rara lake trek

Nepal

Rara Lake Trek

$3565

Destination

Nepal

Activity

City sight seeing/ Trekking

Region

Dolpo Region

Duration

16

Altitude

2380/ at Dhotu

Accomodation

3-star hotel in kathmandu / Tented Camp during the trek

Meal

Full board on trek

Transportation

Private Car / Van / Hiace / Jeep (Ktm - Nepalgunj - Jumla / Jumla - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu On your request)

Best Seasons

Sep-Dec and Mar-May

Group Size

2-20

Grade

Moderate/Difficult

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Overview

Rara Lake trek is one of the best destinations for trekking in western Nepal, Jumla Rara Lake Trek is the largest lake in Nepal surrounded by Rara National Park. The route is well off the trampled track and affords glimpses of culture and scenery very different from other parts of Nepal.

The trek offers a dramatic display of clear high-altitude lakes mingled with pine, spruce, and juniper forests as well as breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Rara Lake is as deep as 167 meters in some places and drains into the river Mugu Karnali via Nijar Khola. The Rara National Park is the home of the endangered red panda, common Langur, and rhesus macaque. Rhododendron, juniper, oak, spruce, and Cyprus are the rich vegetation of this area. An outstanding snow-capped panorama of Dolpo and great mountains overshadow the scene across the deep clear waters of the lake. The National park consists of Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Black Panther, Musk Deer, Red Panda, Wild Boar, Rhesus and Languor Monkeys, and numerous species of birds. The trek offers superb views over Mugu, the southern mountains of Humla, and the border ranges of Tibet. The region is made up of long ridges covered with temperate forests and alpine pastures enclosing high valleys. Summer rainfall is low, but the region is fairly high and free from monsoon thunderstorms, the summer season is ideal for trekking.

If you are looking for wilderness and solitude travel, this trek is an ideal choice. One can explore incredibly diverse Himalayan vegetation and observe different kinds of birds and wildlife. The Rara lake trek is strenuous and we will camp throughout the trek. Winters are cold, but in the autumn season, trekking is rewarded. The trail takes us through grassy alpine pastures and remote villages, before descending steeply off the second pass to Jumla. From here, we fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Photos

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu (1300m)

Namaste & welcome to Mountain Guide Trek of Nepal. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a representative from Mountain guide Treks (MGT). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Mountain Guide Treks and Expedition with Group leader's name display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. After check in, if time allows, you will visit MGT office to meet your trekking leader as well as other participants and for final preparation for the trip. It all depends upon your arrival time. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

The day after breakfast we will start a sightseeing tour with our professional tour guide to the several of most historical and spiritual Places in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage historic Sites such as Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple (Swayambunath) and the Buddhist shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After coming back from the tour there will be a pre-trip discussion with our trek leader and other team members. Mountain Guide Trek will brief you regarding your trek as well as we may have an opportunity to discuss any difficulties regarding our upcoming adventure. The rest of the time you could use for travelling around the Thamel and shopping for needed equipment and other necessaries. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (152m) 45 min.

As per the flight schedule for Nepalgunj, we transfer to the domestic airport for one and half hour scenic flight to Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj, we will have time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town which is situated on the southern Nepal border with India. Here it is quite hot and tropical in character. (Overnight at tourist standard hotel on full board basis)

Day 04: Fly Nepalgunj to Jumla (2370m) and trek to Uthugaon (2530m) 3-4 hrs

After a pleasant overnight at Nepalgunj, early morning transfer to the airport for the 45-minute flight to Jumla over the Himalayan foothills with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north.  Jumla town is in a delightful valley and here are the highest limits of paddy cultivation, growing red rice. The town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali zone and Jumla district. After that our trek by following the north of the Tila Khola River and then turn north following the Chaudhabise Khola passing through fields and pine forests. We will ascend up the Padmara valley. Our trail keeps following the river until we arrive at the small village of Uthugaon (Overnight at tented camp on a full board basis)

Day 05: Trek Uthugaon to Danphe Lagna (3500m) 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, we follow the trail through the narrow canyon to the village of Padmara. Our path then climbs to the Khali Lagna pass at (3550m) through a deep forest of pines, Spurches and firs. Shortly after this pass, both routes come together and the trail then descends gently through a mixed forest of spruces, birches and rhododendrons to arrive at our campsite at Danphe Lagna. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 06: Trek Danphe Lagna to Chautha (2770m) 5-6 hrs

Today our trails descend steeply passing through fir, birch, walnut and bamboo forests. After crossing a bridge we follow the river downstream before starting a serious climb passing some water-driven mills to Kabra. Here is a huge overhanging rock which is the source of Shilajit, a mineral which is believed to have "healing" properties. Our steep climb continues for a while and then levels out before Bhara village. After this village, we then descend to the Chauro Khola River to the village of Chautha. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 07: Trek Chautha to Dhotu (2380m) 6-7 hrs

We continue to follow the stream uphill to Bhulbule, the Rara National Park entrance station at (3130m), and continue climbing gently to Ghurchi Lagna pass (3450m) which is covered with Chortens (round stone Buddhist monuments) and prayer flags. From the pass, the route descends gently at first before dropping down precipitously through spruce forests, reach to Dhoti village. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 08: Trek Dhotu to Rara Lake (2980m) 4-5 hrs

Today we have a short and pleasant trek with fine views to the north. We cross a steep north-facing slope from Dhotu, and forward to a series of fields down to a small stream. After crossing the bridge, we climb up to the Thakuri village of Jhyari. From Jhyari, we climb steadily up through cedar forest to a huge meadow atop a (3050m) ridge with great overhead views of Rara Lake. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 09: Explore day at Rara Lake

Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal. It is almost 13 km2 around the lake and a day devoted to walking around is well spent. Rara is designated a national park in 1975 and this region offers remoteness and a wilderness experience unlike any other region of Nepal, where birds, flowers and wildlife thrive. Among the mammals in this region are Himalayan bears, Serows, Gorals, Musk Deer, Red Pandas and both Rhesus and Langur Monkeys. The 180-meter deep lake is a habitat for otters and an important resting place for migrating waterfowl. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 10: Trek Rara Lake to Gorusingha (3190m) 5-6 hrs

After exploring Rara Lake the trail will follow the Khatyar Khola river. We will keep following this river slowly descending before we climb out following a small trail surrounded by pine, spruce and rhododendron forests. We follow our path dropping into the Ghatta valley and heading towards the small settlement of Gorusingha. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 11: Trek Gorusingha to Sinja (2440m) 5-6 hrs

Our route keeps heading down the Ghatta valley from Gorusingha following the Sinja Khola River downwards to Sinja. From the 12th to 14th century, Sinja was the capital of the Malla dynasty that ruled western Nepal. The ruins of the old palace can be seen across the river. There is an interesting temple here dedicated to Bhagwati, the goddess of justice who rides atop a tiger. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 12: Trek Sinja to Jaljala Chaur (3270m) 6-7 hrs

Today the trail crosses the Sinja Khola on a wooden cantilever bridge. After passing a few small villages, the trail crosses back and forth across the river on a series of quaint log bridges. Most of the trek is through forest of pine, birch and oak and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a steep climb to Jaljala Chaur, a gigantic meadow full of horses. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 13: Trek Jaljala Chaur to Jumla (2370m) 5-6 hrs

Keep climbing through forest to yet another meadow, just below the ridge at (3510m) then a pleasant descent to Jumla. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Day 14: Fly Jumla to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

Early morning 40 minutes sweeping wonderful flight to Nepalgunj over the Himalayan foothills, overlooking stunning views of the snow capped peaks. On arrival at Nepalgunj depending upon the connecting flight schedule to Kathmandu. If it's in the afternoon we will have time, few hours for refreshment in the comfort of the Hotel at Nepalgunj. We then connect with flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 15: Leisure day in Kathmandu

Today is your leisure day, if interested you could buy some gifts from Nepal for your friends and relatives, you will visit some nearby shops or venture at Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guides or you can do it yourself too. If enthralled to explore some other areas of Kathmandu you could take some more time to do that today! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration "Farewell dinner" at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with Mountain Guide Trek staff for the successful completion of the Jumla Rara Lake Trek! (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Day 16: Farewell Friend (Final departure to your onward destination)

Today is the last day in Nepal for this trip; you are saying goodbye to the mountains as the journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Mountain Guide Treks will take you to the airport.

Cost Details

Includes
  • Airport pick up drop service
  • All land transportation as per itinerary
  • One day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with license holder tour guide
  • 4 night's hotel accommodation at Kathmandu in deluxe hotel on BB basis.
  • 1 night at Nepalgunj special tourist standard hotel accommodation with full board meal.
  • "Farewell dinner" before a day your departure from Nepal.
  • Guest house/tented accommodation according to given itinerary (sharing in 2 bed room) and 3 meals (Breakfast, lunch, Dinner) during the trek
  • Domestic air ticket
  • Domestic air fare Tax
  • An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging.
  • Down jacket, for a seasonal sleeping bag, Mountain Guide treks & Expedition kit bag/duffel bag, trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • Special permit for rusticated area & all necessary governments documents (National park permit, TIMS )
  • A comprehensive medical kit
Exclude
  • Nepal entree visa: you can get a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by Paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
  • International airfare
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, water bottle, hot shower during the trekking etc.)
  • personal trekking equipment & clothing
  • Any donation and monuments entrance fee
  • Tips for guides and porters

Note:- The cost includes and excludes section may give you a better idea of how the trip is organized. Once you let us know the number of interested travellers and the departure date we would get back to you with the actual cost for the trip.

Equipment

Head
  • Light or warm fleece hat.
  • Watch with light & alarm
  • Sun hat and scrap
  • Sunglasses
Upper Body
  • T-shirts (4)
  • Light and expedition weight thermal tops
  • Fleece jacket or sweater
  • Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  • Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
  • Body lotion/Anti-sunlight cream
Hands
  • Playing cards
  • Lightweight gloves (water/wind proof)
  • Trail map and guide book
  • Heavy weight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Lower Body
  • Underwear (4)
  • Hiking shorts (4)
  • Lightweight cotton long pants
  • Light weight thermal bottoms
  • Fleece or wool pants
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet
  • Thin, lightweight inner socks (4-pairs)
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4-pairs)
  • Hiking boots with spare laces
  • Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
Accessories
  • Sleeping bag
  • Money belt
  • Head touch and batteries
  • Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
  • Water bottle
  • Toiletries
  • Small wash towel
Optional Items
  • Swiss Knife
  • Playing cards/backgammon/chess set
  • Trekking map
  • Books (Highly Recommended)
  • Binoculars
  • Camera & extra batteries
  • Binoculars
  • Reading books
  • Journal & pen
  • Photo's of home/family
  • Energy/protein bars (optional)

Map

Rara Lake Trek Map

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