Rara lake is surrounded by verdant alpine meadows and steep densely forested ridges that are abundant with wildlife. The region around Jumla and Rara Lake is still relatively unexplored. The area gives a taste of natural wilderness and silence. Rara Lake Trekking starts from Jumla, the largest upland hill town in the west Nepal. Climbing gradually through forests of mixed oak, conifer, pine, broad-leafed chestnut, white birch and rhododendron, we cross the lush alpine meadows with herds of sheep and goat herders. Rara Lake is Nepal’s largest lake and lies at an altitude of 3050 meters. An outstanding snowcapped panorama of Dolpo and Tibetan mountains overshadows the scene across the deep clear waters of the lake. The National park consists of Himalayan black bear, leopard, Black Panther, thar, musk deer, red panda, goral, wild boar, rhesus and languor monkeys and numerous species of birds.

The final four days of the trek offer superb views over Mugu, the southern mountains of Humla and the border ranges of Tibet. The trail takes us through grassy alpine pastures and remote villages, before descending steeply off the second pass to Jumla. And finally from here we fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Trip Highlights
Rara lake trekking is suitable for any walker looking for something a little more challenging and energetic. It does not require that you have any previous trekking or mountaineering experience. Although the terrain is not difficult, some vigorous hiking experience is useful. And It does not require any technical experience; only that you be in good physical conditioning and be able to hike for 4-6 hours over hilly terrain with a light day pack.

Rara Lake Trekking 12 Days Itinerary

Day 01: Fly to Nepalgunj

Day 02: Flight to Jumla and trek to Uthungaon

Day 03: Trek to Danphe Lagna

Day 04: Trek to Chautha

Day 05: Trek to Dhotu

Day 06: Trek to Rara Lake

Day 07: Rest and Travel around Rara Lake

Day 08: Trek to Ghorasingha

Day 09: Trek to Sinja

Day 10: Trek to Jaljala

Day 11: Trek to Jumla

Day 12: Flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

Rara Lake 4 Days  Short Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Day 2: 40 minutes flight to Talcha airport from Nepalgunj and 2-3 hours trek to Rara
Day 3: 3 hours trek to Murma top to get the best view of Rara Lake back to teahouse.
Day 4: 2 hours Horse ride to Salleri and flight back to Nepalgunj then drive to Kathmandu
Note: If you are interested in this short itinerary, contact us for pricing and other detail information.

Rara Lake Trekking 12 Days Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Fly to Nepalgunj

Flight Distance: 515 km

Flight Duration: 40 minutes

Maximum Altitude: 150 meters

We start our Rara Lake Trek by taking a flight to Nepalgunj. The plane taking off from Kathmandu will provide you with a whole new frame of a valley that looks nothing but spectacular. In about 40 minutes of flight, you can snap the sweeping landscape of terai as well as its beautiful cities. You’ll spend the first night of the trek in a hotel room at Nepalgunj.

Day 02: Flight to Jumla and trek to Uthungaon

Flight Distance: 140 km

Flight Duration: 35 minutes

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2530 meters

Filled with rejuvenating sites of mountains, ever changing landscapes and hills, the flight to Jumla will indeed make our day. Because the town is only 35 minutes away from Nepalgunj, we will have our breakfast upon reaching Jumla.

Also, that means we have an entire half hour to peek through Himalayas infused with lush-green forest and remote villages. Few hours later, taking down the Jumla airport, we’ll embark on our trek to Uthugaon.

Rather than following a linear path, we’ll walk along the bank of Tila Khola River and turn north next to Chaudhabise Khola. The trail from here will take us through a pine forest and meadows before ascending Padmara Valley. The trail on the far side of Uthugaon follows the river up until it reaches the village. We’ll have a reposeful night in a lodge at Uthugaon.

Day 03: Trek to Danphe Lagna

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Maximum Altitude: 3500 meters

It’s the third day of our Rara Lake trek and the excitement is already sky-high. Since the trek today lasts no more than 5 hours, we won’t be in a rush and also have time to relax.

After having chockfull breakfast, we’ll continue hiking through a ravine to Padmara Village. Sloppy steep trail to Khali Lagna Pass (3550m) will take us to a dense forest rich with fir, pine and spruce. Not too long after, we’ll meet the junction from where the trail slowly climbs down to the forest. Shortly after passing the mixed forest vegetation of birches and spruce, you’ll reach Danphe Lagna.

Day 04: Trek to Chautha

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2770 meters

Coming to the fourth day, our trek to Chautha will draw us closer to the lake. The trail walking to the village is half steep and half uneven so we need to start trekking from early in the morning.

As soon as we’ll start walking, the path climbs uphill to the forest full of birches, bamboo and fir. Descending to Sinja Khla, we’ll have many twists and turns to overcome while a log bridge to pass.

Until we continue following the downstream to Nyawre, we’ll do just fine. The hiking gets a little strenuous from here as we’ll be climbing the hills to Kabra. One of the main attractions of this place would be a silajit that supposedly tends to heal the pain. After trekking for almost 5-6 hours, we’ll eventually reach Chautha.

Day 05: Trek to Dhotu

Trek Distance: 196 km

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2380 meters

The trail walking from Chautha to Dhotu is a scenic splendor with remote villages and thick forest. So not to miss the chance of exploring it, we’ll return to the trail immediately after having breakfast.

The track far from Chautha carves its way through a steep hill to Bhulbule. Passing through it, you’ll reach Rara National Park checkpoint where our entry permit will be verified. From here, we’ll steadily walk to Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3450m) that has a wonderful setting with Buddhist monasteries and Chortens.

The trail through to the pass leans downhill into the spruce forest before reaching Dhoti Village. As for the night, we’ll stay in a lodge at Dhotu.

Day 06: Trek to Rara Lake

Trek Duration: 4-5 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2980 meters

After 5 days of long trek starting from Uthuagon, we’ll finally be able to perceive Rara Lake. With the well-defined route, Rara Lake can be easily reached from Dhotu and in only 4-5 hours.

At the beginning of the trek, we scale a steep hill next to a green farm field. It then walks all the way to a small stream that is to be crossed on a wooden bridge. In between, we’ll get to traverse a small village in Jhyari with a settlement of Thakuri.

It might take us a few times from Jhyari to reach Rara, having to ascend uphill through a forest with cedar and a ridge. Finally after 5 hours of tough hike, we’ll be gazing at the north face of the lake.

Day 07: Rest and Travel around Rara Lake

It marks the most important day of our Rara Lake trek. After all the hardships, today you’ll get to explore Rara Lake which looks no less than a heaven. From riding the horse to boating on a lake, there is an ample thing to do here. Also, you can well-spent the day by exploring the wildlands and forest which is home to wide species of birds and animals. Among the wild animals, you’ll get to witness are Serows, Red Panda and Langur. We’ll spend the night at a camp in front of Rara Lake.

Day 08: Trek to Ghorasingha

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 3190 meters

Leaving the magical Rara Lake behind, we’ll once again get back to the trail which precedes Khatyar Khola River. As the gushing river provides us with a peaceful sound, we climb down the hill.

Being remote, the path is narrow from here but comes with sublime beauty of the forest filled with spruce, pine and rhododendron. Finally, after descending the hill up to Ghatta Valley and strolling a few miles, we’ll put up with Ghorasingha. The village may be thinly populated but has the best view with green forest and hill above.

Day 09: Trek to Sinja

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2440 meters

With a stomach full of breakfast in Gurusinha, we’ll start out the trek to Sinja by walking down to Ghatta Valley. The trail to be followed from here keeps stretching and so does the Sinja Khola as far as to the village.

Getting into Sinja, you can explore the communes inhabited by different ethnic groups. You will have quite a great time learning about their culture and tradition. For the night, you’ll stay at a guest house.

Day 10: Trek to Jaljala

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 3531 meters

Coming down from Sinja, you’ll walk on a trail to Jaljala that runs through many wooden bridges. As the trail leads down the Sinja Khola, you’ll get across the river on a cantilever bridge and pass through a small village.

The trek will arouse your interest from here as it sees you crossing the river in a string of log bridge. Walking further, we’ll get through a densely forested area covered with oak, birch, barley and corn. Hiking up to the village, you’ll ascend a steep hill to the meadow called Jaljala Chaur that’s fed by horses. Tonight, you’ll stay at a guest house in Jaljala.

Day 11: Trek to Jumla

Trek Duration: 5-6 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2370 meters

As we’ve already walked the trail to Jumla once, the trek won’t be much challenging today. Also, the route leading to Jumla is mostly downhill so it will be easier to walk.

After having a delicious breakfast in Jaljala, we’ll descend through the forest underneath the ridge. We’ll also get across a green meadow before putting an end to the trek at Jumla.

Day 12: Flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

Flight Distance (Nepalgunj): 140 km

Flight Distance (Kathmandu): 367 km

Flight Duration (Nepalgunj): 40 minutes

Flight Duration (Kathmandu): 30 minutes

Maximum Altitude: 1400 meters

It’s the last day of our Rara lake trek. Today we’ll officially leave the town and fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. So, to relish the trip, we’ll have local breakfast in the hotel and then set off for the flight to Nepalgunj.

The scenic flight from Jumla takes around 40 minutes before taking down Nepalgunj. Throughout the flight, we get to watch the sweeping view of mountains, dynamic landscapes and rivers. After making it to the Nepalgunj, we’ll take another flight to Kathmandu that lasts 30 minutes. From here, we’ll relocate you back to the hotel.

 

Trip Cost US$ 1750 Per person

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FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions

Trekking to a new place can always be nerve-wracking  disregard of the number of times you might have done it. Every place has its own culture, non-verbal norms and values, government policies and so on.

Having even the basic knowledge about the place can boost your confidence and give you a positive anticipation of the experience you can gain from the place.

If you are looking forward to trek in Nepal, this article will indeed be of great use to refer to. Answered below, are some of the most frequently asked questions about trekking in Nepal.

1.      Is trekking difficult?

The difficulty level of the trek entirely depends upon the trek you chose.

If you happen to be trekking for the first time, or your physical condition does not permit you to (because of age or other medical conditions) you can always look for easy treks.

Easy treks have shorter number of days, less distance to be walked in a day, and relatively lower altitudes. You do not have to have prior experience or knowledge to trek to these places.

If you are adventurer and are looking for some thrill, you have plenty of options to choose from. Difficult treks have longer number of days. You will have to walk for 5-7hrs a day on an average and these treks are mostly situated in high altitudes. These treks also demand a good level of physical fitness.

Unlike other product, trekking is not about more for better. The difficulty level has got nothing to do with the experience you can gain from a trek.

Go for what you want to and what your physical ability will allow you to. Do not push yourself too hard. Trekking is not a competition. Its relaxation.

2.      Is trekking expensive?

This entirely depends upon how much you are willing to spend on your trek. You can trek luxuriously by spending lavishly or you can backpack. It all depends upon how much your bank balance allows you to.

You will get accommodation for as less as 3-4$ per night, or you can pay up to 60-1004 per night for luxury resorts. On an average, you will need not more than 10$ for a meal. If you are looking for economical places, you can eat 3 meals for 10$! But eating at such places come at a great cost of low hygiene rate.

Bottom line: Nepal is not an expensive place when it comes to tourism. It is probably one of the places you can have the most economical luxury trek comparing to what a luxury trek would otherwise cost in your country!

3.      What preparations should I make before trekking?

It is always a good idea to involve yourself in doing physical exercises before trekking. Not that you have to be all athletic and muscular to trek. An average level of physical fitness will make the journey less stressful.

Ending up with sore muscles, blisters, joint pain, and back pain can be very discomforting while trekking. This is unlikely to happen if you exercise beforehand.

Start exercising at least a month before the trek. You can do cardio exercises like running, jogging, long walks, cycling and swimming. Carry a light backpack along with you to get used to it. Gym work out can be a good option too. Just don’t over-do it.

If you are going on an easy trek, you need not be very physically fit. But prior exercising is still a good option. You will only make your journey more comfortable.

4.      What are the things I need to pack?

There are a long list of things you will need for trekking. The things you carry can affect the entire experience of your journey. So make sure that while purchasing any gear, make no compromisation on the quality or the brand of the equipment.

To know about the things you require, refer to the following link-

http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/travel-resources/trekking/equipment-gear-needed-for-trekking-in-nepal.html

5.      Do I need special permission to trek?

You will not need trekking permits in any of the treks in the Everest region, the Annapurna region and also in the Langtang region. But you will have to pay entry fees while entering a conservation area or a national park.

Trekking permits are a must for trekking in the restricted regions. The permits are available for purchase in the department of immigration located in Dillibazaar, Kathmandu. For further information, refer to-

http://www.taan.org.np/pages/trekking-permit-fees

6.      Is drinking water easily available?

Availability of drinking water is not the problem. The problem is the cost of it at higher altitude. As you gain height, the price of water rises up to 2-3$ per liter.

An alternative way of getting drinking water is by having your water bottles filled in tea houses. Tea houses will provide you boiled water for about 0.4-0.7$ per liter. They are completely safe for drinking.

Therefore, do not forget to take at least two water bottles with you.

7.      What kind of food is available during trekking?

Food is not of any concern while trekking. You will get all kinds of cuisines. For breakfast, tea houses will provide you with eggs cooked in your preferred style along with pan cakes, bread butter, roti, and so on.

Various other dishes like pizza, pasta, momo, chowmein and many more are also available. The most preferred dish is Dal Bhaat. It is a typical Nepali meal. Rice is served with vegetable curry, lentils, tomato chutney and meat curry. The best part- an extra helping will no cost you extra! The meal is highly nutritional. It will also keep you fueled for long walks.

8.      What kind of accommodation should I expect?

Accommodation depends upon the type of trekking you are going for. There are two types of trekking

1.      Tea house trekking:

You will be spending your night in tea houses. Tea houses are local lodges and hotels. They are small and comfortable enough. Most rooms are shared with two small cots that have mattress, pillows and sheets. If you need spare blankets, you can always ask for it. The rooms have attached bathroom, western flush designed and shower. You will have to pay for hot shower and electricity.

Dormitories are also available and a very low cost of about 3-4$ per night. These come with common toilets and bathrooms.

The cleanliness of the rooms may not live up to your expectations. Bring your own pillow if possible. Conjunctivitis is a common case you might fall sick of.

2.      Camp treks

In this type, you will spend your nights in tented camps. Such treks mostly lie in the restricted regions. These regions do not have enough facilities to accommodate many people.

 

9.      What are the risks associated with trekking?

Trekking is an extreme sport and does come with a lot of risks. Some unavoidable risks are avalanche, heavy rainfall, earthquake, landslide and other such natural calamities.

You might fall and injure yourself or catch some viral flue. The deadliest risk of trekking is AMS or Acute Mountain Sickness. This sickness occurs when a great altitude is gained and the body fails to adjust to the changing pressures associated with it. Anyone can fall a victim of the sickness and if not treated in time, it can be fatal.

10. How to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?

There is absolutely nothing you can do to prepare your body for altitude sickness. But yo can take few precautionary measures to avoid it. They are-

1. Attain height gradually and slowly
2. As you cross over 2000meters, reduce your number of walking hours and walk slow
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Take ample rest. Take more rest if you feel like your body is asking for it
5. Eat high caloric food
6. Avoid smoking or drinking

11. How to diagnose AMS?

In order to detect AMS, you need to be aware of the symptoms of them. They are-

1. Headache
2. Nausea and vomiting
3. Dizziness
4. Tiredness
5. Loss of appetite
6. Upset stomach
7. Feeling unsteady
8. Shortness of breath
9. Increased heart rate
10. Difficulty sleeping

If you notice any of the symptoms, take immediate precautionary measures such as:

1. Do not climb any higher for the next 48 hours
2. Descend to a lower altitude if possible
3. Take complete rest until you feel well
4. Do not exercise
5. Do not smoke
6. Drink plenty of water
7. Take external oxygen supply if necessary
8. Take anti-sickness medicines

If you see no further improvement in your heath within the next 48 hours, you will have to be deported to Kathmandu in a helicopter. Therefore, do not forget to issue and insurance that will cover you helicopter reuse cost.

12. Do I need a guide/porter to trek?

There is no such hard and fast rule that you must have one. But it is highly advisable to travel with them. Some of the treks cannot be trekked without a guide most of them are the restricted ones.

A guide is someone who will help you with navigations. He will also have a better idea about the places to live in and eat at can negotiated prices for you. They will also help you during medical emergencies.

A porter is someone who will carry your load for you so that you can enjoy long walks.

In case you hire them, you are entirely responsible for providing them with trekking gears, food and accommodation and other medical facilities.

Guide/porter as also available these days. These are people who play the role of both a guide and a porter. Hiring them will save you from bearing an additional cost.

13. Can I trek solo?

To some places, yes. But trekking solo in the restricted area is completely forbidden. You will have to trek in a group.

A lot of people trek solo in Nepal and have thoroughly enjoyed. Trekking solo has its own benefits. You will not have to adjust your schedule according to anyone. You can also follow your own route as you wish to. Also, finding your way, especially in the non-restricted regions, is very easy. The routes are well marked and pretty straight.

Nepal is completely safe for solo trekkers. But you will also have to be a little more careful while travelling alone.

14. What is the difference between trekking independently and trekking with an agency?

Trekking independently means trekking without an agency. You can hire a guide or a porter if you want to. You may also have a trekking partner. But the entire journey depends upon the way you want to take it.

In treks organized by agencies, they will have a well-planned schedule designed for you which you will have to strictly follow. Most of the times, you will be travelling with a group. The agency will also provide you with a guide and a porter. Trekking with an agency will be a little more expensive than trekking independently or solo.

15. Which is the best season to trek in Nepal?

Every season as its own charm. However, the best seasons are spring lasting from April to May and autumn lasting from September to November.

In these two season, Nepal sees the maximum number of tourists who come to trek. These are the busiest months of the year. The weather is highly pleasant and favorable for long walks. The trails are blossoming with fresh leaves and flowers. The clear skies allow you to get a great view of the magnificent Himalayas.

Conclusion

The above information covers up almost everything you need to know about trekking. If you happen to have any queries, please feel free to leave a comment below or inbox us at [email protected]