Rara Lake Trek – 15 Days
Overview
Region: Himalayan Ranges in Western Nepal
Trek Type: Group Adventures
Group Size: 1 to 16 People per Group.
When is the best time to trek: Mid March to December.
Not a good time to trek: Jan to Mar.
Activity Begins and Ends at: Kathmandu.
Trekking Expedition Duration: 13 nights / 14 days.
Difficulty level of the Trek: Easy to Medium.
Maximum Altitude Gain: 3, 480 meters / 11, 417 feet.
Daily Altitude Gain: 200 to 400 meters.
Type of Accommodation: Hotel / Tea houses / Camping on a twin sharing basis.
Trekking requires great stamina and involves physical activities that boost oxygen level. If you are fascinated with the rarest species of wild Himalayas, a good trek to the Rara Lake through the leaf- carpeted path can leave a trail of rich effect on your mind body and soul. You can feel the simplicity of the Himalayas through trekking on the paths day after day, get adapted to the climate and the altitude to make a great impact on your life and thought process.
Himalayan Mountains offers lush green and diverse grasslands, ice clad and Smokey Blue Mountains and is shelter for some rarest species of wild animals, birds and reptiles. Distant from the touch of modernization, if you want to wander through dense forest, snowy paths and experience and adventurous trek feeling the Himalayas under your feet, you have to go to Rara Lake Trek.
The urge to test one’s physical fitness and endurance, the attraction towards the unknown, to understand the ecology of mountains, to study and learn the distinct geography and flora and fauna of high altitude people inclines towards trekking. Trekking reduces stress to increase positivity, increases bonding with the family members, provides opportunity to enjoy outstanding outdoors and help you gain extra oxygen through the unpolluted regions. Trekking challenges the physical as well as mental activity. Our mind pumps up adrenaline when it comes to adventure.
The Rara Lake trek is one of such most adventurous treks and it is the ultimate answer for a stress free journey. As the name indicates, the Rara Lake trek comprises on the biggest and undivided lake of Nepal which is situated at 850 kilometers north-west of Kathmandu, lies in Mugu district of Nepal.
The lake is surrounded by Rara national park and is situated at high shelf of around 2, 980 meters. This lake is 5 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. The Rara national park is an inhabitant of musk deer, leopard, Himalayan Black deer and rare native red panda. Trekkers, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will find this trek most rewarding journey. The native and diverse cultural beauty of Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, the glimpse of offbeat culture of Jumla, delightful blooms and alpine of Chere Chaur and blue and crystal clear water of Rara lake makes this trekking experience a lifetime memory.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu(1, 400 meters / 4,593 feet).
This is the starting of the trip and the welcoming day when we’ll meet at the capital of the country, Kathmandu. One day in Kathmandu will be enriched with historic sites, ancient temples, mesmerizing villages and golden shrines, pagodas, culinary, busy market places and incredible culture of Nepal.
Pashupatinath temple and Swayambhunath temple are the main sites to visit during the day. Swayambhunath temple is also known as Monkey Temple among the foreign visitors. The Durbar Square’s monuments and the Buddhanath stupa are other major attractions of the city and among the UNESCO WORLD heritage sites. We’ll stay at Kathmandu.
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150 meters / 490 feet): 1 hour.
The next day, we’ll move from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a sub-metropolitan city in Banke district on the Terai plains near the southern border. The flying time between Kathmandu and Nepalgunj is around 1 hour.
On reaching Nepalgunj, you may trudge around the city and visit local marketplaces like Dhambojhi Chowk and Tribhuban Chowk. Taste the best street foods and culinary among the country.
Day 3: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2,540 meters / 8,334 feet): 30 minutes.
After a day’s exploration, night stay and morning breakfast in Nepalgunj, we’ll head towards hilly landscape of Jumla, a valley where their paddy is cultivated at the highest place on the earth. The flight will take around 30 minutes.
On reaching Jumla, we begin our trekking and the journey of a lifetime through the dense alpine fields begins. You can explore the nearby Karnali region of Himalaya in the rest of the time. We’ll stay overnight in Jumla.
Day 4: Trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur (3, 055 meters / 10, 023 feet).
We begin our trek from Jumla after breakfast towards Chere Chaur. We’ll hike along the Jugad river and will pass through dense green forest, small and beautiful villages, mesmerizing landscapes and views. We’ll also cross Khalanga, a local market for the villages. Overnight stay at Chere Chaur.
Day 5: Chere Chaur to Chala Chaur (2, 980 meters / 9,777 feet).
Today’s trek begins with a trail that goes ascend till Jailjala pass. Jailjala pass is at around 3, 580 m from sea level. Trail goes straight towards Jailjala Chaur after the pass. We pass through some small villages and Buddhist stupas on the way. These stupas were built in 15th century bearing a historic fragrance of the region around.
From the Jailjala Pass the trail leads steep ascend to Chala Chaur . We’ll stay at Chala Chaur at night.
Day 6: Chala Chaur to Sinja Valley (1, 372 meters / 4, 501 feet).
The way is steep hiking and climb to Sinja valley. We begin our journey from Chala Chaur and trudge through the dense forests, settlements along the Jailjala Stream. Sinja valley is the capital city of ancient Khasas. They ruled this area from 12th century to 14th century. This site has also been included in UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE tentative list in 2008. Overnight camps at the Sinja Valley.
Day 7: Sinja to Ghorosingha (3, 050 meters / 10, 007 feet).
We’ll leave the Sinja valley and our trek starts today along the Hima river and there is an uphill and steep elevation until Laha Village. On the way we come across some beautiful villages, forest, calm valleys and a suspension bridge. From Laha village another steep climb is there until Ghorosingha alongside of the Ghotta stream. Overnight in Ghorosingha.
Day 8: Trek from Ghorosingha to Rara Lake (2,990 meters / 9,810 feet).
Trek starts by walking away from Ghorosingha and climb ascending towards Gurchimara ridge. The trail is easier than the previous ones. On reaching the regalia of the ridge we can view the astonishing panorama and beauty of the Himalayas. The trail leads descending towards the Rara lake and we become spellbound by the irresistible attraction of the Rara lake. As soon as the lake becomes visible, the Rara national park flaunts its leafy and misty greens.
The trail continues through the birch and bamboo forests until the Khatyar stream. We follow the Khatyar upstream towards Rara lake.We continue walking towards Chapri village where there is Rara National Park Head Quarter. We’ll stay at Rara lake overnight.
Day 9: Explore Rara Lake.
Today we’ll explore the surroundings of the Rara lake. At the centre of Rara national Park is the magnificent deep blue clear water Rara lake which resides at the height of 2, 990 m and spread over 10.8 square kilometers. The calm and clear water of Rara lake mirrors the view of highly forested hillside and snow capped mountain peaks around.
The surrounding houses more than 500 different kind of vegetation and herbs includes junipers, Oaks, Pines, Rhododendrons, Himalayan Cypress and Spruce. It is home of several rare species of animals and birds. Overnight stay besides Rara lake.
Day 10: Rara Lake to Pina (2, 440 meters / 8, 006 feet).
We begin our trek from Rara lake to Pina village through comparatively easy and straight trail until Gamgadhi village. Gamgadhi village is the headquarter of Mugu district of Nepal. From Gamgadhi we follow descending trail and walk down to Pina village where we’ll stay overnight.
Day 11: Pina Village to Bumara (2, 850 meters / 9, 351 feet).
We leave Pina village today and hike down by crossing Ghurchi Lagna Pass which is situated at 3, 485 m. We come across beautiful villages, landscapes and mountain views through the way to Bumara. Bumara, also known as Nauri ghat, is the most spectacular village among all. Overnight at Bumara village.
Day 12: Trek from Bumara to Jumla (2, 540 meters / 8, 334 feet).
The final part of trekking starts today with hiking along the Hima river. We cross two suspension bridges on the way. The trail leads to downhill to reach a hot spring where we get to dip our aching body and get some relief. We continue our trek and cross the Danphe Lagna Pass which is at 3690 m. After crossing the pass we follow the same trail which we trekked through few days back from Jumla to Chere Chaur and reach Jumla. We’ll stay overnight at Jumla.
Day 13: Fly to Nepalgunj then fly to Kathmandu.
Today comes the final stage of our journey. We will fly back to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj we will fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Day 14: Final Departure.
Our team escorts you to the airport for the flight back home. If you wish to stay longer you can take short tours around. Have a safe flight and enjoy the memories you have captured and taking along for lifetime.
Come to the Himalaya and plan trek to Rara Lake to enjoy snow capped peaks, streams, leafy trails, rivers and make a once in a lifetime experience.
What does it include?
Airport pickups and drops.
2 nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
1 night stay in Nepalgunj with breakfast.
Teahouse / Mountain lodge / Hotel / Camp accommodation during the trek.
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
All ground transportation in private vehicle as per the itinerary.
Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Nepalgunj -Jhupal round trip).
Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary.
An experienced, certified guide.
Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter).
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader/guide).
All government and local taxes.
What it does not include?
Travel expenses to reach and return from Kathmandu.
Food and beverages not mentioned in itinerary.
Additional accommodation and food expenses if trek gets delayed due to weather, flight cancellation, health or any other reason.
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.).
Health Insurance, Personal Insurance and other travel insurance.
Expenses for evacuation and rescue operations due to natural calamity, mishaps, injury or any health problem.
Nepalese visa fee.
Tips for guide(s), porter(s).
Items to bring with you
Trekking Bag.
UV Protected Sun Glasses.
Best Quality Hiking Shoes (Preferably Water Proof).
Trekking Poles.
Crocs Shoes/sandal.
Water disinfection Drops / Tablets.
Knapsack / Backpack / Rucksack.
Good jacket to protect from cold.
Sleeping Bag.
Windcheater.
Thermals – Top and Bottom.
Poncho (for rain).
Knee Cap 1 Pair.
Moisturizer.
1 quick drying towel.
Sun blocks (SPF 50 and above) and Lip Salve with Sun blocks.
Toilet Paper.
Wet-Tissue Papers/ Baby wipes.
Headlamp, Torch with spare batteries.
Gloves.
Trekking Socks.
Gaiters for hiking in winter.
Basic First Aid Kit.
2 light weight trekking pants.
3 light weight trekking T-Shirt.
4 pairs trekking socks.
Dry Fruits and Chocolates.
Small, basic first aid kit(cough and/or cold medicine, headache pills etc.).
For Price or Customize this trek send a mail to: trip@weramblers.com or register with us below.