Rara Lake Trek
Trip at a Glance
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Country: Nepal
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Trip grade: Moderate
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Destination: Northwest Nepal
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Activities: Lodge Based Trek
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Accommodation: Hotels/Lodges
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Meals: Full-board on trek
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Transportation: Private vehicle/Plane
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Maximum altitude: Gorosingha (3858m)
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Trip Start / End: Kathmandu - Kathmandu
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Best Season: Apr-May to Oct-Dec
Rara Lake Trek is one of the most beautiful trekking in Nepal that leads you to one of the largest freshwater lakes in Nepal. Rara Lake is located at 2,980 meters inside Rara National Park with an area of 10.8 km square which is magnificently surrounded by green hills and amazing landscape. The trekking trail to Rara Lake offers outstanding snow-capped mountains panorama, passing along alpine forests and diverse flora and fauna.
Trekking to Rara Lake starts the next day after a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to a small mountain town of Jumla in Western Nepal. Rara lake trek itinerary then continues with the final destination being the alluring Rara Lake. The trekking trail passes through remote traditional villages, terraced fields, and lush forests before reaching Rara Lake.
The region of Rara is protected under Rara National Park established in 1976 to preserve the fragile environment of Rara Lake. The park is home varied flora and fauna with sightings of wild deer, and various bird species.
The trek is the optimal option for nature lovers and those seeking solitude since Rara Lake is peaceful heaven at serene location. The sight of the surrounding moutians on the crystal-clear water of Rara makes the trek all worth it.
Rara Lake Trek is a refreshing trek that features the natural beauty and cultural richness of Western Nepal. It is a must-do if you are looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience in the Himalayas.
Rara Lake Trek Highlights
- Take the opportunity to navigate Nepalgunj, the western region of Nepal.
- Acquaintance to the isolated settlement of Danphe Lagna, secluded and untouched by modern civilization.
- Ascend the highest point of the trek, Danphe Danda (3750m), the vantage point to spot the national bird of Nepal, Danphe (Lhophophorus) and the aromatic Musk Deer.
- Stroll around the mammoth serene premises of the Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest.
- Pleasant trails piercing the forests, offering ample opportunities to spot exotic animals and birds.
- Taste the famous apples and a locally made cider in Jumla.
- Pass by an array of chortens, mani walls and fluttering prayer flags.
- Saunter along the challenging off-the-beaten tracks, in one of the most remote outskirts of far-western Nepal.
- A lavish farewell party constituting a host of traditional Nepali cookeries and an entertaining live cultural show.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)
Day 02: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)
Day 03: Flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla(2514m/1hour)
Day 04: Trek from Jumla to Dapha Lagna (3720m/4 – 5hours)
Day 05: Trek from Dapha Lagna to Chautha (2770m) via Dapha Danda (3750m/4 – 5hours)
Day 06: Trek from Chautha to Dhotu (2410m) via Bhulbule Village (3120m) & Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3446m/4 – 5hours)
Day 07: Trek from Dhotu to Rara Lake Camp (2980m/5 – 6hours)
Day 08: Rest and excursion day at Rara Lake Camp (2980m)
Day 09: Trek from Rara Lake Camp to Gorusingha (3858m/5 – 6hours)
Day 10: Trek from Gorusingha to Sinja (2440m/5 – 6hours)
Day 11: Trek from Sinja to Jaljala Chaur (3270m/5 – 6hours)
Day 12: Trek from Jaljala Chaur to Jumla (2514m/4 – 5hours)
Day 13: Flight from Jumla to Nepalgunj (150m/1hour)
Day 14: Flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (1400m/1 hour)
Day 15: A free day in Kathmandu
Day 16: Final Departure
Once you land at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu and accomplish your entry/visa formalities, you will be received by a representative from Marron Treks and transferred to the hotel. Welcome drinks will be served at the hotel after which we will have a quick pre-trip meeting and discuss the itineraries. You can then take your time to relax, unpack and spend the time as you wish. In the evening, stroll around the nearby places and get the feel of this energetic city.
After breakfast, you will be driven to the domestic wing of the Kathmandu Airport. About an hour’s flight would take you to Nepalgunj, the western region hub of Nepal, which borders the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to the South. As we don’t have a connecting flight to Jumla, from where our trek commences, it gives us the opportunity to explore this hot and humid town. The city center, Dhamboji, happens to be the business hub with plethora of hotels and shops. Hindu as well as Muslim culture influence the town. Bageshwori temple and Muslim market are also worth visiting.
Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj was almost tantamount to a nose dive, while, from Nepalgunj to Jumla, it’s just the vice-versa. We’ll take a 35 minutes early morning flight to Jumla. The city center is only about 15 minutes walk from the STOL airstrip. Jumla lies on the banks of the Tila river at 2514 meters. When we talk about Jumla, we remember its delicious apples. The cider made in Jumla, locally known as “Marpha” is also very popular in Nepal. Taste the apples and take a sip of the cider while you get familiar with the trekking crew. Rest well, as from tomorrow, “walk” is the name of the game!
We start our trek after morning breakfast from Jumla Bazaar the start of the trek is easy with only low inclination hills. After we cross a river on the way, we have to take jungle route and later after mid-day we will get to the camp. The culture of this part of Nepal is very different and primitive as it is untouched by modernization.
Early morning after breakfast we commence our trekking. We climb steep up and cross Dapha Danda (3750m). Dapha Danda is famous for Bird watching esp. Danphe. Also, some wild animals like Kasturi Deer and more. Then we descend from Dapha Danda through a jungle route of Pine trees. Then we take lunch and climb steep up to our destination Chautha.
After breakfast we climb steep up in the morning through villages and farm land experiencing culture of the area and reach Bhulbule village (3120m). Then again we cross jungle and we have to cross to Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3446m), a moderately easy pass, then we take lunch and again after few hours, we reach Dhotu.
Today we trek to Rara Lake, our prime destination. To reach Camp we have to move around the Rara Lake.
Today is rest day. We can stroll around the Rara Lake and relax there. It takes around 4 hour to circle the lake. Rara Lake is also the biggest lake of Nepal. The best visiting time to the lake is September/October and April to May.
Early in the morning after breakfast, the way is flat for few hours. Then we have to trail through jungle with a lot of wild animals to see and we reach Gorusingha. The culture is very different there and even Nepali language of the place is at primitive stage.
After breakfast, we trek moderately easy climb and straight way through jungle area mostly. The jungle is famous for birds and wild animals. Then we reach Sinja Village. The origin of Nepali language is from here.
After breakfast, we leave Sinja village and head towards Jaljala Chaur. The way is moderately steep in most places and the regular pine forest can be seen with occasional view of deer on the way.
Today, we walk in moderate trekking route consisting of mostly village and farmland. We can experience cultures and cultural people of the area.
From Jumla, depending on flight schedule, we fly back to Nepalgunj and rest of the time free.
From Nepalgunj (150m), you would almost be rocketing to the soaring elevation of Kathmandu (1400m). Another sixty minutes flight and you will touch down the domestic wing of the Kathmandu Airport. A representative from Marron Treks will receive and transfer you to your designated hotel. The rest of the time can be spent as you please. You have just gotten back from a long trip, so you would probably want to groom yourself and relax. Try out the herbal spa and do away the trekking fatigue. You have an extra day at Kathmandu tomorrow.
A free day in Kathmandu to fulfill anything that you missed out spotting in this energetic capital of Nepal. You can indulge yourself in shopping or strolling around some of the cultural and historical landmarks of Kathmandu. Thamel is your hot spot for shopping where you can haul all the souvenirs representing Nepal and its culture. May be that in addition to your interesting trip anecdotes, you would also want to take back some stuff for your friends and relatives. In the evening, a farewell dinner with a range of traditional Nepali cuisines, will be hosted by Marron Treks. Enjoy the dinner, pack/prepare yourself for a flight back home and have a beauty sleep.
A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule. As you wave us good bye and enter the terminal block, you would perhaps recall your arrival at this place. No wonder everything seems so familiar now because, you had come here as tourist, but you are going back as a friend! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again!
Trips can always be extended. You can try out some of our other exciting packages like Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
What is included?
- Airport pick-up and drop services.
- Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu & Nepalgunj with breakfast.
- Kathmandu/Nepalgunj/Jumla/Nepalgunj/Kathmandu round airfares.
- All trekking accommodation (in tented camps) with breakfast, lunch & dinner.
- Four seasonal sleeping bags (to be returned after trip completion) & Marron duffel bags.
- A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide).
- Salary to guide, porters, kitchen staff and helpers for the trekking period.
- Personal insurance for crew members.
- Permits for Rara National Park and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System)
- Farewell dinner with a live Nepalese cultural program.
- All government and local taxes.
What is not included?
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (USD30 for 15 days)
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal travel insurance.
- Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
- Excess baggage charges (luggage allowance for domestic airlines in Nepal is 15 kgs.).
- Other expenses of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc.)
- Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.
- Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
- Tips for guides or porters.
Route Map
Trip Info
Accommodation
While you are in Kathmandu, we opt to accommodate you in 4- or 5-star hotels like Hotel Royal Singhi (4-star), Hotel Manaslu (4-star), Radisson (5-star), Yak & Yeti (5-star), or similar. During the trek, you will be accommodated in a local mountain lodge, better known as Tea House. These lodges and teahouses provide good services and are equipped with basic amenities. We will endeavor to provide you with the best accommodation available along the route so that you get a good night’s rest in a hygienic milieu.
Meals
We never compromise the quality of food or the health of the trekkers as well as the crew members. Generally, we opt for the fresh and nutritional local community food available. You could make your delicious pick from an array of traditional foods like Sweet potatoes, buckwheat barley, etc. This way, you could not only get a real sense of the local culture and life patterns but also contribute to promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Besides, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads, Masala curry, etc. are also available in the restaurants for your retreat.
Acclimatization
Altitude sickness is a serious risk while trekking in the Himalayas. It's important to acclimatize properly by spending a few days at lower altitudes before heading higher. By spending time at lower altitudes before pushing higher, your body has time to adjust. Our trekking packages have enough acclimatization days planned where you'll be spending a day or two at lower altitudes, allowing your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
Electricity & drinking water
For an additional cost, you can use the electricity in all tea houses and lodges to recharge your batteries. The lodges have packaged mineral water for sale, or you can fill your bottle with boiling water. To make water drinkable, you can use water purification tablets too. But, due to hygienic issues, you should avoid drinking water from taps, rivers, or wells in trekking areas.
Communication
At lodges, restaurants, and hotels, Wi-Fi is available for an additional fee in the most popular trek regions, like Everest, and Annapurna. However, at high elevations, phone calls are the only means of connection. Our office in Kathmandu is in constant communication with your trek guide. In Kathmandu, you can purchase a local sim card for communication purposes. At high elevations, the mobile signal might not be as strong, though.
Luggage
Our porters are paired with one trekker for every two hikers, and one porter can safely carry 30 kg maximum weight. Therefore, we advise you to fill your duffle bag not more than 15 kg with your belongings. You may carry a small backpack with your valuables and informational documents. The things you are not taking along on the trek can be stored in a hotel in Kathmandu free of cost.
Typical Trek Day
Mostly your trek day starts with breakfast at 7-8 am, followed by a 3-4 hour morning trek. Lunch break is around an hour, then you continue trekking to your destination for the day. After reaching the teahouse lodge, you can relax, explore nearby areas, and enjoy dinner at 6-7 pm. Evenings involve socializing, a trek briefing, and leisure activities before bed.
Travel Insurance
It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both- medical and evacuation costs. Having travel insurance with you makes your trip secure and hassle-free.
Our Guides
Guides play a significant role during the trek. They are the ones who literally decipher the trekking codes for you so that you can actually connect with nature, culture and people along the way. We have helpful and dedicated trekking guides who are very well-versed in the culture, life patterns and every single detail pertaining to the trek region you are traveling in. Thus, in the company of our professional Sherpa guides, your trek becomes not only entertaining but also equally informative.
Porter and Staff Care
When it comes to high-altitude trekking, porters and staff members make up a pivot. Marron Treks ensures that all the porters and staff members going to high altitudes are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. All our field staff are covered by insurance.
