Rara Lake Trek
Trek to Rara Lake – the Largest Lake in Nepal
11 Days
2 - 8 people
Strenuous
Less frequented regions, traditional villages, scenic passes, in complete wilderness
This interesting and varied trek takes you to the western region of Nepal and ultimately to the
largest lake in the country. We travel through less frequented regions, with traditional villages
and scenic passes in complete wilderness. Rara Lake (5.1km long and 2.7km wide), sometimes
referred to as Mahendra Taal, it is located in Mugu District and sits at an altitude of 2,990m. It is
situated in Rara National Park, and there is the chance to explore the lake area on the rest day
during the 8 day trek. The park is home to 214 species of birds, and migratory birds, and dozens
of mammal species, including the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, jackals and
others. The trek is quite strenuous in parts but does not rise above approximately 3,500m. The
trail we take passes through lush vegetation and interesting villages, along rivers and over
panoramic passes. Being a remote and less touristy area of the country, this is a camping trek
where you can enjoy evenings under the stars before retiring to your luxury tent for a good nights
sleep.
Tour Map
Tour Overview
11 Days
8 Days
Camping
3,691 m
2 - 8 people
Strenuous
Jumla / Rara Lake
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU (1,300M)
On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our staff, who
will escort you to the hotel. After some refreshments our Sherpa guide or other representative
will give you a brief orientation about the hotel, Kathmandu itself, trekking, and the do's and
don’ts of the area. They will also review any additional information that you might require while
in Nepal, including an overview of the next day's sightseeing tour. In the evening, you will enjoy
a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in
Kathmandu. Transfers by private vehicle.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Hotel
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Hotel
Hyatt Regency Hotel
DAY 2: FULL-DAY SIGHTSEEING IN KATHMANDU
After breakfast, proceed to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Here we take in the ancient palace, the
temple of the Kumari, known as the living goddess, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kasthamandap
Temple. From our knowledgeable guide, you will learn about Nepalese history, architecture and
religion.
From here, proceed by private vehicle to the Buddhist site of Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. From Swoyambhunath you can look down over the city while learning about the local Buddhist culture. Then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. Being that the Bagmati is considered a holy river, many funeral cremations take place along its banks.
Before returning to the hotel, visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries. The area is particularly vibrant and colourful in the early evening when locals come out to circumambulate around the stupa, reciting prayers as they walk. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before the next morning's departure.
Overnight: Hotel Hyatt Regency Hotel
From here, proceed by private vehicle to the Buddhist site of Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" because of its lively troops of resident monkeys. From Swoyambhunath you can look down over the city while learning about the local Buddhist culture. Then visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. Being that the Bagmati is considered a holy river, many funeral cremations take place along its banks.
Before returning to the hotel, visit Boudhnath Stupa, a Buddhist pilgrimage center and home to many colorful gompas, or monasteries. The area is particularly vibrant and colourful in the early evening when locals come out to circumambulate around the stupa, reciting prayers as they walk. Once back at the hotel, you will receive a briefing about the trek and have a chance to meet your guides and ask any last minute questions before the next morning's departure.
Overnight: Hotel Hyatt Regency Hotel
DAY 3: FLY FROM KATHMANDU TO JUMLA (2,500M) 1.5 HRS
After breakfast drive to the airport around 6am by private vehicle from where you will have a
scenic flight by the latest model private chartered B3E helicopter. We fly over the Himalayan
foothills, with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. Note: the helicopter
may stop for about 15 minutes in Pokhara Airport and 15 minutes in Nepalganj Airport for re-
fueling purposes. On arrival at Jumla our trekking staff will receive you.
Jumla is the largest town in the hills of the Karnali District. This area is Nepal's most sparsely- populated administrative zone with few roads and is mainly accessible on foot or by air. There is time to explore Jumla to see the bazaar and temple dedicated to Chandan Nath, a mythical saint who defeated a serpent’s demon, and emptied the lake which flooded the valley.
Overnight: Luxury Camping Jumla
Jumla is the largest town in the hills of the Karnali District. This area is Nepal's most sparsely- populated administrative zone with few roads and is mainly accessible on foot or by air. There is time to explore Jumla to see the bazaar and temple dedicated to Chandan Nath, a mythical saint who defeated a serpent’s demon, and emptied the lake which flooded the valley.
Overnight: Luxury Camping Jumla
DAY 4: TREK TO CHERE CHAUR (3,000M) 5 HRS
After breakfast take half an hour walk from Jumla towards the college to the small village called
Micha where, in a small walled enclosure, stands a number of stone stupas explaining some of
Buddha’s history. The stupas were erected in memory of important dignitaries of the region and
date back to the late 15th century. From here we climb away from Jumla and follow the trail to
our overnight camp at Chere Chaur.
Overnight: Luxury Camping Chere Chaur
Overnight: Luxury Camping Chere Chaur
DAY 5: TREK TO CHALACHAUR (2,980M)
After breakfast we take a route heading west, climbing through birch and pine forests to the
unnamed grassy pass sometimes known as Jaljala. As the walk progresses, views of Kanjiroba
Himal can be seen to the East, with its twin peaks that towers over the adjacent area. In the
afternoon, descend about 870m through beautiful forests to our campsite.
Overnight: Luxury Camping Chala Chaur
Overnight: Luxury Camping Chala Chaur
DAY 6: TREK TO SINJA VALLEY (2,490M)
Climbing uphill to Sinja Valley, we pass through several villages and follow the Jaljala River
through forests with immense gnarled pines, and through terraced farmland. Just before the final
descent to Sinja the trail passes the 300 year old Kanaksundari Temple where ancient stone lions
guard the inner sanctum. Sinja was once the ancient and thriving winter capital of the Malla
kings and a few Malla stones dating from the medieval Khasa Kingdom can still be seen
alongside the trail. The trail passes south of the peaked, white temple and descends to the main
river, crossing a thick plant bridge at a place where the water has cut a deep, narrow furrow
through bedrock. Sinja village rests upon a small alluvial plain on the west bank of the clear Lah
Gad River, although here it is called Sinja River. The ruined town actually stood on the east bank
of the Sinja River, at a place known as Kotgaon or Lamathada, where you can explore the
ancient sculptured stones overgrown with weeds.
Overnight: Luxury Camping Sinja Valley
Overnight: Luxury Camping Sinja Valley
DAY 7: TREK TO GHOROSINGHA (3,050M)
After breakfast we leave the Sinja Valley, passing through farmland, until we reach the entrance
of Rara National Park at the Ghorosingha check-post.
Overnight stay: Luxury Camping Ghorosingha
Overnight stay: Luxury Camping Ghorosingha
DAY 8: TREK TO RARA LAKE (3,000M)
Leaving the Ghorosingha campsite, our route leads to a climb all the way to the Chuchemara
Danda ridge, at around an elevation of 4,260m. This part takes nearly 2 hours, but the climb is
not too hard. From the crest of the ridge, an excellent panorama can be seen against the northern
horizon. Descending the trail northwards, Rara Lake will soon be seen to the north-east and the
trail passes through bamboo and birch forests before crossing the Khatyar River which is
followed upstream to our overnight camp near the shores of Rara Lake
Overnight: Luxury Camping Rara Lake
Overnight: Luxury Camping Rara Lake
DAY 9: EXPLORE RARA LAKE
Rara Lake is the biggest freshwater lake in Nepal. After breakfast you can walk to Murma Hill
for the full view of Rara Lake and surrounding valleys or climb the wooden observation tower.
There is also the opportunity for boating and admiring the picturesque setting of the lake, as well
as visiting the National Park Headquarters to pick up information about the Park itself.
Swimming is allowed, and it is very cold and refreshing!
Overnight: Luxury Camping Rara Lake
Overnight: Luxury Camping Rara Lake
DAY 10: FLY RARA LAKE TO KATHMANDU
After a champagne breakfast fly by the latest model B3E helicopter from Rara Lake to
Kathmandu. Upon landing in Kathmandu our staff will receive you and escort you to the hotel.
In the afternoon relax at the hotel and enjoy the spa or take a short, 10 minutes walk, to the area
around Boudhanath Stupa to do some shopping. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner in a
typical Nepali restaurant with a culture show.
Overnight: Hotel Hyatt Regency
Overnight: Hotel Hyatt Regency
DAY 11: DEPARTURE
Today our staff will take you to the airport for your international flight. Please advise us in
advance of your flight time and please ensure your ticket is confirmed. We can do this for you.
What Our Client Says
Very nice staff, porters and guide, who gave explanations about everything and went out of their way to help. They were also very knowledgeable of the terrain and the history of places we visited.
Onatibin, Tantanatia
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