Description
Trip overview
A journey to Rara Lake is one of the incredible and fascinating treks in the far western region of Nepal that offers a superb experience of nature and unusual glimpses of a culture and scenery quite different from that found elsewhere in Nepal.
The Rara Lake Trek takes us through the solitary path in the remote area of Karnali. This trek showcases the beauty of enthralling Rara Lake walled by green hills on all sides. The oval-shaped Rara Lake is at an altitude of 2,990 meters above the sea level. It is the deepest and largest lake in Nepal. The Rara Lake is proudly addressed by the Nepalese as the “Queen of Lakes”.
Not only natural beauties but also the different traditions and culture of the western part of Nepal make us more immense and amazed. Visiting the village of western Nepal, experiencing the remote life of the people, celebrating their culture and tradition is far from anyone’s expectation.
The trek begins from Kathmandu followed by a flight to Nepalgunj and then to Jumla. During our trek, we will also be entering the Rara National Park which is considered to be one of the finest parks in the world and is an ideal habitat for musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, Himalayan goral, and other exotic animals.
A bit of stamina is required for this trek as we will be walking on mountain paths. These paths will take us through picturesque villages that will give us a taste of every-day Nepali life. Since the region is fairly high and free from monsoon thunder storms, the summer season is ideal forthis trekking.
Quick facts
Location: Rara National Park
Best time: Sept. – November, March – May
Trek Duration: 11 Days
Max. Elevation: 3585 m. Jaljala Pass
Difficulty: Moderate
Average walking: 5-6 hours
Mode of Trek: Camping
Start/ End: Jumla / Jumla
Group size: 2-10 people
Attractions:
- Visit UNESCO world cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu & Bhaktapur.
- Explore remote areas of the western region.
- Discover the wild west of Nepal Himalaya.
- Spotting the rare flora and fauna including Himalayan Thar, musk deer, and others.
- Explore the rich biodiversity of Rara National Park of Nepal.
- Natural beauty and tranquillity of Rara Lake.
- Remote Classical Himalaya and Least Exposed Trekking Area.
- Walkthrough beautiful pine, birch, and rhododendron forests.
- Jaljala pass, Ghurchi Langna Pass & Danphe Lagna Pass.
- Visit Sinja valley, an important old historical place of Nepal.
- Enjoy a super scenic flight from Kathmandu to Jumla and vice-versa.
- Experience the authentic culture and lifestyle of Jumla and Dolpa district.
Trip Itinerary
Day01.Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative of Sisne Rover who will drop us off at our hotel. We then check-in at the hotel, freshen up and take rest. Complete the official formalities for necessary permits. Meet with your guide and check the final preparation for the trek .Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day02. Kathmandu sightseeing and fly to Nepalgunj (150m.): 45 minutes.
After breakfast, leave for the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour that includes UNESCO World heritage sites – Durbar Square, Bouddhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath temple then drop to the airport in the afternoon to catch the flight to Nepalgunj. Pick up and transfer to your hotel in Nepalgunj. Rest or make a short sightseeing trip around Nepalgunj.
Nepalgunj is one of the biggest towns located in western Nepal. It lies near the Nepal-India border which is also the gateway to Mt. Kailash via Simikot. It is quite hot and tropical in nature. This city has a religious significance as it homes Bageshwori Temple- a renowned temple for Hindu devotees and also encounter the diverse cultures of people belonging to the various communities. Overnight in Nepalgunj.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day03. Fly Nepalgunj – Jumla (2540m): 20 minutes
We will take earliest flight from Nepalgunj North west towards a town called Khalanga Jumla. We will gain significant altitude compared to Nepalgunj (150m) as well as Kathmandu (1400m). After an hour rest and acclimatization we will explore the bazaar, visit the temple dedicated to Chandannath. The picturesque landscapes, wildlife and fascinating people and culture of this place will amaze you.
Jumla is the entrance of Karnali Region. It lies in a high altitude valley (2480 m). From the town center, the surrounding mountains form a scenic backdrop. We can climb the surrounding hills to enjoy panoramic views of interlocking hills and mountains. Jumla is famous for its rice (Oryza sativa). Rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation in Jumla ranges from 2,400 to 3,050 m altitude, which is the highest elevation in the world. The highest elevation at 3,050 m is Chhumjul of Jumla, a record altitude, where rice is cultivated in Nepal. Overnight in Tented camp.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day04. Jumla – Chere Chaur (3055m.): 5-6hrs.
The journey starts with an ascending along the Jugad River through green forest and many beautiful villages. On the way, we pass Khalanga Bazaar, a small marketplace for the nearby villages. We will witness amazing landscapes throughout the trail and reach to Chere Chaur.
Chere Chaur is a rolling plateau of grassland. The views here are remarkable. We can also visit a Hindu temple that sits at top of the hill. It is one of the peaceful places and we can see the rich high altitude flora and fauna. The lush meadows, meandering rivers and the coniferous forests on the nearby mountains will make us feel like we are in heaven. Overnight in Tented camp.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 05. Chere Chaur – Chala Chaur (2980m.): 5-6 hrs.
After breakfast, we stretch our trek to Chala Chaur. Our journey starts with an uphill climb into rhododendron forests. Further, we head towards an unnamed green meadow. The trail ascends until you reach the Jaljala pass (3585m.). It offers a fabulous view of Kanjiroba Himal towards the north-east.
Jaljala pass is not so hard like other passes. We will continue our walk through a tranquil wilderness and follow the downhill path for a couple of hours. From here, we ascend on a steep trail and walk along the cool forests until we reach Chala Chaur. Overnight in Tented camp.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 06. Chala Chaur – Sinja Valley (2490m.): 6-7hrs.
Today, our trek starts with an ascend to Sinja valley. The trail passes through several settlements, dense forests along the Jaljala stream. We will follow the Jaljala Khola (stream) through a dense pine forest. Walking through the terraced farms, we will reach the Sinja valley.
Sinja Valley, a western part of Jumla, is the origin of the Nepali language (Khas language). That is the reason why Nepalese civilization is purely believed to have started from Sinja. An interesting thing about this valley is that culture and traditions are well preserved. In the Sinja valley, we can encounter exquisite landscapes, the unique Khas language, and lovely people.Overnight in Tented camp.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day07. Sinja Valley – Ghorasaini (3050m.): 5-6 hrs.
Leaving Sinja valley, we will trek towards the uphill trail along the Hima River through the Lahavillage, forest and beautiful valleys. On the way, we will cross the suspension bridge. Then, thetrail follows another stream of Ghatte Khola towards the north-east. Walking towards the beautiful miniature valley through farmland, we will reach Ghorasaini. Overnight in Tented camp.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day08. Ghorasaini – Rara Lake (3010m.): 5-6hrs.
Today, we head to our final destination to Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest lake. The trail from Ghorasaini Start with an uphill climb all the way to Chuchamare Danda in the serene environment. Chuchamare is the finest viewpoint to get the beautiful scenery of the Himalayan ranges and also enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Rara Lake and surrounding landscapes.
After enjoying the marvelous views, we descend looking down at the beautiful Rara Lake. On the way to Rara Lake, we pass through Khatyar Khola camp and a few villages including Murma. From Murma, the trail gets a little easier and passes through bamboo and birch forests before crossing the Khatyar Khola. We then continue walking towards Chapri village which houses the Rara National Park Headquarters. Overnight in Tented camp.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 09. Explore Rara Lake
Today is the day to explore around Rara Lake. It is an ideal spot for exploration and relaxation. We can enjoy boating and admire the picturesque settings of the lake. Moreover, we can hike around the Rara Lake to encounter the stunning views of Himalayan peaks.
We can explore this place, walk around the lake, and watch wildflowers or rare birds. If we wish to, we can meet the charming local people. Overnight in Tented camp.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10. Rara Lake to Pina (2440m.): 4-5 hrs.
After having an enjoyable and pleasant time in Rara lake, we head back all the way to Pina We walk around 4-5 hours and quite pleasant until we reach Gamgadhi, a headquarter of the Mugu District. Further, you follow the beautiful forest trail to Jhyari Khola. And after short uphill walks take us through the pine forest to Pina (2,440 meters). Overnight in Tented camp.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11. Pina – Bumra (2755m.): 5-6hrs.
From Pina village, we head to Bumra crossing Ghurchi Lagna Pass .Our walk continues with an uphill climb into tranquil and enchanting forests. Enjoying the excellent view of landscapes and mountains, we reach at Ghurchi Lagna Pass at 3,480m. Then the trail descends across alpine meadows and pastures. We will pass through a few villages and reach Bumra village. The Bumra village is also known as Nauri Ghat. Overnight in Tented camp.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 12. Bumra – Jumla (2540m.): 5-6hrs.
Today is the end day of our trek and starts with a pleasant descend to a nice green valley then pass through pristine alpine forests of rhododendron, oaks, and pine trees. We then reach to fertile agriculture tended valley, to the village of Padmara and cross suspension bridges above the Hima River and walk downhill.
Continue walking for a few hours, we get to a hot spring where we can ease our aching body with a dip and follow the trail to Chere Chaur. After reaching Chere Chaur, we follow the same trail we took a couple of days back and reach Jumla. Overnight in Tented camp.
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day13. Jumla – Kathmandu via Nepalgunj & transfer to hotel
Today we have two flights ahead of us, firstly a very short flight to Nepalgunj and then on to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu airport we will take you to Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is a city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur has the best-preserved palace courtyards and old city center in Nepal and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. We can spend the day taking the much needed rest or catch up on some last minute shopping in Bhaktapur.
To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have farewell dinner and share the experiences about our trek. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Day14. Final departure
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today. A representative of Sisne Rover will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Meals included: Breakfast
Cost Includes:
- Airport pick up and drop
- 1 night accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3 star hotel on B/B plan
- 1 night accommodation in Nepalgunj in a 3 star hotel on B/ B plan
- 1 night accommodation in Bhaktapur in a 3 star level on B/B plan
- Flights : KTM – Nepalgunj – Jumla
- Flights : Jumla – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
- All equipment for Camping – Tents, Kitchen utensils, Sleeping bags etc.
- Meals – breakfast , lunch and dinner during the trek
- Trekking staffs – Guide, cook , Sherpa, and porters
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
- Rara National Park permits and TIMS cerficates
- Sightseen tour in Kathmandu
- Medical kit (carried by your trekking guide)
Cost Excludes:
- Other any transportation except included in the section
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
- Temple and monastery entry fee if applied
Important Note
- The itinerary mentioned is a standard guideline. It can be fully customized according to the client’s needs, requirements, and availability.
- The cost of the trip can changed according to the group size, needs, and time boundary.
- The addition or removal of activities will increase or decrease the cost of the trip respectively. This will be done through mutual understanding between the agency and the client(s).
We can customize this trip as per your schedule, budget and preferences. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.
