Rara Lake Trekking trail is amongst the most desirable treks in the Western parts of Nepal. The untouched charm and lack of travel ease are the main causes for its popularity. The cultural and natural experience that the trail provides differs significantly from Annapurna and Everest treks.
The Rara Lake, found at 2,990 meters above sea level, is the largest and deepest freshwater lake in the Nepal Himalayas. The lake is 10.8 sq. km in size and 167 meters deep. The wetland around the lake was designated as the Rara Conservation Area in the category of Ramsar in September 2007, occupying a total area of 15.83 sq. km.
Protected by expanses of virgin forests and snow-covered Himalayan mountain ranges, this lake is situated within the embrace of Rara National Park, formed in 1976 to preserve its natural beauty. This national park is a heaven for botanists, zoologists, and tourists due to the high level of biodiversity, consisting of 1,074 plant species (with 16 varieties exclusive to Nepal) along with 51 mammalian and 214 bird varieties.
How to go on the Rara Lake Trek
The trek initiates with a 45-minute afternoon flight to Nepalgunj. The next morning, you fly to Jumla, from where the trail begins. From Jumla, the route passes via Baragaun, Pina, and Gumgari to reach Rara Lake. Primarily, the area is inhabited by the Thakur community, and the Thakur Baba Temple lies on the southeast corner of the lake. Locals believe that Thakur shot an arrow to open the lake’s outlet, reducing flood damage.
Much of the trail passes through the forest of rhododendron, pine, spruce, and juniper, with views of western Himalayan peaks such as Api Himal, Saipal, and Buraburi. The lower section is the habitat of the Khas people, where you will see several Hindu temples, including the Chandan Nath Temple in Jumla.
What is the best time for Rara Lake Trekking?
Nepal has four seasons; however, autumn and spring are the best times to trek to Rara Lake.
How long is the Rara Lake Trek?
Rara Lake, located at an elevation of about 3,000 m, is the largest lake in Nepal and lies within Rara National Park. From Kathmandu, it takes around two weeks to go on a trek to this natural wonder and return to Kathmandu again. It will give a chance to perceive nature, landscape views, and varieties of flora and fauna along the way. Other than that, one can even reach Rara by Jeep via Nagma and then trek for half a day to see the lake and get back again.
Welcome! To Kathmandu, Nepal. You will be welcomed by an Asian Heritage Travel representative with a nameplate upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, and you will then be taken to your hotel located within the busy tourist district known as Thamel in Kathmandu. You will see some of the highlights of the city while traveling to the hotel, including Pashupatinath Temple, Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum, and the peaceful Garden of Dreams. Once you arrive at your hotel, a representative will meet you to discuss your itinerary and answer any questions you might have about it. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to explore the busy streets, cafés, and shops of Thamel or relax at your hotel.
Includes: Private transport and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites and Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Our office representative will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight to Nepalgunj. During your flight, you are able to see breathtaking views of mountains covered with snow, ranging from the north to the far eastern parts of the mountains. Upon your arrival in Nepalgunj, you are transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you can walk around town before returning to your hotel.
Includes: Breakfast, Airfare, Private Transport, and an overnight accommodation at an available Local Lodge in Nepalgunj.
In the morning, you will be transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Jumla, the administrative headquarters of the Karnali Zone. From Jumla, the trek starts towards Padmara. The trek takes you through Dansanhu, the confluence of the Tila and Chaudbise rivers, and then a pine forest to reach Urtus, where the Chaudbise Khola meets the Ghurseni Khola. A bridge takes you eastwards into the Chaudbise area, and then you climb up somehow through a narrow gorge by the side of the Ghurseni Khola.
Includes: Private Transport, Airfare, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available Local Lodge in Padmara.
You will head towards Burma via the Ghurseni stream and then start the climb to the first pass, Khali Langa (3,545 m), which is about 4 km from Padmara. Then again, you will follow the right side of the stream and ascend for an hour through the forest until you get to the log bridge of Sinja Khola. After the crossing, there will be a steady climb to Bumra, which will be 2 km ahead.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available Local Lodge in Bumra.
After breakfast, you will take a trail just above the river bed for about an hour and a half to reach Bhargaon (2,890 m). The next part of your trail leads you to the branches of the Ghautha River. After crossing the rivers using a log bridge, you will ascend towards Chautha. Moving an hour ahead of Chautha, you will enter a valley that leads to a beautiful meadow. Here, you will climb up a narrow gorge on the northeastern portion of this slope and proceed north to Pine.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available Local Lodge in Pine.
Have your breakfast in the morning and head toward Rara Lake. From Pine, the trail follows a steep north-facing slope to a flat meadow before dropping down to a stream. Cross the stream and climb up to the hamlet of Jhari at 2,500 meters, which would take about two hours. From Jhari, you go west along a ridge to a low saddle. From there, the route drops pleasantly down to the meadows on the south side of the lake. The village site of Rara on the north side is a gentle two-hour walk along the lake’s western bank at 3,040 meters.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available Local Lodge in Rara Lake.
Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal and a major attraction of the Rara National Park. It is quite large, and the far portion is not visible. It is oval in shape, measuring 5 km in length and 3 km in width, running east-west. Green forests and hills surround it. Chuchemara Danda is the spot that provides the best view of Rara Lake with its snow-capped mountains and green forests around it. You should spend time there and have a camp.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available Local Lodge in Rara Lake.
Have your breakfast in the morning, then leave the periphery of Rara Lake, following the downstream of Khatyar Gad for about an hour. Cross the stream by a log bridge to the south side and climb gradually on a rocky trail through dense forest up to the tree line. The ridge continues south for another 200 meters, providing an easy walk with isolated mountain views. From the east side of the ridge, follow a steep descent trail to reach Ghorasain.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available Local Lodge in Ghorasain.
After breakfast, leave Ghorasain and start walking towards Sinja. This would be downhill right through the valley to Botan 2,895 m, then ascends to Diyabala Ridge that lies south of Ghorasain, offering wide panoramic views of the surroundings. From Diyabala Danda, the trail drops down to high fields of Lumsa, followed by further dropping to Okharpati village on a high shelf above Mindrabali Gad. Then continue a descent for another two hours to finally reach the beautiful village of Sinja.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available Local Lodge in Sinja.
You will start walking towards Chere Chaur. The trail begins by crossing a log bridge over Sinja Khola to the east and then follows the bank of the Jaljale Gad. After walking along the riverbank, there is an ascent to a ridge at an altitude of 2,865 m. After that, by following the trail, there is a descent towards the headquarters of Jumla. After following the Gad which passes by Jumla town, there is a one-kilometer walk that leads to the stunning Chere Chaur.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available Local Lodge in Chere Chaur.
Begin your trek through the beautiful alpine meadow of Chere Chaur, where you will get to enjoy the vistas of Jumla town, the Tila Valley, and the Chyakhure Hill. After a few hours of trekking, you will arrive at Jumla, where you will check into a lodge and rest.
Includes: English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available Local Lodge in Jumla.
It’s your last day in western Nepal. You’re transferred to Jumla Airport for a flight to Nepalgunj, then onward to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Includes: Airfare, private transport, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of your journey. Three hours before your scheduled departure back to your home or another location, our representative will pick you up in a private vehicle after breakfast and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
We hope you travel safely and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes: Breakfast and private Transport.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
