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Rara Lake with surrounding mountain views

Rara Lake Trek

Region: Western Nepal
Max Altitude: 3,050m / 10,007ft
Duration: 14 Days
Trek Grade: Moderate
Trail Access: Flights (Nepalgunj/Jumla)
Best Season: Sept to Nov, March to May
Trekking Style: Tea House
Group Size: Min 2 to Max 12 Pax
Start/Finish: Kathmandu

Overview

The Rara Lake Trek is a scenic and culturally rich journey through the remote wilderness of western Nepal, leading to Rara Lake—the largest and one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. This off-the-beaten-path trek offers a peaceful alternative to Nepal’s more crowded trails and showcases breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, alpine forests, and serene high-altitude villages.

Nestled at an altitude of 3,010 meters inside Rara National Park, the lake is surrounded by pine, juniper, and spruce forests, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and rich biodiversity. The trek also provides a rare chance to experience the unique culture of the remote Karnali region, with interactions in traditional villages like Sinja Valley and Chalachaur.

The journey begins with a flight to Jumla via Nepalgunj, followed by moderate trekking through terraced hillsides, river valleys, and forested ridges. Along the way, trekkers enjoy dramatic scenery, peaceful trails, and insight into life in one of Nepal’s most untouched corners.

Ideal for moderately experienced trekkers looking for a quiet, nature-focused adventure, the Rara Lake Trek combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and accessible altitude. With proper planning and local guides, it offers one of Nepal’s most rewarding and least-commercial trekking experiences.

Highlights

  • Trek to Rara Lake (3,010m), Nepal’s largest and most pristine alpine lake
  • Explore the remote wilderness of Rara National Park, rich in biodiversity and birdlife
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges including Api and Saipal
  • Experience authentic culture in the traditional Karnali and Mugu villages
  • Walk through lush forests of pine, spruce, juniper, and rhododendron
  • Spot rare wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and Danphe (Nepal’s national bird)
  • Camp or stay in simple teahouses along quiet, crowd-free trails
  • Discover Sinja Valley, an ancient capital of the Malla kingdom and origin of the Nepali language
  • Fly into the high-mountain airstrip of Jumla and witness dramatic landscape changes
  • Ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, natural beauty, and cultural immersion in western Nepal

Itinerary

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

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Take time to rest or explore nearby neighborhoods before a pre-trek briefing in the evening.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2: Trek Briefing & Optional Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Today you'll attend a short trek briefing and finalize logistics for your Rara Lake adventure. The rest of the day is free for optional sightseeing. Visit cultural landmarks like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj (150m / 490ft)

Flight Duration: 1 hour

Take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, a bustling city in the lowlands of western Nepal. The rest of the day is free to rest or explore the local bazaar.

Overnight: Hotel in Nepalgunj

Day 4: Fly to Jumla (2,540m / 8,334ft), Trek to Chere Chaur

Flight Duration: 20 minutes | Trek Duration: 3–4 hours

Fly to the mountain airstrip at Jumla, where your trek begins. Hike through terraced fields and pine forests to reach Chere Chaur.

Overnight: Teahouse in Chere Chaur

Day 5: Trek to Chalachaur (2,980m / 9,777ft)

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

Begin a steady climb through alpine meadows and forests, passing several small settlements before reaching Chalachaur.

Overnight: Teahouse in Chalachaur

Day 6: Trek to Sinja Valley (2,490m / 8,169ft)

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

Descend into the historic Sinja Valley, the ancient capital of the Khasa Kingdom. The trail follows the Jaljala Khola through lush landscapes.

Overnight: Teahouse in Sinja

Day 7: Trek to Ghorosingha (3,050m / 10,007ft)

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

Climb uphill through forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron to reach the highland meadows near Ghorosingha.

Overnight: Teahouse in Ghorosingha

Day 8: Trek to Rara Lake (3,010m / 9,876ft)

Trek Duration: 4–5 hours

A short but scenic hike brings you to the magnificent Rara Lake, the largest and one of the most beautiful lakes in Nepal, surrounded by pine-covered hills.

Overnight: Teahouse near Rara Lake

Day 9: Explore Rara Lake

Enjoy a full day to explore the tranquil beauty of Rara Lake. Optional hikes to nearby viewpoints offer panoramic views of the lake and snow-capped peaks.

Overnight: Teahouse near Rara Lake

Day 10: Trek to Pina (2,440m / 8,006ft)

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

Descend gradually through forested paths and traditional villages to the settlement of Pina.

Overnight: Teahouse in Pina

Day 11: Trek to Bumra (2,850m / 9,351ft)

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

Cross suspension bridges and ascend gently through rhododendron forests before reaching Bumra, also known as Nauri Ghat.

Overnight: Teahouse in Bumra

Day 12: Trek to Jumla (2,540m / 8,334ft)

Trek Duration: 5–6 hours

On your final trekking day, cross the Danphe Lagna Pass and descend to Jumla through scenic pine forests and farmlands.

Overnight: Teahouse in Jumla

Day 13: Fly to Nepalgunj, then to Kathmandu

Flight Duration: 20 min + 1 hour

Take morning flights from Jumla to Nepalgunj and then on to Kathmandu. Rest and relax or enjoy a final stroll through the capital.

Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 14: Final Departure

Depending on your flight time, enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before being transferred to the airport for your departure.

Overnight:

What's Included?

  • All airport transfers in Kathmandu (arrival and departure)
  • Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Jumla – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj with breakfast
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek with three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
  • Daily hot drinks: tea, coffee, or hot chocolate (served 3 times daily while trekking)
  • Trekking permits: Rara National Park Entry Permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
  • Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porters to carry personal gear and group equipment (1 porter for every 2 trekkers)
  • First aid kit and essential medical supplies carried by the guide
  • Staff costs: wages, insurance, equipment, meals, and accommodation
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation coordination (covered by your travel insurance)
  • All applicable government and local taxes

What's Not Included?

  • Nepal Entry Visa: Visa fees upon arrival at Kathmandu airport (e.g., $30 for 15 days, $50 for 30 days)
  • Travel Insurance: Mandatory insurance covering high-altitude trekking, medical emergencies, and evacuation
  • International airfare & airport tax
  • Sightseeing tours (Optional, can be arranged as per request)
  • Trekking equipment (Rental options available in Kathmandu)
  • Tips for trekking staff
  • Personal expenses – Hot showers, battery charging, beverages, desserts, laundry, phone calls
  • Any other expenses not mentioned in the included services
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