Rara Lake Trek

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Rara trek in Nepal

Rara Lake Trek Summary

    1. Trek Days: 13 Days
    2. Jumla to Rara Trek Difficulty: Easy hikes
    3. High Altitude: 4,090m/13,419 feet
    4. Trekking Hour: 4 Hours
    5. Group-Size: 2 – 15 People
    6. Best Time for Rara: March, April, May, October, November and December
    7. Trip Mode: Tent Accommodation
    8. Meals on Trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
    9. Transportation: Car/Plane

Overview

Rara Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal, known for its marvelous views of the Rara Lake and the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Rara Lake is located in the remote Mugu district of western Nepal and is recognized as a queen of opera as it offers a splendid lake view, a range of mountains, hills, lush forests, vegetation, and landscapes.

Starts from the town at Khalanga Bazaar of Jumla and takes you through remote villages and lush forests to Rara Lake. Alternatively, Tourists can take a flight from Kathmandu to Talcha via Nepalgunj airport (Kathmandu to Rara lake distance is 375 kilometers) in a single day.

A trek to Rara Lake is considered to be a moderately difficult trekking route in western Nepal. It has steep in some sections, and the altitude can cause some challenges for hikers. Therefore it’s best time to trek to Rara Lake is from September to November or from April to May. The weather during these months is typically clear, with minimal rain or snowfall.

Likewise, You will need a trekking permit to enter the Rara National Park, which is where Rara Lake is located. You can obtain the permit in Kathmandu or at Jumla before starting the trek. Basic guest houses are also available at Rara lake side offers accommodation and meals for Rara visitors. You need tent camping trip along the way if you prefer to hike as a camping.

Furthermore, Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal. It has crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped mountains make it a stunning sight to behold. Additionally, it has an opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions of the remote villages along the way.

Overall, Murma is the highest hilltop situated at an altitude of 3,690 meters and is popular for day hikes. A trek to Rara Lake is a beautiful and rewarding experience for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Nepal and possible to explore in all months.

Rara Lake Trek

How much does Rara Trek Package Cost/Price?

The cost of the Rara trek package with a Gokyo Treks Agency (local trekking agency) ranges between US$ 1375 to US$ 1999. This Rara trek package price will vary according to the group size you are traveling to and the means of transport you choose. However, this figure price includes transportation, a guide, porters, hotels and food accommodation and hiking permits.

However, we often arrange private trips in order to avoid group tours with strangers. A private tour gives you a better experience on your hikes. If you value personalization, flexibility, and in-depth experiences, a private trip customized to your personal needs will be the best option.

It’s a standard trip package price for 13 days trek to Rara Lake route. If you are 2 people Rara Lake Trek cost US$ 1695 for 13 days trek according to the given trekking plan. We can modify the trek route and the prices according to your wishes also. Here is the price list for the Rara treks.

Price Per Person for 13 days Rara Lake Trek.

Number of TouristPrice Per Person
1 PersonUS$ 1999
2 PersonUS$ 1695
3 PersonUS$ 1650
4 to 6 personUS$ 1498
7 to 9 PersonUS$ 1450
10 and more than 10 PersonUS$ 1375

If you’re wondering to know about what is included and what is excluded from this trip price, kindly check on the cost given on a tab button.

Itinerary

Rara Lake Trek itinerary details

An express trek to Rara Lake compared to most walks in the far western territory of Nepal. The hike route is designed for world travelers who wish to hike into the wild west of Nepal in a more relaxed manner to commence the trip from Jumla try this itinerary. However for the travelers who plan with limited time than request us for a tailor-made itinerary.

1 Day Arrival in Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu World Heritage sites seeing (1,348m), 4-5 hours.

Arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Pick you up from there and drop you at your hotel located in the Thamel, the main downtown for tourists.

All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you’re fully prepared for the lake Rara trip, and any last-minute questions are answered. After lunch, we explore Kathmandu’s heritage sites. They are Boudhanath stupa (Boudha Stupa is a Little Tibet), and Pashupati Nath (a holy Hindu shrine). Later we visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and walk on Asan tole to watch the oldest markets in Nepal.

Later seeing the sights in Kathmandu, Ammar Guni, will brief you rara hiking tour information.

2 DayKathmandu to Nepalganj flight. Transfer to your hotel.

We check Nepalgunj airport flight status and weather. Our Guide will follow the Nepalgunj airport departures as there are two flights from each airline. Normally Nepalgunj to Kathmandu flight price is Nrs 5,500 [Nepali price] and US$ 149 [foreign price] for a single-way flight.

We take an hour’s flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj city of west Nepal. Nepalgunj is a big town that is also a gateway to Simikot of Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town of Nepal with influences from both the Nepal hills and plains well as local Hindu & Muslim cultures. Get experience visiting some sightseeing places in Nepalgunj with our guide. We prepare for your flight to Jumla Airport the next morning.

3 Day Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2,540 m/8,334 feet), 20 minutes. Exploring around. 2-3 hours

After breakfast, we proceed to take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla. Jumla is one of the remote and less developed Karnali regions of Nepal that situated at an altitude on 2,540m takes only 20 minutes of flight journey from Nepalgunja airport.

As you fly, you’ll feel the dramatic change in the landscape from the plain land of Terai to the hilly landscape of Jumla. Likewise, Jumla is a gateway exploring Rara Lake at 27.6 kilometers distance.

It is the main headquarters entire Jumla districts. The easy journey goes through the beautiful forested region and we get to witness the cultural delights of rural Nepal, which are extraordinarily unusual and fascinating. You’ll spend a whole day exploring around Jumla Bazaar including Chandan Nath temple for the acclimatization purpose.

4 DayTrek from Jumla to Chere Chaur (3,055m/10,023 feet), 3-4 hours

Pack your hiking gears and start your trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur, at 3,055 meters. Today is your first day of the trek so you need to slowly ascend. On the way to Chere Chaur, you’ll pass Khalanga Bazaar, a small marketplace. After passing through several small villages and temple you’ll reach Chere Chaur for an overnight stay.

5 DayChere Chaur to Chalachaur (2,980m/9,777 feet), 5-6 hours

We follow the western trails and make a slowly ascend through beautiful rhododendron, birch, and pine forests of Jaljala Pass at 3,580m. Jaljala Pass offers a stupendous view of Kanjiroba Himal. You’ll cross this pass and continue your trek through a pristine trail.

A few hours of hikes we reach at a summer grazing pastures of Jaljala Chaur. Entering at Jaljala, you are in the Rara Circuit trail and reach Chala Chaur at 2,980 meters where we stay for that night.

6 Day Chalachaur to Sinja Valley (2,490m/8167 feet), 4-5 hours

You’ll head towards Sinja Valley, a remote village situated at the bank of Hima River. The trail passes through several small settlements and Jaljala River to reach Sinja Valley. Sinja Valley is situated at an elevation of 2,490 meters, an impressive place is the capital of the Malla Dynasty from the 12th – 14th century. Thus, this Sinja canyon offers numerous ancient temples and places to explore to the trekkers on their hikes.

7 DaySinja Upatekka to Ghorosingha (3,050m/10,007 feet), 5-6 hours

Get a glorious view of entire Sinja valley and leave Sinja for Ghorosingha. We continue to follow the upper trail and head east to reach Laha. From Laha the trek continues to the small settlement of Gani and follow the steep trail to reach Ghorosingha where we stop our hike to stay overnight.

8 DayGhorosingha to Rara Lake (3,010m/9,876 feet), 6-7 hours

Start the journey with a steep climb along the side of Chucharmare Danda where you’ll get fabulous view of Mountains including the deep blue serene Rara Lake with surrounding green hills. Enjoying the natural scenery, now you’ll enter into a forested trail and continue your yatra until you reach Majhghat and follow Khatyar river and reach Chhapri village.

Chapri is a headquarter of the Rara National Park and your dream destination to Rara Lake. Upon your arrival, you can admire the close-up view of a tranquil lake and lush vegetation of Rara National Park.

As we arrive at Rara lakeside, you can do the boat ride to watch birds, corners of lakes, mountains and herbal plants, etc.. on the most pristine lake of a widespread lake is a fascinating experience. Overnight in Rara Guesthouse at Rara Lake.

9 DayRara Lake exploration day, 7-8 hours

Wake up early in the morning to get impressive sunrise on Rara lake. Fewer hikers forget to capture the amazing Rara sunrise view while sleeping longer. As it is a main day to explore the lake and of it’s surroundings, we ascend roughly 2 hours up Chuchemara Hill at 4,090m. It would be impressive hike to explore entire Rara Lakes.

From this hill, you can get almost the best view of exploring Rara on all sides. In the north direction, you can see some white mountains backdrop to Rara Lake and the lush vegetation of Rara National Park. You can also see the beautiful green hills in the middle of stunning Rara Lake, and on your own, you could see the mesmerizing view of the lake itself. After Chhuchemara hill station hiking, we begin to study around the nearby vicinity.

Rara Lake surrounded by dense green forests which is home to diverse flora and fauna including some indigenous species of birds, fish, and animals. If you want to go for the long day trip, then Murma Top offers a mesmerizing view of the lake from the above. Hike to Murma Hill takes about 6-7 hours for a round trip.

Apart from all this, you can also experience a boat trip in a clear day, even though swimming is not allowed to avoid polluting crystal clear water. Capturing the marvelous views we will walk back to the campsite to stay overnight.

10 DayRara Lake to Pina (2,440m/8006 feet), 4-5 hours

The journey to reach Gamgadi today is a pleasant. Gamgadhi is situated at an altitude on 2,086.2m and a headquarter of the Mugu District. Perhaps we will take a lunch and continue to follow the nature trail to Jhyari Khola. And after short uphill climbs take you through the pine forest to Pina village where we stay for overnight.

11 DayPina to Bumra Madichour trekking (2,850m/9351 feet), 5-6 hours

Later breakfast, our journey leads downhill through Ghurchi Langna Pass at 3,480m which is the highest point of the entire trekking journey. Travelers can see can see multi-color prayer flags and the beautiful Karnali river.

Continue to walk downhill to Bulbule from here, you’ll move towards the south and continue through the small settlement around Chautha. Finally, we reach at Bumra Madichour (2,850m), commonly spoken as a Nauri Ghat where we stay for a night in camp.

12 DayBumra to Jumla trekking (2,540m/8,334 feet), 6 hours

It’s a final day of Rara trekking therefore enjoy as much as you want. We cross the two suspension bridges over Hima River. A few hours of hikes take you to hot spring where travelers can take a bath and relax your body.

After spending some time in hot spring, you’ll cross Danphe Lagna Pass (3,691m/12,110 feet) and continue to reach Chere Chaur. A scenic village Chere Chaur is a place where we touch the main trail that we used on ascend a few days before. Finally we reach at the camping site of Jumla at 2,540m and reconfirm the flight to Nepalgunj for next morning.

Likewise, the travelers can invite their trekking crew for a little gathering on the final day of the trek. Guest can give tip for guide, and porters to cover the expenses as appreciation as a gratitude to the crew for their support and hard work throughout the journey.

13 DayFly from Jumla to Nepalgunj and continue to Kathmandu.

After breakfast in the morning, we check the flight schedule and most probably we fly with 18-seater twin otter aircraft to Nepalgunj city. On our arrival in Nepalgunj Airport, we mange a connecting flight back to Kathmandu town probably with ATR Aircrafts [ATR 42 (carry 42 passengers) and ATR 72 (78 passengers)] with aircraft crew members.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel.

You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last-minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with us. Overnight at Kathmandu, and the trip ends. Wishing you a wonderful journey back home the next morning.

Not satisfied with above plan?

Interested on planning a custom trip? this might take 2 to 3 minutes.

Cost

How much does the Rara lake trek package price?

Hike to rara lake trek package price US$ 1695 per person is a standard trip on a double occupancy basis. If you wish to travel luxury style, rara trek cost will change according to the travel service you book.

For the deluxe / luxury travel Rara, we add a 3-5 star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Likewise, 3-4 star deluxe hotel room with AC in Nepalgunja airport with breakfast. AND WE ARE OPEN TO CUSTOMIZING YOUR RARA TOUR PACKAGES PRICE AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS.

Rara lake trek package price includes:

  • Kathmandu international airport transfer by private car on your arrival.
  • Domestic airport transfer in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj airport with a private taxi/car.
  • Kathmandu city world heritage sites tour guide with a private car transfer service.
  • 2 nights Tourist standard accommodation in a double bed basis in Kathmandu.
  • Single night Tourist standard hotel accommodation double bed room in Nepalgunj airport.
  • 12 Breakfast, 11 Lunch, and 11 Dinner during the trekking.
  • 10 Nights outdoor tent accommodation during the wild west mountains Rara route.
  • Domestic/local flights: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Jumla- Nepalgunj – Kathmandu as a round trip airfare with airport departure taxes.
  • Fully escorted trek with English-speaking license holder local guide for Rara route.
  • Professional cook and necessary porters on Rara camping days.
  • Rara national park entrance permit fee
  • Mugu restricted area entrance permit fee US$ 100 per person per week.
  • TIMS permit for Rara trekking in Nepal.
  • Travel Insurance, Food, accommodation, and salary of Nepali trekking Guide.
  • Trip completion certificate and updated rara trek map, keep it as a souvenir.
  • Agency’s duffel bag (50 liters capacity), and trek poles if Necessary – return after the trek.
  • First aid medical kit including Oximeter to check your Oxygen level, Pulse rate to monitor every day to prepare for high altitude risk.
  • In a worst case, help with all Helicopter Rescue and evacuation arrangements (but not the rescue bills).
  • Nepal Government Tax, VAT, and as well as Company service charge.

Rara Lake Trekking Package Price Excludes :

  • Nepal entry visa fees.
  • Lunch and Dinner during the staying in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj city.
  • Any kinds of battery charges, laundry service, phone calls, and hot showers during the trekking.
  • Tourist personal trekking equipment and Clothing.
  • -10 comfort fresh Sleeping bag rental cost per piece US$ 2 per day.
  • Personal nature expenses, all types of drinks, and bar bills.
  • Travel Insurance which covers emergency rescue, evacuation, personal loss, or damage.
  • Any donation and monument entrance fees.
  • Gratuities for guide and porters [Tip is a culture, so they expect highly].

Group join

We can organize a private Rara lake Trek starting on any date that works for you. We usually check a cheap flights based Nepalgunj Airport and comfort rooms nearby airport to our tourists. Likewise, Rara trek is short therefore University students often visit rara trail on their university holidays. However, contact us to know about group join or a private trip to Rara.

FAQ

Question: Is pick-up service available on my arrival day in Kathmandu?

Answer: Yes sure. Provide us with your flight details. Our representative will come to pick up you at Kathmandu international airport.

Question: Do I need the experience to do Rara Lake Trek?

Answer: It is suitable for keen trekkers/walkers who are able to walk around 4 or 5 hours a day, with a lightweight daypack. For this trekking, if you have a little experience would be better.

Question: What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Rara lake trek?

Answer: We provide you with tourist standard accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunja airport. Likewise tent accommodation along the journey from Jumla to Rara hiking days. However, we recommend you take your own sleeping bags if you have one with you otherwise, you may rent them while you are in Kathmandu.

Question: What kind of food can I expect in this Rara Trek?

Answer: Rara trek, Our professional cook cooks a delicious range of mostly vegetarian such as Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, curry dal rice, bread, soups, and fresh vegetables.

dinner and breakfast are provided in the same campsite you spend the night every day and Lunch will be provided on the way to the next place where you are going.

Question: What opportunities will I have for a shower along Rara Lake Treks?.

Answer: As you are staying overnight in a camping outdoors, we can provide a warm water on a bucket, so you can take a shower.

Question: How do I get drinking water on the Rara Lake Trekking group?

Answer: In most places, you can buy bottled mineral water to drink but we advise against buying mineral water in plastic bottles, as currently there are no provisions for disposing of these. Instead, we advise you to buy aqua tablets so you can purify the normal water as the normal water is available at the campsite or on trek route.

Question: Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip?.

Answer: Travelers often find a local houses or home stay to charge the battery. We recommend you bring an extra pair in case. Remember to bring your adapters!

Question: Are there any communication facilities on Rara lake trekking?.

Answer: In this trekking route you can get telephone services as well as internet services as well.

Question: Can I use credit cards on trek?.

Answer: No! It’s a remote and wilderness trekking routes therefore you need to take some Nepali rupees with you on journey to maintain your extra costs besides the package trip.

Question: When should I book my trip and what are the payment terms?.

Answer: Our tours book up months in advance, we recommend booking early to avoid any kind of misunderstanding. We will, of course, make every effort to accommodate last-minute bookings. Regarding the tour deposit, we prefer a 20% advance deposit of the total price of the trip in order to confirm your reservation before you arrive in Nepal. And the rest of the payment can be made after your arrival in Nepal.

Question: Who will carry my luggage on the express Rara Trekking guide?.

Answer: We do provide porters to transfer your luggage. As a responsible trekking tour operator agency, each of our porters carries a maximum of 24 kilos of your backpack. It means 2 guest luggage = 1 porter basis.

Question: How much distance do I walk each day?

Answer: When walking in the mountains, the distance you cover each day can vary greatly due to gradient, terrain, and altitude. As such it is very hard to give specific distances for each day, however, you have to be prepared to walk for roughly about 5 hours each day.

Question: Do I need walking poles for Rara camping trekking?

Answer: For rara lake hiking, trek poles are recommended but MUST.

Question: Do you recommend any Rara videos?.

Answer: Yes, you can watch Rara official videos promoted by Nepal Tourism Board

Question: How much additional money do I need per day?

Answer: You can allocate US$ 10 – 15 for a lunch/dinner in Kathmandu and it depends on your spending habits. US$ 7 to 10 US$ each day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, tea coffee, and some drinks while you are on Rara Trek.

Jumla to Rara lake trek highlights

  • Research wild west rara uncrowded hiking trail and its hidden beauties staying in campsites.
  • Discover the far western Himalayas and experienced the wilderness off the beaten path trail.
  • Excellent views of Rara lake and its surrounding.
  • Undergo the Natural beauty of Rara lake is like a queen of opera
  • Encounter the mixed ethnic group people of west Nepal and their culture and tradition.

Why Rara Lake is the best popular as a queen of opera?.

Destination Rara Lake is just a Nepal’s wonder – wonderful hike situated in the Mugu district, the western part of Nepal. Mysterious rara is the biggest lake in the country and a beautiful lake like a queen of lakes. A trek to this natural wonder takes about a week, from Jumla Bazaar. On your journey, you will witness not only some picturesque views but also many different species of flora and fauna.

Jumla to Rara Lake trek itinerary prepared to focus on those beginner trekkers who have little time on their visit to Nepal. The trail takes you through a fascinating traditional mixed ethnic group and their villages who will greet you with warm hospitality.

Trek at Rara lake is a wilderness nature exploration in Nepal most frequented by Nepali local tourists. Rara Lake also known as Mahendra Lake and Murma is a viewpoint often overcrowded during the high season.

Air transportation is solid but stuck at the Jumla Airport terminal for 1 to several days because of occasional flights. The far western part of Nepal is diverse in landscape including flat land with the high Himalayas. Hike Rara is an unquestionable requirement to hike place in Nepal.

The Rara lake connects travelers with a local tour guide in Nepal. The best time to visit Rara Lake with a Guide is either in Spring (March to May) or Autumn (October to December) at this time the weather is very clear with a blue sky and the sun shining. Sightseers can discern the pristine Himalayas and beautiful landscapes together at the same time. 

What are the best and possible activities for tourists while on Rara hikes?

The 2-3 full days staying at Rara lake is just sufficient. Drifting almost half a day including lining up (1 hour one way + return 1-hour walk 1 way), cycling around, and horse riding to see the whole of Rara lake. In the scene, you have to move to Murma top which is 5 km rough and goes for 3 hours hiking or pony riding one way. We purpose you climb riding horse as you won’t get drained when you reach there and return crisp later. It cost around Nepali rupees (Nrs) 1800-2200 for 1 way pony riding.

You should walk when you return as it is annoying and hazardous riding a horse soaks downhill. Watching the whole Rara lake from Rara hilltop is entrancing as should be obvious just nature and no man-made structures. Moreover, there is no hydroelectricity supply, so Sun oriented power introduced in lodgings permits versatile charging and lights.

How to reach Rara lake Quickest?

Talcha plane terminal is another particularly problematic air terminal for landing and taking off in view of its exceptional geographical territory. It’s close to nothing (clearly for STOL) a bit of inclination detests Lukla. As a result of the closeness of the mountain nose at the north side of the runway, the plane should turn legitimately when it takes off and ought to arrive the same way (Can’t go straightforwardly to the runway from far away).

Likewise, from Jumla airport you may either take a bus or jeep to reach Gamgadhi, the district headquarters of Mugu. And from there it is about five hour hike to the lake. It is also possible to trek from Jumla to Rara lake but allow 3-5 days of hikes.

However, the easiest way to travel to Rara lake is to take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj and take another domestic flight from Nepalganj to Tancha (Mugu) airport and walk all the way to Rara Lake.

Notes for Rara National Park Visitors!

The information stated above Rara hikes is just a standard template guideline that we provide you. However, the trip plan is possible to modify at your request to accommodate your specific standards. Local politics, landslides, cancellation of local flights, weather, transport, or a multitude of other factors that are beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary during on trip.

It is, however, very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered. If alterations are necessary the leader will decide the best alternative option, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. When a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

What makes wild west Rara lake trek special?

Opportunities for challenging trekking or hiking and pleasant strolls are scattered all over the world. This combination of the stunning natural beauty, cultural encounters, and a sense of wilderness make the Rara Lake trek a highly sought-after and remarkable journey in Nepal.

We believe in the quality of services. Your safety and satisfaction is our concern. We are a team of professional local guides who know the destination much better than others. Moreover, we give benefits to the local communities and help to conserve natural resources which reduced costs and consumption.

Rara Lake Trek Review

Beautiful Rara Lake trek with Nepali Gokyo Agency Friends

Rated 5.0 out of 5
October 19, 2018

Finally…. we did our Rara lake Trekking last month in 2018. It has a long flight journey for us, and it’s really worth…. to see spectacular views all the way and a beautiful area lake. Together with gokyo trek and expedition, we prepare our journey and route, no doubt they have experience and made our trekking much easier. – Lukas Michael, Totanheim, Germany

Avatar for Lukas Michael, Totanheim, Germany
Lukas Michael, Totanheim, Germany

Response from Gokyo Treks Nepal

Thank you Lucas for your time to post amazing Rara lake trek reports. We hope to serve you again for your next trip to the Himalayas.

From US$ 2040

2% Off US$ 1695See Group Discount
No. of peoplePrice Per Person
1 USD 1999
2 USD 1695
3 USD 1650
4 - 6 USD 1498
7 - 9 USD 1450
10 + USD 1375
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