Rara Lake Trek

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  • No booking fees
Trip Overview
  • Duration: 16 Days
  • Trip Grade: Moderate
  • Trip Start and End: Kathmandu
  • Trip Area: Rara, Khaptad
  • Trip Style: Adventure/ Active Trekking
  • Age Group: 15+
  • Trip Type: Private & group
  • Trip Method: Guided
  • Booking Type: Instant Booking
  • Max. Altitude: 3055m
  • Best Season: March-May/Sep-Nov
  • Foot Print:Carbon Neutralleaf

A trek to Rara Lake takes you to one of the most pristine destinations of Nepal. With majestic blue water draped by gorgeous hills on its sides, Rara Lake is the largest and deepest freshwater lake in the Himalayas of Nepal.

Rara Lake Trek takes you through Rara National Park, the smallest national park in Nepal. When the rhododendrons are in season, the forest lights up with the signature red color.

The national park is also home to 240 species of birds and 51 species of mammals, which makes it a popular destination for bird watchers and animal lovers.

Your Rara Lake Trek starts after a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and another connecting flight to Jumla. Rara lies in an extremely remote part of Nepal which gives you a taste of the authentic rural lifestyle.

Rara Lake lies at an altitude of 2990 meters. It has a depth of 167 meters and covers an area of 10.8 square kilometers. During the trek, you will cross two mountain passes Danphe Lagna Pass and Ghurchi Lagna Pass. They have altitudes of 3691 meters and 3480 meters respectively.

Rara Lake Trek is an unforgettable experience in the wilderness of the western part of Nepal. Trekking there is a sumptuous experience with views of the snow-capped mountains, wonderful lakes, and the culture of this region.

Trekking Route

You have to go to Nepalgunj and then take a flight to Jumla for Rara Lake trek. From Jumla, you will trek to Chere Chaur, Chala Chaur, Sinja Valley, Goru SInghe and finally to Rara Lake. You will spend a day at Rara Lake and return back using a different trail. While returning, you will trek to Pina, Bumra and then Jumla. You will take a flight to Nepalgunj and return back to Kathmandu.

Rara Lake Trek Highlights

  • One of the most remote trekking destinations in Nepal
  • Pass two beautiful mountain passes Danphe Langa Pass(3691 m)  and Ghurchi Langa Pass (3480 m)
  • Chance to learn about the lifestyle of the people who reside in remote villages of western Nepal
  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Durbar Squares, temples, and stupas
  • Walk in the off-the-beaten-path of western Nepal
  • Explore diverse flora and fauna of the regional flora and fauna in the region
  • Notice different types of climatic variations in the same trip
  • Walk past the lush forests of pines and oaks, and diverse vegetation
  • Catch the enticing views of many snow-capped mountains
  • Enjoy the scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj 

 Food and Accommodation

During the Rara Lake Trek, you will have to isolate yourself from luxurious things as the Lake falls in one of the most remote of Nepal. Teahouses are available to spend the night run by local people. They provide you with very basic accommodation service and food items. You can expect to have dal bhat, fried rice, soup, noodles, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, eggs, etc.

However, while in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, you will stay in 3-starred hotels with breakfast service. For lunch and dinner, you can explore various traditional and modern dishes available in the cities.

Difficulty

Rara Lake Trek falls under strenuous grade trekking. You will have to walk for 6-7 hours a day for more than 10 days. The trail varies from flat terrain to rocky and steep ridges. You will be going to the region with altitude more than 3000 meters where the atmospheric pressure and temperature are low. So, you need a high level of mental and physical fitness to do this trek.

Suggested Preparation

  • Cardio exercises like running, cycling, jogging, push-ups, and pull-ups for about 4-5 days a week for 3 months before your trip will come in extremely handy.
  • You should also be involved in developing core strength. and muscle endurance in weight training.
  • Hiking in the hills under different weather conditions will be good preparation for this trip.
  • If you have access, kayaking will also be a very good way to develop the strength and endurance required for this trip.

Weather and Best Time to Trek

Like other treks, spring and autumn are considered to be the best season for trekking as the weather conditions are nice and calm in these seasons. But trekking in winter and summer have their own benefits. You can do this trek in winter as well as you don't have to go to a much higher altitude. The snowfall in winter adds to the beauty of the lake and the region. Similarly, summer is the best time to explore the wildlife in the Park.

People and their lifestyle

During your Rara Lake Trek, you pass through many rural and isolated settlements of western Nepal. Most of the people here depend upon agriculture for survival. Some of the villagers extract medicinal herbs and sell them to make a living. Most of the villages here are dominated by Thakur society. There is also a temple of Thakur Baba in the southeast corner of Lake. It is interesting to explore these communities with there own and unique belief system and lifestyle.

Rara Lake Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1:Arrive at Kathmandu AirportAltitude: 1345 m
  • Day 2:Orientation and Sightseeing around Kathmandu ValleyAltitude: 1345 m
  • Day 3:Fly from Kathmandu to NepalgunjAltitude: 150 m
  • Day 4:Fly from Nepalgunj to JumlaAltitude: 2450 m
  • Day 5:Trek from Jumla to Chere ChaurAltitude: 3055 m
  • Day 6:Chere Chaur to ChalachaurAltitude: 2980 m
  • Day 7:Chalachaur to Sinja ValleyAltitude: 2490 m
  • Day 8:Sinja to Goru SingheAltitude: 3080 m
  • Day 9:Goru Singhe to Rara LakeAltitude: 3010 m
  • Day 10:Explore Rara LakeAltitude: 3010 m
  • Day 11:Rara Lake to PinaAltitude: 2440 m
  • Day 12:Pina to BumraAltitude: 2850 m
  • Day 13:Bumra to JumlaAltitude: 2540 m
  • Day 14:Fly to NepalgunjAltitude: 150 m
  • Day 15:Fly to KathmanduAltitude: 1345 m
  • Day 16:Departure

Day 1:Arrive at Kathmandu Airport

  • Max Altitude1345 m
  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel

When you arrive in Kathmandu at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our representatives will be there to receive you. Our representatives will be carrying a signboard that reads “Sublime Trails” which will help you to spot our representatives. Then you will be transferred to your respective hotel where you will stay overnight.

Day 2:Orientation and Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley

  • Max Altitude1345 m
  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast

On this day you will prepare for your trek. You can talk to your guide to be assured that you have every item you will need for trekking. If you don’t have all the appropriate gear, you can buy it this day. After buying all the items you might need, you will head to several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu viz. Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. You will spend your night in Kathmandu.

Day 3:Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

  • Max Altitude150 m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast

After a sightseeing trip in Kathmandu, you will take a 60 minute flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is a sub-metropolitan city that is situated in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj is located quite close to the Nepal-India border in the south western part of Nepal. The town itself is a fascinating Terai town that houses people across various cultural backgrounds in Nepal. In Nepalgunj, you will visit the neighborhood showcase, smaller than normal zoo and close-by towns. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Day 4:Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla

  • Max Altitude2450 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

After an early breakfast in a hotel in Nepalgunj, you will fly to Jumla. This flight takes about 20 minutes. Jumla welcomes you with its bumpy roads and is one of the minimum open areas in Nepal. Jumla is likewise the door for trekkers who come to explore the remote Karnali region of Nepal. Jumla also holds a special place in the Nepalese history in culture. Nepali language first originated in the Sinja Valley of Jumla district. At the time of its origin, Nepali language was known as “Khas Bhasa” as Sinja was the capital of Khas Kingdom. Overnight in Jumla.

Day 5:Trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur

  • Max Altitude3055 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Today is the first day of your trek. You leave Jumla and rise to Chere Chaur along the Jugad Khola. Along the way, you will pass Khalanga Bazzar, a little commercial center for the close-by towns. You likewise pass a few towns, green forests, religious temples, and a sanctuary before getting to Chere Chaur. Overnight in Chere Chaur.

Day 6:Chere Chaur to Chalachaur

  • Max Altitude2980 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

Today is the first day of your trek. You leave Jumla and rise to Chere Chaur along the Jugad Khola. Along the way, you will pass Khalanga Bazaar, a little commercial center for the close-by towns. You likewise pass a few towns, green forests, religious temples, and a sanctuary before getting to Chere Chaur. Overnight in Chere Chaur.

Day 7:Chalachaur to Sinja Valley

  • Max Altitude2490 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

It is a tough move to Sinja Valley. In transit, we go through a few towns and stroll along the Jaljala Khola (stream). Sinja Valley holds a place in the ancient history of Nepal. The valley houses the old capital city of the Khasa Kingdom that controlled this territory from the twelfth to the fourteenth century. Royal residences, sanctuaries, and the old stays of a settlement in this valley were revealed amid unearthings in a research that was led by the Department of Archeology at Cambridge University. Overnight in Sinja Valley.

Day 8:Sinja to Goru Singhe

  • Max Altitude3080 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will leave Sinja on a tough trail nearby Hima River. From the town, you will we get on a steep uphill trail for some time. This will be followed by a moderately simple trail that will take you to Laha Village. From Laha, you will have to cross a few forests, a suspension bridge, and trek along an uphill to Goru Singhe (stream). Overnight in Goru Singhe.

Day 9:Goru Singhe to Rara Lake

  • Max Altitude3010 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

After having breakfast in Goru Singhe, you will start your trek to Rara Lake. Our trail is near Chuchhemara Danda, which is a wonderful location to view the Himalaya, the gorgeous Rara Lake, and the lavish vegetation of the Rara National Park. The trail from Chuchhemara Danda will take you through Khatyar Khola Camp and a couple of towns including Murma. The uphill from Murma is moderate in nature. You will move ahead towards Chapri town, where the headquarters of Rara National Park lies. Overnight at Rara Lake.

Day 10:Explore Rara Lake

  • Max Altitude3010 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will explore the biggest freshwater lake in Nepal- Rara Lake- this day. The lake is located at an altitude of 2290 meters. The turquoise blue waters of the huge lake likewise alluded to as Mahendra Taal (Lake) after late lord Mahendra. While boating in Rara Lake, you will get to admire the beautiful setting of the lake. You can also catch the sight of the many assortments of fish in this lake. Chuchemara Peak lies on the southern side of the Rara Lake while Ruma Kand and Malika Kand lies on the northern range. Overnight at a tea house in Rara Lake.

Day 11:Rara Lake to Pina

  • Max Altitude2440 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

You will have your breakfast at Rara Lake and begin this day’s trek. You will trek on a relatively straight path until Gamgadhi. Gamgadhi is the central command of the remote Mugu District of Nepal. From Gamgadhi, you will trek to Pina Village, where we spend the night.

Day 12:Pina to Bumra

  • Max Altitude2850 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

On this day, you will descend from Pina and cross the Ghurchi Lagna pass at 3480 m. From Ghuruchi Lagna pass, you will cross various towns with beautiful mountain views before reaching Bumra. Bumra, which is also known as Nauri Ghat, is a quaint village.

Day 13:Bumra to Jumla

  • Max Altitude2540 m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBLD

This days trek begins with with crossing of two suspension connects above Hima River and walk downhill. After trekking for a couple of hours, you will get to a hot spring. A bath at the hot spring will help you get relief from whatever aches and tiredness you might be experiencing during your trek. After trekking from the hot spring for some time, you will cross Danphe Lagna Pass. The pass is located at an altitude of 3691 m. From Chercheur, you will take the same trail you took on your way up from Jumla. Overnight in Jumla.

Day 14:Fly to Nepalgunj

  • Max Altitude150 m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast

From Jumla, you will take a flight to Nepalgunj. The total length of the flight is about 30 minutes. You can spend the rest of your day strolling around the market areas of Nepalgunj. You can also spend the day giving rest to your body after the stress of trekking.

Day 15:Fly to Kathmandu

  • Max Altitude1345 m
  • Accommodation3-Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast

Next day, you will take a flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Whatever time you have in Kathmandu this day, you can do anything you wish for.

Day 16:Departure

  • MealsBreakfast

This is the day when you bid goodbye to the beautiful country of Nepal. You also have the option of taking a tour around any other part of Nepal. We hope that the tour you took with us was satisfying and we could see you again in the future.

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Cost Details

Included

  • Meals: 
    15 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • Accommodation: 
    3-Star accommodation in Kathmandu for 5 days 
    Tea house accommodation along the way for 10 days
  • Transportation:   
    All land transportation with pickups and drops
    Domestic Flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu and back
    Domestic Flight to Jumla from Nepalgunj and back
  • Guides and Porters:
    One guide and assistant guide between 6 people 
    1 porter for two people (A porter can carry up to 30 kg)
  • Entry Fees and Permits:
    All Permits and Entrance Fees
    TIMS Card
    Monument Entrance Fee
  • Miscellaneous: 
    Down jacket, a Sleeping bag which should be refunded to the company after the trip
    Necessary paperwork with the government of Nepal and Tax department
    All the necessary insurance for the guides and porters
    First Aid service in case of minor injuries
    Salary, food, and accommodation for guides and porters
  • One Day Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu

Excluded

  • Any meals other than breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Rescue & travel insurance, trip cancellation costs, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects (We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance.)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to any reason
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, cold drinks, bottled or boiled water, hot shower, etc.)
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks including mineral water
  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Tipping for the Sublime crew

Trip Essential Information

Is it safe to trek to Rara Lake?

Adventure comes with a little bit of risk. Rara Lake falls in the remote area of Nepal. While it is safe, you have to leave all the luxuries aside while going to Rara Lake Trek. However, our team has years of experience in handling minor problems and health issues. As you will be trekking to a high altitude region, there is also a risk of altitude sickness. But with proper precautions, you can minimize the risk. In the case of any emergencies, our team is always on standby to help you and helicopter evacuations are also available.

What happens if the weather conditions get bad during Nepalgunj Jumla flight?

We can not guarantee you that weather conditions will be right all the time. The flight might get delayed due to bad weather conditions or air traffic. You may have to wait for a few hours or a day. You need to get prepared for that. We do not proceed further until everything is right and safe as your safety is our first priority. If you have to wait for long, we will arrange a flight by helicopter. However, you have to pay an extra price for that.

Are there any weight limits on domestic flights? What if I have extra luggage? 

You can carry 10 kg luggage and 5 kgs of handbag during Nepalgunj - Jumla flight. If you want to carry extra weight, you have to pay an extra price. You can keep your extra bag in the hotel or the office in Kathmandu as well.

How many hours will I walk per day?

It depends on the pace of your walking and the difficulty of the trail. On average, you have to walk around 5 to 7 hours a day. If you happen to walk slower than normal pace and left out in the group, one of our team members will always be with you. 

Rara Lake Trek Reviews

5.0based on 2 reviews
  • MIchael O'Brian
    MIchael O'BrianOctober 15, 2019
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    An Amazing Lake Rara !

    I interacted with some Nepali trekkers on my trip to Annapurna Base Camp organized by Sublime Trails. When I asked them about the most gorgeous place they had been to in Nepal, they said that there was something majestic about their trip to Rara lake. So when I completed my ABC trek, I asked Sublime Trails to manage a trek to Rara.

    I just fell in love with Rara Lake. Surprisingly, there were not a lot of tourists from outside Nepal during my visit. It might have been due to the remote location of the place. But my stay was simply awesome.

    Despite its remote location, I had fantastic services arranged for me by Sublime Trails. If any of my friends look for some suggestion regarding the places to visit in Nepal, I’ll certainly tell them to go to Rara. And if they ask for a trekking agency, there is no one I would recommend them more than Sublime. You guys made my trip rocking.

  • Francisco Derrick
    Francisco DerrickSeptember 17, 2017
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    Rara Lake, another trekking in Nepal

    People tell me I should stop trekking at this age, but I tell them to mind their own business. I have done several trekking in Nepal and always with Sublime Trails. Sometimes, it is harder than the previous sometimes its a lot easier, sometimes you even get sick but you have to know that you're just a human and you have to let your body heal. After travelling to so many places, I can tell you that happiness doesn't come easily, you have to take yourself to the edge and do new things each time. Rara lake was beautiful when I saw it, I hope it will forever be. The trail was a pleasure in itself and the views were worth everything.

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