A Complete Guide To Beautiful Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake Trekking is without a doubt one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal that leads to Rara Lake. It is one of Nepal’s biggest lakes. Thousands of people come to the lake each year from all around the world. Rara Lake has a surface area of 10.8 km2 and is located at a height of 2,990 meters. It is a fantastic hiking location because it is bordered by verdant hills and Rara National Park.

This enthralling trip to Rara Lake is located in Nepal’s distant northwest. The Rara Lake trek begins in a bustling capital city and ends in a secluded part of Jumla. Enrooted will take you through the intriguing villages of Gorusingha, Sija, and Jaljala before ending at the calm paradise of Rara Lake. Rara Lake Trek is also located in Rara National Park, which is one of the most fascinating national parks to visit if you want to see a variety of species.

Rara Lake Trek
Rara Lake Trek
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Several blue pines, black juniper, oak, cypress, and rhododendron woods may be found in the national park. Himalayan Black Bears, Musk Deer, Leopards, Ghoral, Thar, and Red Pandas have all been seen in during your Rara Lake Trek. More than 200 different types of beautiful birds and butterflies may be seen in these woodlands.

Rara Lake has some of the bluest water in the world, yet it changes hues three times a day, and the background of the lake changes as well. The Rara Lake Trek route is less traveled and off the main path. As a result, it is an excellent choice for individuals seeking solitude and communication with nature during the Rara Lake Trek.

Throughout this Rara Lake trek, you will see highly varied and unique cultures and panoramas that are not found anywhere else in Nepal. This breathtaking high-altitude lake is surrounded by pine, alpine meadows, juniper, and spruce woods, with the spectacular Himalayan snow-capped hills in the background. In the winter, the mountains around the lake are typically blanketed in snow, giving the lake a lovely appearance.

Prepare to be awestruck by the off-the-beaten-path splendor of tranquil Rara Lake with the Great Everest Trek.

Highlights of Rara Lake Trek

• Take a picturesque flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj or the other way around.

• Take in Rara Lake’s natural beauty and peacefulness.

• Go to Sinja Valley, a significant old historical site in Nepal.

• Discover Rara National Park’s diverse biota.

• Take in the stunning scenery and distant views of the Dolpo and API Shripal peaks.

• Take a stroll through lovely pine, birch, and rhododendron forests.

• Get a taste of Jumla’s real culture and way of life.

How difficult is Rara Lake Trek?

Rara Lake Trek is beginner-friendly and is suitable for the trekker of moderate fitness. Beginners and intermediate trekkers with a basic degree of fitness may easily accomplish this journey. With a small day pack, you might be able to hike for 4 to 6 hours through steep terrain. As a result, no prior hiking or technical knowledge is required for this Rara Lake Trek.

When is the best time to trek around Rara Lake?

The best time to do the Rara Lake Trek is in the spring (September-October) and autumn (March-May). The weather will be good during this time, and you’ll get spectacular views of the Himalayas reflected in the lake. Not to mention, during the spring season, the region is blanketed with blossoming multicolored Rhododendrons, which offer a distinct and unparalleled beauty to the area surrounding the lake.

Recommended Detailed Itinerary for Rara Lake Trek

Day 1: Pick up from the airport and transfer to your hotel (1,300 m/4,264 ft) for the night.

Our representative will greet you with a warm welcome when you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. After a short trip from the airport, you’ll arrive at the hotel in the center of Kathmandu. You may relax when the procedure of checking is completed.

After recharging your batteries, you must attend a brief orientation class at our corporate headquarters. Our guide will give you an overview of the forthcoming tour in this short presentation. You may spend the rest of your day exploring the area, eating traditional Nepalese food, and learning about Nepalese culture. Kathmandu is where you will spend the night.

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing excursion for half a day. Accommodation in a hotel.

After breakfast on this day, you’ll go on a half-day sightseeing trip to Kathmandu Valley. You’ll see several historical sites that have been designated as World Heritage Sites. Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square are the highlights of the day. You can shop and prepare for the trip in the evening. Stay in Kathmandu for the night.

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj at a height of 150 meters (490 feet). Accommodation in a hotel for 1 hour.

On this day of the Rara Lake trek, you’ll fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj for an hour’s picturesque trip. Nepalgunj is a prominent transportation and industrial center in the Banke area of far western Nepal. You’ll have plenty of time today to see Nepal’s multi-ethnic capital. You’ll get a close look at the Terai people’s distinct culture and way of life, which is significantly different from that of residents in the capital city.

You may either go to Grasscutters’ Lane or eat some street cuisine. You may also go to Royal Bardia National Park, which is only a few hours away from Nepalgunj’s main market. Elephant safaris and animal encounters are available here. Stay the night at Nepalgunj.

Day 4: Fly 20 minutes from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2,540 m/8,334 ft) and stay at a Tea House.

After breakfast, you’ll board a flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla on this day. You’ll arrive at Jumla at a height of 2,540 meters after a 20-minute flight. As you travel from the plains of Terai to the mountainous scenery of Jumla today, you’ll notice a dramatic shift in the landscape.

Jumla is located in Nepal’s Karnali area, which is isolated and underdeveloped. It is the administrative center for the Jumla districts. For the goal of acclimatization, you’ll spend a whole day exploring this unexplored location. Stay the night at Jumla.

Day 05: Trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur (3055 m/10,023 ft) and stay in a tea house.

Your Rara Lake Trek officially begins on this day. You’ll begin your hike from Jumla to Chere Chaur after breakfast (3,055 meters). Because it is the first day of the hike, you should take it gently and drink lots of water. You’ll pass through Khalanga Bazaar, a tiny marketplace, on your journey to Chere Chaur. You’ll arrive at Chere Chaur for an overnight stay after going through various tiny towns and temples.

Day 06: Chere Chaur to Chalachaur (2980 m/9,777 ft) on  Tea House Accommodation 5-6 hours.trek

On the 6th day of your Rara Lake Trek, you’ll continue the western paths to Jaljala Pass, where you’ll steadily rise through spectacular rhododendron, birch, and pine woods (3,580 meters). The Kanjiroba Himal is visible from Jaljala Pass. You’ll pass via this pass and continue your journey on a beautiful trail. After a few hours, you’ll arrive at Jaljala Chaur, a summer grazing pasture. After 5-6 hours of walking, you’ll reach Chala Chaur (2,980 meters) for an overnight stay on the main Rara Circuit track.

Day 07: Chalachaur to Sinja Valley Tea House Accommodation (2490 m/8167 ft).

On this day, you’ll go to Sinja Valley, a little settlement on the banks of the Hima River. The path passes through several minor towns. The Jaljala River will accompany you on your journey. Finally, after a 4-5-hour hike, you’ll arrive at Sinja Valley (2,490 meters), where you’ll spend the night. From the 12th through the 14th century, this lovely valley served as the capital of the Malla Dynasty. As a result, the Sinja Valley provides trekkers with various old temples and sites to explore.

Day 08: Sinja to Ghorosingha Tea House Accommodation (3050 m/10007 ft).

You’ll have an early morning breakfast and depart Sinja for Ghorosingha on this day. You’ll reach Laha by following the upstream route east. The Rara Lake trek continues from Laha to Gani, a tiny town. You’ll reach Ghorosingha (3,050 meters) for an overnight stay if you continue on the difficult trek.

Day 09: Ghorosingha to Rara Lake (3010 m/9876 ft) on Tea House Accommodation for 6-7 hours.

After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Rara Lake (3,010 meters) through a difficult climb along the side of Chucharmare Danda. You’ll enjoy spectacular Himalayan views from the top of the hill, with gorgeous deep blue tranquil Rara Lake surrounded by green hills. You’ll now enter a woodland route and continue your trip till you reach Majhghat while taking in the beautiful landscape.

After crossing Majhghat, follow the Khatyar River to Chhapri hamlet, which is also the Rara National Park’s headquarters. Finally, after a 6-7-hour hike, you’ll arrive at Rara Lake, your ideal destination. Upon arrival, you may enjoy a close-up view of Rara National Park’s peaceful lake and beautiful foliage.

Day 10: Explore Rara Lake to take in the beauty of the lake and its surroundings, connect with the locals, and learn more about their culture and ethnicity. Accommodation in a Tea House

You’ll spend the entire day visiting Rara Lake and its surroundings on this day. After breakfast, you’ll go to one of Nepal’s largest lakes to explore it. It is bordered by deep green forests that are home to a broad range of flora and wildlife, including some indigenous birds, fish, and animal species. If you’re looking for a long day excursion, Murma Top provides a breathtaking view of the lake from above. It will take around 6-7 hours to go there and return. You may also enjoy the amazing view of the lake and the Himalayas if you merely wish to linger on the lake’s shore.

The shifting light of the lake’s colors, which undergoes a beautiful transition, will undoubtedly provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Aside from that, on a clear day, you may go on short boating trips, however, swimming is prohibited to avoid contaminating the crystal blue water. After taking in the breathtaking sights and photographing them with your camera, you’ll go to the teahouse for an overnight stay.

Day 11: Rara Lake to Pina (2440 m/8006 ft) on Tea House Accommodation for 4-5 hours.

On this day, you’ll journey towards Pina, leaving behind the magnificent, clean Rara Lake. The hike today will take around 4-5 hours and will be pretty nice until you reach Gamgadhi, the Mugu District’s headquarters. You’ll continue to Jhyari Khola through a lovely wooded track. After that, small uphill treks through the pine forest will lead you to Pina (2,440 meters). Overnight stay in Pina village’s teahouse.

Day 12: Pina to Bumra (2850 m/9351 ft) on  Tea House Accommodation for 5-6 hours.

You’ll depart Pina for Bumra after breakfast on this day. The path goes down and leads to Ghurchi Langna Pass, which is 3,480 meters above sea level. This is the trek’s highest point. Colorful prayer flags may be seen, and the magnificent Karnali River can be seen from the top of the pass.

You’ll continue your Rara Lake trek down to Bulbule after taking in the vista. You’ll go south from Bulbule, passing through Chautha and the little settlements there. After a 5- to 6-hour hike, you’ll arrive in a lovely Burmese village (2,850 meters) for an overnight stay. Nauri Ghat is another name for this settlement.

Day 13: Bumra to Jumla (2540 m/8334 ft): Bumra to Jumla (2540 m/8334 ft): Bumra to Jumla (2540 m/83 Tea House Accommodation for 5-6 hours.

You’ll begin your walk from Bumra village early in the morning on the day of your Rara Lake Trek. You’ll cross two suspension bridges across the Hima River on the final day of your Rara Lake Trekking. You’ll arrive at a hot spring after a couple of hours of downhill walking. You may calm your body by taking a bath here. You’ll cross the Danphe Lagna pass at 3,691 meters after spending some time in the hot spring. You’ll keep walking till you reach Chere Chaur. You’ll go back on the same route you walked a few days ago from this settlement. Finally, after a 5- to 6-hour hike, you’ll arrive in Jumla (2,540 meters), where you’ll spend the night.

Day 14: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.

You’ll travel back to Nepalgunj from Jumla on this day, early in the morning. After arriving in Nepalgunj, you’ll take a flight back to Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. You will be transferred to the appropriate hotel upon arrival at the International Airport. In the evening, take a stroll around Thamel, a popular tourist destination nearby. Here you may celebrate your accomplishment of completing the Rara Lake Trek. You can also go shopping at the last minute. In Kathmandu, spend the night.

Day 15:  Departure Day

Our representative will drop you off at Tribhuvan International Airport around 3 hours before your flight’s planned departure time. You will wave a final goodbye with your beautiful Rara Lake Trek memories to your home country or next destination.

Permits and Fees for Rara Lake Trek

  • Foreign visitors to Rara National Park must pay a charge of 3,000 NPR plus 13% VAT, totaling 3,390 NPR (about $34).
  • For SAARC nationals, the entrance cost to Rara National Park is 1,500 NPR.
  • TIMS Card: 1,000 NPR (about $10 USD)