Trip Level
Moderate
Destination
Nepal
Max Altitude
3500 meter
Trip Duration
15 Days
Overview
The trek to Rara Lake is a difficult but very rewarding experience. Although the amenities for trekkers have improved over the years, they are still not comparable to the facilities available in the more popular trekking routes. The Rara trekking route will thus give you a very pure trekking experience on self-sufficiency, secluded trails, and nature at its best. The culture and scenery are very different from the popular trekking routes – it’s a beautiful and calm haven surrounded by forests, and a paradise for bird watchers. The park has recorded 272 species of birds. Some of the important species include coots, snow cock, and different species of pheasants, grebes, mallard, common teal, red-crested orchard and gulls. During winter, many migratory birds join the residential gallinaceous birds. The reserve is characterized by, sub-alpine and high temperate vegetation. Common plant species include fir, pine, and birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce.
Rara Lake and its surrounding area were declared a national park in 1976 to preserve the beauty of the lake and protect the area from pollution, deforestation, and not least Rara Lake’s rich fish life. Winter season in this area is cold and harsh. The best time to visit this lake is thus during fall or spring, i.e. September-October and April-May. The pleasant atmosphere with a panoramic view of the scenic mountains makes it a breath-taking sight. In during this Rara trek we pass lots of ups and downs through beautiful spruce, pine and juniper forests and gorgeous valleys with grassy expanses. The Rara trek is strenuous and we will camp throughout the trek.
The attraction of this trekking is that you will have chance to explore the beautiful Rara Lake and its surrounded alpine meadows and forest and visit to nearby Rara National Park, adjoined with the Lake. The Park is the home to animals such as Himalayan black bear, red panda, Leopard, Black Panther, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Rhesus and Languor Monkeys Jackal, Himalayan Thar, Yellow throated marten, Otter, Wild dog. You can explore the Himalayan vegetation and unique landscapes, have stunning Himalayan Panorama, and explore the serene Rara Lake and typical village life. These entire features have made Rara Lake trekking special and rewarding one.
Rara Lake trekking trip begins with flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, subsequently to Jumla and trek continuously for three or four days and reach around Rara Lake and Rara National Park side and explore around and return back from same route to Jumla and fly back to Pokhara or Nepalgunj and subsequently to Kathmandu.
Outline Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,350m and transfer to hotel
On reaching Kathmandu international airport our staff will receive you with warm welcome and then a short drive to your hotel. In the evening we will dinner with cultural program and talk about your programs the next day.
Day 02: Afternoon flight to Nepalgunj on route to Jumla and Rara
Morning we will be free for the preparation for Rara Lake Trekking. After finish the permit procession we will transfer to Domestic airport for the flight to Nepaljung. A city lies at the west of Kathmandu. The flight will be for one hour. Overnight at a Hotel.
Day 03: Fly to Jumla 2,540 m then trek to Chauriya Chaur 3,055m, 05 hrs
Early breakfast for another short connecting flight to Jumla, on reaching Jumla after 40 minutes on air, received by our trekking staff that has traveled here taking a long overland drive and walks, Jumla in the headquarter of Jumla district. After reaching Jumla, we will start the trek with a short climb walking past nice farm villages to reach our first overnight camp at Chauriya Chaur a nice farm village on route Rara Lake.
Day 04: Trek on route Botan beneath unnamed pass 3,500m, 05 hours
After morning breakfast, our journey starts with an uphill climb into Rhododendron, birch and pine tree lined serene forest and then heading towards an unnamed green meadow ridge top and a pass sometimes it’s called Jaljala offering fabulous views of Kanjiroba Himal towards North East. Walk continues through tranquil wilderness then on the downhill path for couple of hours through cool forest and reaching on the summer grazing pasture area for the overnight camp in this nice, pleasant spot.
Day 05: Trek to Botan 2,680m via Sinja Khola 2,440m, 06 hrs
Today's walk leads to downhill walk to Sinja for few hours and then following Jaljala Khola (stream) downstream through a forest with dense pine forest and walking past terraced farm fields and terraces, to reach at Sinja village, with a very old ruin temple and monuments, ancient sculptured stones which is covered in moss and weeds, and from here walk follows the river upstream, reaching at Ganj a small village and then our route leads through an impressive gorge to our overnight camp at Botan village, with time for short walk around.
Day 06: Trek to Ghorasain 3,190m, 04 hrs
As the walk progress, our walk today is only for half day of three to four hours, as the morning walk starts after leaving Sinja Khola then following another stream of Ghatte Khola towards North- Eastwards towards a short uphill, then coming at pretty small valley and into farmlands with primitive water mills which is used for grinding corns, wheat’s into fine flour for breads, from here reaching our overnight camp on the border rim of Rara National Park at a small village of Ghorasain, this place with police post, after the camp is set, afternoon free for short walk around and just relax and catch up with the dairy.
Day 07: Trek to Rara Lake 2,980m, 06 hrs
Walk today heading to our final destination on Nepal largest lake at Rara, starting the morning walk in this serene environment from Ghorasain camp, heading uphill with a climb all the way to Chuchemara Danda at 4, 260 meters, on reaching the top ridge with awesome panorama of surrounding country landscapes and magnificent views of snow capped mountains towards north, after enjoying the marvelous views walk leads to a descend looking down at beautiful Rara Lake through forest of bamboo and birch trees, then crossing at Khatyar Khola walking along upstream of this crystal clear stream to our overnight camp at Rara Lake shore.
Day 08: Rest day at Rara Lake for local excursion
After a week of good walk, a rest day here at Rara an ideal spot for local exploration and to relax, after a leisure morning an optional walk around or climb a wooden tower for panorama of the emerald picturesque lake and surrounding hills with distance snow capped mountain views.
Day 09: Trek to Pina via Jhyari 2,580m, 05 hrs
Morning starting the journey back with an enjoyable and pleasant time in Rara lake and its surrounding, today a good, moderate trek on the path leading to a ridge top at Jhyari small village, from here onwards walk follows Jhyari Bira Khola downstream for a short time then crossing Dhauligar Khola valley, following this Dhauligar Khola (stream) all the way to Pina for our overnight camp, this is small farm village with police post and a some houses serving as lodge and local tea shops.
Day 10: Trek to Chauta 2,770 m via Ghurchi-Lagna 3,460m, 06 hrs.
From this village Pina, our walk continues with an uphill climb into tranquil and enchanting forest with excellent views of landscapes and mountains towards north, then with a gradual climb to reach at Ghurchi- Lagna pass the highest point of this fabulous journey, this place with several chortens (a Buddhist monuments) and festooned with prayer flags, from here our route descends across alpine meadows and pastures, into walnut groves and then leading to a steep and narrow valley all the way to Chauta village for the overnight camp, this small place with shops and houses serving as lodge for local and individual travelers and trekkers.
Day 11: Trek to Tharamara 3,270m, 06 hrs
After a nice stop in this village of Chauta, our journey leads following
Sinja khola through Bumra and then past a small lodge and tea-shop and health clinic walking under the overhanging rock at Kamra, this is a source of an important herbal medicinal mineral called as Silaji.From this spot on the downhill walk towards Sinja Khola, and then reaching at Nyawre village, after a nice break here our walk continues following the river upstream and then coming to an uphill walk of about 600 meters climb to Tharamara for overnight camp, this place with nice pasture land with pristine surrounding.
Day 12: Trek back to Jumla, 06 hrs
Our final day trek back to Jumla of this wonderful trip, morning starts with a pleasant descend to a nice green valley and into pristine alpine forests of rhododendron, oaks and pines trees, then reaching to a fertile agriculture tended valley, then walk leads past little villages of Padmara following the same river most of the way to Jumla town for the last overnight stop, after a wonderful circuit and around the Jumla and Muga area, and then back to Jumla town with late afternoon free for walk to browse around this main busy market town.
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
Morning as per the flight time to Nepalgunj transfer to Jumla airstrip after bidding farewell to our camping staff and porters, a short scenic flight brings your south at Nepalgunj for short transit stop and then fly back to Kathmandu with panorama views of mountains during airborne and then on reaching at Kathmandu domestic airport transfer back to your hotels with afternoon free at leisure.
Day 14: A free day in Kathmandu
This is the spare day in case of flight delay and cancellation in Jumla, which can occur sometimes due bad and unfavorable weather conditions which is beyond our control.
Day 15: Transfer to Airport for your departure
We will be free till departure. Our representative will transfer to Airport and says good bye.
Cost Details
Equipments Checklist
Clothing
Warm jacket or down jacket
Water and windproof jacket, poncho or umbrella
Long sleeved synthetic fleece
Thermal underwear
Hat, pair of gloves and scarf
Comfortable hiking trousers (loose fitting)
Shorts and trousers, or skirt
2 pairs of warm wool-blend socks
2 pairs of running socks or liner socks
Proper hiking boots
Running shoes and flip-flops
T-shirts
During winter season, additional clothings may include:
The outer jacket should be warm, down jacket is highly recommended during winter season
Bring a pair of warm winter trousers, in addition to the hiking trousers
Bring at least one windproof layer of clothes, helping to reduce any chill factor influence.
Snow gaitors
Trekking Gear
Pair of polarizing sun-glasses (to be comfortable and to avoid potential snow-blindness)
Backpack and backpack cover (against rain and dust)
Map of the trekking area
Head torch, or small torch, plus spare batteries
Sleeping bag and silk liner
Water bottles
Miscellaneous
Toiletries
A small light weight and quick drying towel
Bar of soap
Sunscreen (at least SPF +20)
Earplugs
Insect repellants (for lower elevations)
First aid kid
Water purification tables or a water filter
Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if going beyond 4,000 m elevations)
Toilet paper
Optional items
Camera, battery etc
Altimeter
Compass
Binoculars
Books/magazines
Trekking poles
GPS unit
Padlocks for guest house rooms and bags
Sewing/repair kit
Pocket knife
Candles (for lodges)
Dairy or notebook plus pencil/pen
Camping
Tent
Stove and fuel
Cooking, eating and drinking utensils
Sleeping mat
Food and water (for the very remote trekking areas)
Map
Gallery
