Call us, we are at your service
View more photos
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.
The Rara Lake Trek stands out as the ultimate escape into Nepal’s "Wild West," offering a profound sense of solitude that more crowded routes simply cannot match. As you journey through the protected wilderness of Rara National Park, your visit supports the preservation of one of the Himalayas' most fragile ecosystems and provides vital economic opportunities for the remote communities of the Mugu and Jumla districts. Reaching the shores of Rara Lake—the largest and deepest freshwater lake in Nepal—rewards you with a mesmerizing sight: 10.8 square kilometers of shimmering turquoise water reflecting the snow-capped peaks of the Chuchemara and Murma hills. This trek is a nature lover's sanctuary; you can witness rare wildlife like the Red Panda and Musk Deer or marvel at the thousands of migratory birds that call this high-altitude oasis home.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Trek Duration: 5–6 hours
Descend gradually through forested paths and traditional villages to the settlement of Pina.
Overnight: Teahouse in Pina
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
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
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
Depending on your flight time, enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing before being transferred to the airport for your departure.
Overnight: —
April 2, 2025
“Our trek to Annapurna base camp was wonderful- the whole trip was organised with incredible care and attention by Sam in Kathmandu. He even took the time to meet up with us both before and after the trek to ensure that everything was in order and we were happy with arrangements. The guide we were given was superb and altered the trek schedule to reflect our pace of walking, while the porter was superb, friendly and caring. Having been trekking with far larger companies in the past, I have to say that the level of service from Above and Beyond surpassed their efforts, something we really appreciated since we were travelling alone and not part of a larger group. Highly recommend talking to Sam if you are thinking of a trip to Nepal.”
October 10, 2025
“Our Annapurna Base Camp Trek was amazing! The guide knows so many people and knows so much about the area that the experience was not just about one of the best treks in the world, but I felt totally immersed in the villages, the people and the region itself. Sam got us into every kitchen we stopped at so we could watch the cooks prepare the food and ask them any questions. I felt safe with his knowledge of the people Sam knows the area so well that he would spot animals in the jungle that I had missed even though I had been resting in the location without noticing them. Himalayan Lungurs on 3 occasions, ox, buffalo, it was amazing. Sam is so positive and joyful to be around. He is the best guide and he gets my highest endorsement and recommendation.”
April 12, 2024
“Above and Beyond Trekking fits its name very well. I felt completely taken care of during my trek. Sam, the owner of the company goes the extra mile to ensure that his clients are satisfied with their trek. I had been anxious about finding a good guide upon arriving in Nepal. Above and Beyond Trekking was recommended by a friend. I am happy to say that this is a fantastic company. All details were taken care of before I arrived. My guide was flexible and made adjustments to our itinerary as needed. The experience itself was wonderful. There is so much extraordinary beauty in Nepal. I would highly recommend Above and Beyond Trekking to anyone planning to trek in Nepal.”