Rara Lake: The Ultimate Trek

Published: 30 Sep 2022   |   Last updated: 30 Sep 2022

Rara Lake is one of the most stunning and picturesque parks in Nepal. The Rara Lake is not distant from Kathmandu and covers a space of 106 sq km. The largest lake in Nepal, Rara Lake, is located in the western region of Nepal, in the mountainous district of Mugu. The Rara Lake, which is often referred to as the “Queen of Lakes” by the locals takes around two weeks to reach from Kathmandu. Along the way to the lake, you'll see not only some beautiful scenery but also a wide variety of flora and fauna with wild animals too.

 

As a result of his admiration for its beauty, the late King Mahendra Shah of Nepal renamed the lake Mahendra Daha. The picturesque lake is found inside Rara National Park at a height of 2,980 meters (9,837 ft). Rara Lake Trek offers a special opportunity to take in the wilderness. The abundant birds bring music to the calm environment. To get to Daphne Langa Pass, which is 3,500 meters above sea level, you must hike through breathtaking natural scenery (11,480 ft). The valley below the hills is largely covered with prairies, while the hills themselves are covered in pine and juniper woods. The walk can be challenging at times, and many places require campers.

 

Around 1,074 types of animals, including 214 bird species and 51 mammalian species, may be found in the Rara National Park. In the national park, it's common to see black bears, leopards, black panthers, deer, red pandas, boars, and other animals of a similar nature. Beginning in the lovely village of Jumla in western Nepal, the trek route passes by several stunning Himalayan peaks and the challenging terrain of the Dolpo region before coming to an end in Nepalgunj.

When is the Best Time for the Rara Lake Trek?

Two of the most popular leisure activities worldwide are hiking and trekking. They can be fantastic leisure pastimes if they are safe and prosperous. We must be clear about when to leave before partaking in these activities to enjoy a rejoiceful time.

 

Any time of year is suitable for hiking in Nepal. The best times to hike in Nepal are in the spring and fall. Every season has unique qualities of its own. While the Spring season lasts from March to May, the Autumn season spans from September to November. Almost all of Nepal's areas may be visited during these two seasons.

 

The optimum seasons for Rara Lake Trek are spring (September through October) and fall (March-May). During this time, the weather will be favorable, and you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas as they are reflected in the lake. Not to mention that the region is covered in flowering, multicolored Rhododendrons in the spring, which give the area around the lake a unique and unmatched beauty.

Rara Lake Trek Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Our representative from Nepal Vision greets you upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport and helps you with the transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu. After taking some time to re-energize, you will meet and be transferred for a welcome dinner and trip briefing at a traditional Nepalese restaurant in the center of Kathmandu.

 

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing & trek preparation

After breakfast, we'll begin our guided tour of the Kathmandu Valley's cultural world heritage sites.

 

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

We transfer to the domestic airport following the Nepalgunj flight schedule before boarding a scenic flight that will take an hour and a half.

 

Day 04: Fly Nepalgunj to Jumla(2370m/7773ft)

The 45-minute flight to Jumla over the Himalayan foothills, with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north, departs from Nepalgunj airport early in the morning after a delightful overnight stay there. You will be welcomed by our trekking personnel when you arrive in Jumla after walking from Nepalgunj with your camping equipment and food supply.

 

Day 05: Trek to Uthugaon (2530m/8298ft), 4-5 hrs walk

Following the north bank of the Tila Khola River, as we head out on our trek after breakfast, we then turn and head north along the Chaudhabise Khola, passing through fields and pine forests. We'll climb the valley of Padma. Until we reach the small village of Uthugaon, where we will have a nice campground near the school on the other side of the river.

 

Day 06: Trek to Danphe Lagna (3500m/11480ft), 4-5 hrs walk

We proceed to the town of Padmara after breakfast by following the trail through the constricting canyon. Our route then ascends through a dense forest of firs, spurges, and pines to the Khali Lagna pass, which is at 3550 meters (11644 feet). The track then gently descends through a mixed woodland of spruces, birches, and rhododendrons to reach our campground at Danphe Lagna just after the intersection of the two routes.

 

Day 07: Trek Lagna to Chautha (2770m/9085ft), 5-6 hrs walk

After breakfast, our tracks steeply descend through forests of fir, birch, walnut, and bamboo. We follow the river downstream after crossing a bridge before beginning a challenging ascent past some water-powered mills to Kabra. After a brief period of steep ascent, the terrain levels off before we settle in Bhara. Following this village, we proceed to the village of Chautha by descending the Chauro Khola river.

 

Day 08: Trek to Dhotu (2380m/7806ft), 5-6 hrs walk

After breakfast, we keep following the stream upward until Bhulbule, the Rara National Park entrance station at 3130 meters (10266 feet), where we continue our journey. Our route continues to ascend gradually until the 3450m/11316ft Ghurchi Lagna pass, which is dotted with prayer flags and chortens (round stone Buddhist monuments). The path descends from the pass gradually at first before falling abruptly through spruce forests. We built up camp in the Dhoti village's modest community.

 

Day 09: Trek to Rara Lake (2980m/9774ft), 4-5 hrs walk

Today's hike is short, enjoyable, and offers beautiful views of the north. From Dhoti, we descend through a succession of fields and across a steep north-facing hill to a tiny brook. We hike up to the Thakuri village of Jhyari after spanning the bridge. We gradually ascent from Jhyari through cedar woodland to a large meadow perched atop a 3050m/10004ft ridge with fantastic overhead views of Rara Lake.

 

Day 10: Explore the day at Rara

The largest lake in Nepal is Rara Lake. A day dedicated to walking around the lake would be well spent. The lake is almost 13 km long. This area is inaccessible and offers a wilderness experience unlike any other in Nepal. The place is home to a variety of wildlife, plants, and birds. Himalayan bears, Serows, Gorals, Musk Deer, Red Pandas, and both Rhesus and Langur Monkeys are among the mammals found in this area. Otters live in the 180-meter-deep lake, which is also a crucial resting spot for waterfowl.

 

Day 11: Trek to Gorusingha (3190m/10463ft), 5-6 hrs walk

The trek would follow the Khatyar Khola River after exploring Rara Lake. We will continue to follow this river as it slowly descends before making our way out on a narrow track flanked by forests of pine, spruce, and rhododendron. We continue on our path, which descends into the Ghatta valley to reach Gorusingha.

 

Day 12: Trek to Sinja (2440m/8003ft), 5-6 hrs walk

From Gorusingha, our path continues southward in the Ghatta valley, following the Sinja Khola River to Sinja. Here is a fascinating shrine honoring Bhagwati, the tigress-riding goddess of justice.

 

Day 13: Trek to Jaljala Chaur (3270m/10725ft), 6-7 hrs walk

The Sinja Khola is now crossed by the path on a wooden cantilever bridge. The trail crosses the river on a succession of charming log bridges after passing a few tiny settlements. The majority of the journey goes through fields of maize and barley as well as birch, oak, and pine forests. The route is next climbs steeply to Jaljala Chaur, a vast meadow populated with horses.

 

Day 14: Trek to Jumla (2370m/7773ft), 5-6 hrs walk

Continue ascending through the woodland to another meadow at 3510m/11512ft, right below the ridge, and then descend in comfort to Jumla.

 

Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepaljung

A beautiful 30-minute early-morning flight through the foothills of the Himalayas and spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks will take you to Nepalgunj. If it is in the afternoon, we will have a few hours to rest in the convenience of the Hotel in Nepalgunj. After that, we join an aircraft headed for Kathmandu, where we meet you and take you to your accommodation.

 

Day 16: Leisure at Kathmandu

In case of inclement weather in Jumla, it is also a spare day. On this beautiful day, you can spend the entire day at your leisure on your own. Also, with this, you can extend your extra excursion with us for an additional fee, or use the opportunity to explore Thamel for your final day of shopping before the group meets you for the farewell supper.

 

Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu

You have today free to do any last-minute souvenir or gift purchasing for family, friends, or relatives before your departure flight or drive, or to start any further adventures or activities you may have planned with us. You will be transferred to the international airport if you are departing to catch a flight to another location.

 

Don't get late to enjoy the best trip in your lifetime. The trip to Rara Lake is best now, the season is from September to November. Pack your bags and book the dates to go for lifelong memories in the lap of nature in the beautiful country, of Nepal with Nepal Vision Treks & Expedition.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Rara Lake Trek


    1. How much does it cost for the Rara Lake trek?

          The cost of the hike could range from INR 1,20,000 to INR 1,70,000, depending on the caliber of your guide and the level of comfort you need.

 

  1. How difficult is the Rara Lake trek?

         The short trip to Rara Lake is rather simple, and trekkers of all skill levels can easily complete the Rara Lake hiking path.

  1. At what altitude is Rara Lake located?

         The largest lake in Nepal, Rara Lake, is situated at a high altitude of 5,351 meters (17,556 feet). However, because the journey is so long, one will have            plenty of time to adjust to the rising altitude.

 

  1. What is the best time to do the Rara Lake trek?

         The Rara Lake Trek is best done between two dates:

         1. September and October: To take advantage of the wonderful misty views and cool, breezy weather.

          2. April and May: The weather is pleasant and sunny during the summer, which is ideal for trekking.

 

  1. How to get to Rara Lake from Kathmandu?

         You have two options for getting to Rara Lake from Kathmandu: either take a bus or, to save time, fly to Jumla, where you can start the hike.