Discover the serene beauty of Rara Lake with a guided tour. Explore Nepal’s largest lake surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine nature.
Trip Info
-
3/4/5 Star or Similar Category Hotel
-
Spring, Autumn
-
Available
-
3055 Meters
-
BB Plan in Cities, BLD during Trek
-
Bus, Car, Flight
-
5-6 Hours
-
15
-
70
-
2 - 20
Overview
The Rara Lake Trek is an extraordinary and less-traveled adventure that promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and trekkers seeking solitude in the Himalayas. Located in the Rara National Park, this trek circles Rara Lake, the largest lake in Nepal, nestled at an altitude of 2,990 meters in the remote districts of Mugu and Jumla. The lake spans an area of 10.8 square kilometers and is surrounded by pristine forests, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. The beauty of Rara Lake is further enhanced by its crystal-clear waters that change colors throughout the day, ranging from deep blue to turquoise and green, making it one of the most visually stunning lakes in the world.
The region’s landscape is truly unique, with snow-capped mountain peaks standing proudly in the background, adding a majestic touch to the scenery. As you trek through Rara National Park, you’ll traverse lush forests of blue pines, black juniper, oak, cypress, and vibrant rhododendrons, and might even spot elusive wildlife such as the Himalayan black bear, leopard, red panda, ghoral, and thar. The park is home to over 20 species of mammals and 214 species of birds, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. For many, Rara Lake is regarded as the “Queen of Himalayan Lakes” due to its natural splendor and untouched beauty.
The trek begins in Kathmandu, where you’ll explore major UNESCO World Heritage Sites before embarking on a 45-minute flight to Nepalgunj. After spending the night there, a 20-minute flight will take you to Jumla, the starting point of the trek. From Jumla, the trail leads you through Singa Valley, Chere Chaur, and Chalanchaur, gradually ascending towards the stunning Rara Lake. Along the way, you’ll be walking through one of the world’s finest national parks, an ideal habitat for Himalayan wildlife, offering a sense of isolation and communion with nature that is hard to find elsewhere.
Throughout the trek, a combination of teahouse accommodations and private homestays gives you the opportunity to experience the local culture and cuisine. The warmth and hospitality of the local communities add a unique touch to the experience, providing insights into the lives of people living in these remote regions. As you reach Rara Lake, the final destination of your journey, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks and the peaceful, shimmering waters of the lake. This moment of serenity and awe is sure to be a highlight of your adventure.
After completing the Rara Lake circuit, you’ll retrace your steps back to Jumla, passing through Pina (2,440m) and Bumra (2,850m) before flying back to Nepalgunj and eventually returning to Kathmandu. This 14-day trek offers an immersive adventure into one of Nepal’s most remote and beautiful regions, with a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural encounters, making it a perfect choice for trekkers seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience.
Highlights of Rara Lake Trek:
1. Rara Lake:
Nepal’s Largest Lake: Rara Lake is the largest in Nepal, spanning 10.8 square kilometers.
Color Changing Water: The lake displays three different shades throughout the day, ranging from deep blue to turquoise and green.
Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by forested hills and snow-capped peaks, it offers one of the most serene, picturesque settings in the Himalayas.
Wildlife Watching: Spotting rare animals like the red panda, Himalayan black bear, and various species of birds is a key highlight here.
2. Rara National Park:
Diverse Wildlife: The park is home to over 20 species of mammals and 214 species of birds, including the Himalayan tahr, snow leopard, and blue sheep.
Flora: Explore the dense forests of blue pines, oak, rhododendron, cypress, and black juniper.
Untouched Wilderness: The park remains relatively unexplored, offering a peaceful and pristine environment for trekkers to experience nature in its purest form.
3. Jumla and Singa Valley:
Access to Rara Lake: Jumla is the starting point of the trek and can be reached by a short flight from Nepalgunj.
Singa Valley Trek: Trek through Singa Valley, offering breathtaking mountain views and an introduction to rural life in the remote regions.
Cultural Immersion: Experience life in rural Nepal, as you walk through villages with traditional houses and meet friendly locals.
4. Cultural Experience:
Local Homestays: Stay in private homestays to experience the authentic culture, food, and hospitality of local communities.
Traditional Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Nepali food, including dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), and local delicacies prepared by villagers.
Friendly Communities: The trek allows an immersion into the culture of the local communities, many of whom are from the Khas and Magar ethnic groups.
5. The Scenic Journey:
Views of Snow-capped Peaks: Along the way, enjoy views of stunning peaks like Kanjiroba, Rara Peak, and others in the Himalayas as a majestic backdrop to the trek.
Tranquil Wilderness: The trek offers a peaceful environment far from the crowds, allowing for quiet reflection amidst nature’s beauty.
Rara Lake Circuit: Completing the circuit around Rara Lake is a spiritual experience, with panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment.
6. Unique Wildlife Spotting:
Red Panda and Snow Leopard: The region is known for sightings of rare species such as the red panda, snow leopard, and the Himalayan black bear.
Birdwatching: The trek offers fantastic opportunities for bird watchers, with over 200 species of birds inhabiting the region, including pheasants and eagles.
7. Stunning Flora and Fauna:
Rhododendron Forests: The trek passes through vibrant rhododendron forests, especially during the spring season when the flowers are in full bloom.
Mountain Flora: You’ll also see wildflowers and alpine vegetation unique to this high-altitude region.
8. Trekking Through Off-the-Beaten-Path Trails:
Less Crowded Routes: This trek is perfect for those seeking a less commercialized and quieter alternative to the popular trekking routes in Nepal.
Solitude in Nature: Experience true isolation in the Himalayas, surrounded by stunning landscapes, wildlife, and a tranquil environment.
9. Return Journey:
Retracing the Steps: After reaching Rara Lake and taking in the magnificent views, the return journey leads you through Pina and Bumra, experiencing the different landscapes once more.
Flights from Jumla: Fly back to Nepalgunj for an onward flight to Kathmandu, completing a full circle of the journey.
Summary of the Trek Highlights:
Rara Lake: Nepal’s largest and most scenic lake, offering color-changing waters, wildlife, and snow-capped peaks.
Rara National Park: A haven for nature lovers with diverse flora, fauna, and wilderness.
Cultural Interaction: Homestays, local cuisine, and an immersion into the traditional lifestyle of Nepal’s remote communities.
Wildlife and Bird Watching: Rare species like the red panda and Himalayan black bear, along with over 200 bird species.
Off-the-beaten-path: Ideal for trekkers seeking peace and solitude away from crowded trails.
Major Highlights of this Trip
- Guided city tour of historical city, Kathmandu. Visit major UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Pristine flora and fauna protected within the boundary of Rara National Park
- Tranquil and untraversed trail
- Bluest water Lake, Rara Lake in its stunning setting and beauty
- Scenic domestic flights
Write a Review