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.
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.
ITINERARY IN OUTLINE
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Day 02: Full day sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Jumla by B3E helicopter 1.5 hrs (including re-fueling time)
Day 04: Trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur (3,055m) 6 hrs
Day 05: Trek Chere Chaur to Chala Chaur (2,970m) 5 hrs
Day 06: Trek Chala Chaur to Sinja Valley (2,490m) 6 hrs
Day 07: Trek Sinja Valley to Ghorosingha (3,050m) 6 hrs
Day 08: Trek Ghorosingha to Rara Lake (3,010m) 6 hrs
Day 09: Explore Rara Lake
Day 10: Fly from Rara Lake to Kathmandu by B3E helicopter 1.5 hrs (including re-fueling
time)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Highlights of Our Services
We use the latest model B3E helicopter for the Kathmandu – Jumla and Rara Lake –
Kathmandu flights.
We provide you with a luxury suite in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kathmandu.
Unlike other trekking agencies, we do not provide dome tents. We provide luxury tents,
with enough headroom to stand up in, and which are fitted with beds.
We provide dry foods such as almonds, peanuts and chocolate bars during the trek.
We take fresh seasonal fruits for evening dessert.
We provide unlimited tea/ coffee throughout the trek.
Our guides are highly experienced, educated, dedicated and able to take decisions in any
unforeseen difficult situation.
Complimentary Services
Complimentary tourist registration in the respective consulate office or embassy.
Complimentary international flight ticket re-confirmation.
Complimentary Gurkha Encounters T-Shirt (subject to availability).
Complimentary welcome dinner in one of the finest Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu, including a culture show
presented by different ethnic groups.
Complimentary use of freshly laundered sleeping bags and down jackets.
Services Included
3 nights luxury suite accommodation in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kathmandu with AP
meal plan (3 meals per day).
7 nights luxury tented accommodation with beds in private tents in Jumla and Rara
Region with AP meal plan.
Champagne with breakfast at Rara Lake.
Pure mineral water for drinking.
Hot boiled water for washing.
License holder, experienced, English speaking guide (we also have other language speaking guides, please ask
us) for the entire tour.
High altitude porters for the entire trek.
Kitchen staff with our best trekking cook.
Member tents, kitchen tents, dining tents, toilet tents, bathroom tents.
Comfortable mattress, bed sheets, sleeping bag, and necessary items for comfortable
sleeping.
Ground transportation in Kathmandu including airport pick up and drop by air conditioned luxury Land Cruiser
and/orLand Rover.
Entry Fees and trekking permit fees.
Services Excluded
Emergency rescue evacuation charges.
Medical charges.
Extra beverage and bar bill during the trek.
Personal travel insurance fees.
Extra charges borne by any natural calamities or political strikes.
Tips for the guides, porters and drivers.
Mode of Payment
To confirm your trip we request an advance payment of 40% of the quoted amount. This can be done by credit card when
filling up our GE Booking Form.
If you pay by cheque/ bank draft please make it payable to:
Gurkha Encounters Pvt. Ltd.
GPO Box: 20195, A3B, Indreni Apartment,
Baluwatar, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Phone: +977 1 4417959 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.gurkhaencounters.com
Note: Payment through Master/Visa card has an additional bank service charge of 4%. Payment through American
Express has an additional bank service charge of 5.5%.
Terms & Conditions
The Company is not liable for any refunds after the departure date of the scheduled itinerary.
Cancellation should be made not less than 48 hours before departure. There is a minimum 40% cancellation charge
PLUS any tax, transportation and permit fees. See specific information below.
No refund will be given if the programme ends before the stated itinerary date.
The Company is not to be held responsible for the early termination of a trek should our experienced leader feel it is
unsafe for you to continue due to fitness and/or health issues.
The Company is not liable for cancellation or rescheduling due to natural, political or bureaucratic circumstances.
The Company is not responsible for delays caused by local weather conditions resulting in local or international
flights being missed. We suggest you leave adequate time between the end of your trek and your international flight.
The Company is not responsible for the financial implications of rescue, should it be necessary. Please ensure you
have the appropriate insurance to cover these situations before you arrive in Nepal.
Our staff are very experienced in leading treks at all altitudes. It is their responsibility to ensure your safety.
Therefore, their decision regarding safety is final. The Company is not responsible in any way, for any outcome,
should you refuse to follow their advice.
Cancellation Charge Incurred
If you cancel your trip for any reason the following scale of cancellation fees will apply:
60 days before departure - Loss of deposit 40% of total trip cost
29 days to 59 days before departure - 50% of total trip cost
10 to 28 days before departure - 70% of total trip cost
Less than 10 days before departure - 100% of total trip cost
General Information
Equipment List (general, recommended items, may vary depending on your trek)
A pair of light hiking boots (please wear them before arrival to ensure comfort)
A pair of sandals
2 pairs of woolen socks and 2 pair of hiking socks
1 medium poly pro shirt
1 pile jacket
1 down jacket
1 woolen hat
2 T-shirts
ipod or similar, camera and necessary chargers (optional)
A one litre water bottle
One flash light with 4 sets of batteries
1 long sleeve tshirt or shirt
Two pairs of loose trekking pants
A pair of sunglasses
A pair of glove shells with liner or ski gloves (optional)
A pair of woolen gloves
One trekking back pack of 7 or 8 litre capacity
A pair of trekking poles
1 four seasons sleeping bag (we also provide a four season sleeping bag for your convenience)
Sunscreen lotion with a high SPF
Sunscreen stick with a high SPF
Two books for reading (optional)
Things to bring
Miscellaneous Items
Photo equipment with plenty of films and spare batteries
Reading/writing materials
Safety pins, sewing kits, zip lock bags for small items
You may wish to bring postcards of your hometown and/or photos of home and family to share with locals you meet along
the route. Please do not give money or sweets to children on the trails.
Toiletry Items
Please bring with you a towel, pre-moistened novelettes, wash cloth, lip balm, and any additional personal items. Please
ensure you bring enough personal medicines and extras incase of flight delays.
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.