Rara Lake Trek is a less traveled trek that leads you to the stunning and serene Rara Lake, located in Rara National Park in Nepal’s isolated mid-western area. This hike has recently become very popular with both local and international tourists due to the stunning beauty and peace offered by the lake itself. Navigating the secluded paths of the western mid-hills allows you to discover the local culture, traditional way of life, and the remarkable biodiversity of the area.
The Rara Lake Trek commences upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Following a short visit to the Kathmandu Valley, the journey starts with a flight to Nepalgunj and then to Jumla. The journey to Jumla offers picturesque sights of the diverse landscape of mid-western Nepal, ranging from plains to elevated hills. The path includes numerous rises and drops across the lowlands, mountain forests, and cultural villages. The peak elevation you will attain during the hike is at Ghurchi Langa Pass (3450m), encircled by fir and pine forests. Rara Lake lies peacefully within Rara National Park, encircled by verdant hills and snow-capped mountain summits. The mesmerizing lake radiates serene energy and justifies every drop of sweat shed during the hike.Rara National Park, the residence of Rara Lake, serves as a refuge for numerous rare species of wildlife and birds. Wildlife like musk deer, Ghoral, leopard, Himalayan black bear, wild boars, and waterfowl can be spotted. In addition to the captivating biodiversity and stunning mountain scenery, you can also explore the traditional culture of the “Khas” tribe. Sinja village, where the “Khas” tribe resides, was previously the capital of the Malla dynasty. The hike concludes with a nice stroll to Jumla, where you catch a mountain flight back to Nepalgunj before traveling to Kathmandu.
The trek begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. Our company representative will welcome you at the airport. Then you will be transferred to a 4-star hotel for your overnight stay.
After a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel, our tour expert will meet you in the hotel premises. Then you will go on the tour to visit the UNESCO world heritage sites in Kathmandu. You start by visiting Swayambhunath followed by Boudhanath. You will later observe the evening Aarati in Pashupatinath before heading back to the hotel for the overnight stay.
You take a scenic flight over the varying topography of central and western Nepal to reach Nepalgunj. The city of Nepalgunj lies next to the Indian border and is the hottest city of Nepal. A private vehicle will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel. Later in the evening, you can visit the nearby market of Nepalgunj. Overnight at the hotel in Nepalgunj.
In the morning, you take a 45-minute flight to Jumla airstrip from Nepalgunj Airport. You fly over the Himalayan foothills with the views of the towering hills and vast river networks. In the afternoon, you can explore the market of Jumla, the capital of Jumla District. Overnight at tented camp.
The trail follows the north bank of Tika Khola and then turns up to another stream. Make your way through the narrow canyon to Padmara village. Climb the Khali Lagna Pass (3550m) through deep pine and fir forests and then descend to reach Danphe Langa. Overnight at tented camp.
Descend through the thick forests walnut and birch to reach Lete Gad Bridge. After crossing the bridge, you follow the river downstream and make a serious ascend to Kabra. A short hike from here will take you to Chautha. Overnight at tented camp.
You begin the trek by following the stream uphill to Bhulbule and enter Rara National Park. During this journey, you can observe the fascinating flora and fauna of the region. From Rara National Park, you climb up to Ghurchi Langa Pass (3450m) and then descend through the forest to reach Dhotu. Overnight at tented camp.
It will be a short trek today. Hike through a steep north facing slope from Dhotu and cross a series of fields to reach a stream. Then you ascend to Jhyari village and climb through the cedar forest. Descend from the forest to reach the tranquil Rara Lake, one of the biggest freshwater lakes in Nepal. Overnight at tented camp.
Today you explore the enchanting Rara Lake and its surroundings. The beauty of the lake is surreal as it reflects the surrounding lush hills and snowy mountains on its surface. You can just relax on the ground by the lake, reading a book or meditating or simply relishing the tranquil vibes. Overnight at tented camp.
You take another day off trekking to immerse in the beauty of the true blue colored lake. You can explore the nearby areas and hike up the small hills surrounding the lake for a full view of the pristine beauty. The wildlife around the lake includes leopard, Ghoral, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and red panda, which you may spot as you explore the premises of Rara National Park. Overnight at tented camp.
Bidding goodbye to the beautiful Rara Lake, you start your return trek towards Ghorasingha. Walk past Khatyar River and cross a bridge to head towards the southern side. You pass through a dense forest and continue the trek to the southern ridge. Then follow the descending path to Ghatta valley and make your way into Ghorasingha. Overnight at tented camp.
Head down from Ghorasingha and follow Sinja River downstream to reach Sinja. This village was the capital of the Malla dynasty from 12th to 14th century hence houses the ruins of the ancient kingdom. In Sinja, there is a large temple dedicated to Bhagwati, the goddess of justice who rides on a tiger. Overnight at tented camp.
The trail crosses Sinja Khola on a wooden bridge and takes you to Dhobi Khola. Pass through a series of log bridges and small villages before heading into the forest. Afterward, you make a steep ascend to Jaljala, a gigantic meadow full of grazing horses. Overnight at tented camp.
You keep climbing through the forest to reach a meadow and then descend towards the few houses in Chauri Khola. Cross a stream, and then walking on a ridge, make a steep descend to reach Jumla. You will have plenty of time to explore the town of Jumla and interact with the locals. Overnight at tented camp.
There are no flights directly from Jumla to Kathmandu so you have to fly twice today. An early morning flight will take you to Nepalgunj, and from there, you take another flight back to Kathmandu. In the evening, you can either relax in your room or enjoy the pubs and bars in Thamel. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
Today is a free day. Our tour guide will provide you a half day tour of the Kathmandu valley. You can visit places like Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square, both of which are listed under UNESCO as world heritage sites for their historical and architectural richness. Later, you can go for souvenir shopping in Basantapur or Thamel. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.
The 17-day trip comes to an end. Our company representative will drive you to the airport to connect you to your flight back home.
Discover the soul of Nepal with Him-Trail, where each journey brings you closer to the country’s vibrant traditions and breathtaking views.