04: Trek on route Bota via Jaljala pass at 3,585 m – 06 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Bota 2, 680m via Sinja Khola 2,440 m -06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Ghorasinga 3,050 m near Rara Lake – 06 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Rara Lake 2,980 m – 06 hrs.
Day 08: At Rara Lake rest day for an excursion around the lake
Day 09: Trek to Talcha village 2, 260 m – 05 hrs.
Day 10: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to the hotel.
Day 11: In Kathmandu free day at leisure.
Day 12: Depart Kathmandu for an international flight homeward bound.
On arrival at Kathmandu-Nepal international airport, received by our guide for a short transfer to your hotel in the center of the city. The briefing provides by our guide regarding the hotel, treks, and local lodges. The evening group welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant as an introduction to local foods with cultural folk programs.
Morning free in Kathmandu for trek preparation, after a leisure morning having rest and packing for the trek. Afternoon transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for flight to Nepalgunj city airport. Located Nepal Far South West around low warm sub-tropical climate. During the flight of 50 minutes enjoy super views of the Himalayan range, on reaching at Nepalgunj airport transfer to a nice hotel close to the city with time to browse around the streets of Nepalgunj.
Start the adventure by having an early breakfast, transfer to Nepalgunj airport for a short connecting flight on a small aircraft flying above the high rolling green hills to land at Jumla airport. The headquarter town of Jumla district, as a walk, starts with a short climb past farm villages then reaches our first overnight camp at Chauriya Chaur a nice farm village.
From this camp, after a pleasant overnight halt adventure continues heading further north, as route leads into forested high ridge lined with a tall tree of birch and pine trees, and reaching a pass at Jaljala Bhanjyang facing grand vista of Kanjibroba Himal towards east. After enjoyable scenic views downhill for a few hours then reached a nice grassy field to set our overnight camp.
Walk today is on a moderate winding path, with much down reaching at Sinja area after hours of the walk following the Jaljala Khola / stream within dense pine forest towards neatly terraced farm fields at Sinja village. This was an ancient kingdom of the Malla Dynasty, here you will notice the old rundown, ruin temples and monuments with old sculptured stones covered in thick moss and weeds.
The adventure continues heading upstream to the small village of Ganj, having a refreshing possible lunch stop, and then heading towards an interesting gorge then reaching our overnight camp near Bota village.
From here onward on the trail to Rara Lake, a lovely morning walk leads you to Ghorasinga at the entrance of Rara National Park. As the walk follows past Sinja Khola and Ghatte Khola heading due north. A short climb reaching a lovely valley within a farm area for overnight camp at Ghorasinga. Located on the rim of Rara National Park with a small police post.
Finally trek today leads to our main target and highlight of the adventure at Rara Lakeshore with many good lodges to stay. The morning begins with a steady climb uphill to Chuchemara Danda at 4,260 m, the highest point of the adventure.
Enjoy the grand glorious vista of surrounding spectacular landscapes with an array of snow-capped peaks. From the top of Chuchemara Danda/ridge, then downhill to a forest of bamboo and birch trees, as walk leads to cross Khatyar Khola then at Rara Lake for overnight stops. Spend the overnight in a nice simple lodge, where meals are served by our camping staff and cook.
After five days of continuous walk, enjoy the deserving rest at Rara Lakeside, the highlight of the adventure. Morning with time to explore around and climb to a tower for panoramic views of Lake Rara and its lovely surrounding of rolling green hills and distant snow-capped peaks.
After a wonderful experience at Nepal’s largest and picturesque lake Rara, return
the journey takes you to an alternative short route to the village of Talcha, a place with a short airstrip, where regular flight reaches you to Nepalgunj and then back at
Kathmandu. Overnight in a local lodge at Talcha and then bid farewell to our
porters and camping staff with last night around the Rara area.
Early morning after a good breakfast, walk towards an airfield for a short flight to Nepalgunj, on arrival at Nepalgunj city airport with time for rest and refreshment before connecting another flight back to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu transfer back to your hotels, rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Reserved an extra or spare as a contingency day in Kathmandu, where sometimes the flight to and from Jumla and at Talcha, can get delayed or lead to cancellation depending upon the weather condition. Sometimes the weather can be unpredictable for flight to the mountainous region like the Jumla and Mugu areas of western Nepal. If all goes as per our standard itinerary days enjoy free time in Kathmandu for a leisure tour around world heritage sites or just relax and recall the memories of Rara Lake Trekking.
Last day in Nepal and at Kathmandu, as per your international flight time our staff and guide transfer you to the airport for homeward bound or to the next port of call, after an amazing and memorable adventure on Rara Lake Trekking.