Rara Lake Trek

The biggest Lake in Nepal
  • Duration14 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Activity Trekking/Hiking
  • Max. Altitude 2990 meter
  • Starts Kathmandu
  • Ends Kathmandu
  • Group Size 2-20
  • Best Season March to May and September to November
Group Discount Prices
  
2 paxUS$1090
3 - 6 paxUS$990
7 - 10 paxUS$945
11 - 15 paxUS$895
Rara Lake Trek Highlights
  • Rara Lake and its stunning setting and beauty
  • Pristine flora and fauna protected within the national park’s enveloping borders
  • Unique and largely untouched culture
  • Tranquil and uncrowded pathways

Established in 1979, Rara National Park is named for the scenically extraordinary lake at its heart, the largest in Nepal, whose crystalline waters lie at an altitude of 2990 m. Swathed in wide expanses of coniferous forests and with the snow-laden peaks of the Himalayas as a backdrop for the ages, the park preserves not only the lake’s beauty and charm but also acts as an important preserve for much of the central Himalaya’s diverse flora and fauna. As such, it presents a wonderful opportunity to explore a panoramic and serene region that seems like one of Maxfield Parrish’s impossibly beautiful and mystical paintings come to life.

The Rara Lake Trek is one of the most unique and interesting trekking experiences of all, one that’s aimed more at communing with the forests and lakeland of Nepal than the more typical trekking fare of precipitous trails through the mountains. Less crowded and largely untouched, the trek winds peacefully through glades of juniper, spruce, and pine, with the ever-present peaks of the Himalayas embellishing the view to one side and the pristine waters of Rara Lake adding their own reflective gifts on the other.

The trek begins with a flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu, then sets out from Nepalgunj to Jumla the following day with another flight. From there, we head out on a path to Chere Chaur and Chalachaur over the next few days, hiking up through Sinja Valley along mountain trails towards our prime destination of Rara Lake. En route, we utilize a mixture of teahouses and private homestays for our accommodation and meals, lending a cultural touch that adds even more to the unique aspects of the experience. Once our circuit of the lake is complete, the trek heads back down to Jumla for the return journey to Kathmandu.

Moreover, you may also consider our exclusive packages such as the Manaslu Tsum Valley TrekManaslu Circuit TrekUpper Mustang Trek, Everest Three High Passes Trek, and many more.

Useful Information

Respect the privacy of local people and kindly ask for permission before photographing them or their children.

Appreciate and respect the local culture and customs.

For your own personal safety, always stay on the uphill side of a trail when being passed by donkeys.

In landslide zones, either traverse them quickly or climb over and around them if at all feasible.

Smoking and drinking alcohol at altitudes above 3000 meters are not recommended.

Drink a minimum of three liters of water per day.

Remain aware of symptoms related to altitude sickness and be honest about any signs with yourself and your guide.

Even when not mandated, there are always benefits to using the invaluable services of a guide on a trek.

Itinerary
  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Accommodation:3 star hotel

Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel. An introduction to your trekking program then the rest of the day at your leisure to enjoy the sights, sounds and culture of Kathmandu.

  • Max. Altitude:1400m/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Accommodation:3 star hotel

Free day for preparation and sightseeing.

  • Max. Altitude:150m/492ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

An early morning flight takes us to Nepalgunj for an overnight stop, with numerous temples and other sites to visit.

  • Max. Altitude:3055m/10023ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

After breakfast, we take another short flight, this time to Jumla, where the trek commences via a half-day hike through picturesque pasturelands and villages to Chere Chaur and a relaxing first evening.

  • Max. Altitude:2980m/9777ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The second day of the trek starts with a relatively easy stretch that climbs steadily to the trail's first pass, Jaljala La (3580m), and continues to the village of Jaljala Chaur. From there the path eventually takes a more challenging turn as it angles sharply toward Chala Chaur.

  • Max. Altitude:2490m/8169ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trek to Sinja follows the Jaljal Khola downstream through a scenic landscape of terraced fields, pine-clad slopes, and an imposing gorge. Sinja itself hosts the remains of a haunting old temple and numerous other artifacts that are well worth exploring.

  • Max. Altitude:3050m/1007ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Another half-day hike as the trail winds along the Ghatte Khola into a classic Nepalese rural landscape of patchwork fields, peaceful villages, and metronomic waterwheels lazily turning to the flow of the ice-cold river waters.

  • Max. Altitude:3010m/9875ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

From Ghorosingha the trail enters directly into Rara National Park, trailing uphill to the trek's high point on the ridgeline of Chuchemara Danda (4260m), with supreme views towards the distant Himalayan peaks and the valley below. The trail then descends gradually through thickly forested slopes to Rara Lake and the campsite by the shoreline.

  • Max. Altitude:3010m/9875ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

A day of rest and relaxation, time to savor the serene waters and dreamlike quality of Rara Lake's otherworldly setting. The sense of total peace is accentuated by the fact that many of the local inhabitants were relocated when the park was created, leaving nature to reign supreme over the area.

  • Max. Altitude:2440m/8005ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

The trek picks up again with an easy-paced day of walking towards Gamggadhi and the descent to the village of Pina.

  • Max. Altitude:2850m/9350ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

One final pass, Ghurchi Lagna (3480m), then we ease down to the main valley again and a string of villages dotting the peaceful landscape, with the quiet village of Bumra the day's final goal.

  • Max. Altitude:2540m/8333ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house

Our starting point of Jumla awaits on the final day of trekking, with a relaxing day of walking through the lush valley and the whole panoply of the region's offerings, from forests of rhododendron and pine, the obligatory patchwork quilt and colors of the crop fields, peaceful villages, and the ever-smiling faces of children waiting to greet every visitor passing through. It's the perfect day to end a perfect trek.

  • Max. Altitude:1400/4593ft.
  • Meals:Breakfast

The day begins with an early flight to Nepalgunj, then another to Kathmandu, where we put down our gear, ease back to rest our tired limbs, and reflect on the magical journey to Rara Lake.

    Pickup from the hotel and drop-off at Kathmandu Airport.

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    Note

    The above itinerary is a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.

    What's Included
    Cost Includes
    • Complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off
    • Complimentary welcome dinner
    • Two-night stay on arrival in Kathmandu with breakfast included.
    • All necessary trekking permits for Rara National Park, TIMS cards, etc.
    • All accommodation during the trek
    • Three meals a day during the trek
    • If and when available, fresh fruit should be eaten every day.
    • Complementary duffel bag or agency T-shirt
    • Professional English-speaking government-registered and first-aid trained local guide
    • First-aid kit
    • Return connecting flights between Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Jumla
    • Staff insurance, meals, accommodations, equipment, transportation, etc.
    • Rescue arrangements, if necessary
    • Agency service charge and government tax or VAT
    • Certificate of Achievement
    Cost Excludes
    • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
    • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
    • Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property, theft, etc.
    • Sightseeing costs in the city (temples, monasteries, etc.)
    • All beverages, snacks, and additional expenses such as laundry, hot showers, battery charging, wifi, etc.
    • Tips for staff
    Dates & Availability
    Start:SundayDec 15, 2024
    End:SaturdayDec 28, 2024
    PriceUS$1090
    StatusGuaranteed
    Start:WednesdayDec 25, 2024
    End:TuesdayJan 07, 2025
    PriceUS$1090
    StatusGuaranteed

    Note

    Are you satisfied with the group departure dates? Aside from that, we organize private trips or any special dates you prefer. Let's talk to our local specialist now.

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