Rara Lake Trek - 14 Days
14 Days
3,500 M
Moderate
Car, Jeep and Flight
Hotel and Resort
Tea House
Nepal's highest elevation Rara Lake located in Western Nepal. To begin this trek we have to fly to western Nepal from Kathmandu and fly to the mountain airstrip of Jumla after flying from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. The trail passes through green countryside which provides unusual glimpses of a culture and scenery quite different from that found elsewhere in Nepal and which eventually to Rara Lake National Park. Alpine meadows and forests of pine, juniper and spruce surround this beautiful high altitude lake, whilst in the background you can view the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The entire route is 'off the beaten track' which involves the crossing of Ghurchi Lagna pass at 3,450m on the way to Rara Lake and a few ridges at around 3,000 meters when hiking on the way back.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1 Flight From Kathmandu To Nepalgunj
Fly to Nepalgunj a small town near the Indian border in the Terai region of Nepal , and stay overnight in this transit city. O/n at Hotel
Day 2: Day 2 Flight From Nepalgunj To Jumla (2370m)
Fly to North from Nepalgunj crossing several hilly regions. If weather stay good can see the good views of snow-capped mountains to the east and west. Jumla town is in a delightful valley and here are the highest limits of paddy cultivation, growing red rice. The town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali zone and Jumla district. Local regulations have declared Jumla a dry district, so no alcohol is available
Day 3: Day 3 Jumla To Uthugaon (2530m)
We start our trek by following the north bank of the Tila Khola river and then turn north following the Chaudhabise Khola passing through fields and pine forests. We will ascent up the Padmara valley. Our trail keeps following the river until we arrive at the small village of Uthugaon , where we will have a good campsite close to the school on the opposite site of the river (4 hrs).
Day 4: Day 4 Uthugaon To Danphe Lagna (3500m)
After our breakfast we will follow the trail through this narrow canyon to the village of Padmara at 2900 m. Our path then climbs to the Khali Lagna pass at 3550 m through a deep forest of pines, spurches and firs. Shortly after this pass both routes come together and the trail then descends gently through mixed forest of spruces, birches and rhododendrons to arrive at our campsite at Danphe Lagna. Here the colorful national bird of Nepal (the Himalayan monal, or impeyan peasant) has been spotted many times at the edge of our campsite (4 hrs).
Day 5: Day 5 Danphe Lagna To Chautha (2770m)
The trails descend gently alongside the stream to two bhattis (teashops) ath Tharamara (3280m) and the descending more steep passing through fir, birch, and walnut and bamboo forests. After crossing a bridge at 2680 meter we follow the river downstream before starting a serious climb passing some water-driven mills to Kabra. Here is a huge overhanging rock which is the source of silaji, a mineral which is believed to have “healing” properties. It is exported to India and it is believed by people that ‘there is hardly any curable disease which cannot be controlled or cured with the aid of silaji’ Our steep climb continues for a while and then levels out before Bhara (classic Tibetan style village). After this village we then descend to the Chauro Khola river to the village of Chautha (6 hrs).
Day 6: Day 6 Chautha To Dhotu (2380m)
Our trail continues to follow the stream uphill to Bhulbule, the Rara National Park entrance station at 3130 meter. Our path continues climbing gently to Ghurchi Lagna pass (3450m) which is covered with an assortment of chortens (round stone Buddhist monuments) and prayer flags. From the pass the route descends gently at first before dropping down precipitously through spruce forests. The path levels at about 2900 meter and continues more or less level to the small settlement of Dhotu were our camp of the day will be (5:30 hrs).
Day 7: Day 7 Dhotu To Rara Lake (2980m)
It is a short, pleasant trek with fine views to the north. From Dhotu, we traverse a steep north facing slope and cross a series of fields down to a small stream. Crossing the bridge, we climb up to the Thakuri village of Jhyari (2630m). From Jhyari, we climb steadily up through cedar forest to a huge meadow atop a 3050 meter ridge with great overhead views of Rara Lake . We will follow the trail along to the northern side of the Lake , where the park headquarters and the camping ground are situated (4 hrs).
Day 8: Day 8 Rara Lake
Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal . It is almost 13 km around the lake and a day devoted to walk around is well spent. Designated a national park in 1975, this region offers remoteness and a wilderness experience unlike any other region of Nepal , where birds, flowers and wildlife thrive. Among the mammals in this region are Himalayan bears, serows, gorals, musk deer, red pandas and both rhesus and langur monkeys. The 170 meter deep lake is a habitat for otters and an important resting place for migrating water fowl.
Day 9: Day 9 Rara Lake To Gorosingha (3190m) 5 Hrs Walk
From the bridge at the western end of Rara Lake the trail will follow the Khatyar Khola River . We will keep following this river slowly descending before we climb out following a small trail surrounded by pine, spruce and rhododendron forests. We follow our path dropping into the Ghatta valley heading towards the small settlement of Gorosingha where there are several excellent campsites (5 hrs).
Day 10: Day 10 Gorusingha To Sinja (2440m) 5 Hrs Walk
The route keeps heading down the Ghatta valley from Gorosingha following the Sinja Khola river downwards to Sinja. From the 12th to 14th century, Sinja was the capital of the Malla dynasty that ruled western Nepal . The ruins of the old palace can be seen across the river. There is an interesting temple here dedicated to Bhagwati, the goddess of justice who rides atop a tiger (5 hrs).
Day 11: Day 11 Sinja To Jaljala Chaur (3270m) 6 Hrs
From Sinja, the trail crosses the Sinja Khola on a wooden cantilever bridge. After passing a few small villages, the trail crosses back and forth across the river on a series of quaint log bridges. Most of the trek is through forest of pine, birch and oak and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a steep climb to Jaljala Chaur, a gigantic meadow full of horses (6 hrs).
Day 12: Day 12 Jaljala Chaur To Jumla (2370m) 4 Hrs
Keep climbing through forest to yet another meadow, just below the ridge at 3510m, then a Pleasant descent to Jumla (4 hrs).
Day 13: Day 13 Jumla To Nepalgunj
Nepalgunj Sightseeing. O/n at hotel.
Day 14: Day 14 Flight From Nepalgunj To Kathmandu
The Cost Include(s)
- All domestic flights as per itinerary Kathmandu-Nepaljung-Kathmandu & Nepaljung- Juphal- Nepaljung,
- 3 meals per day during the trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner) including the coffee and tea.
- Accommodation in tea houses or provided tents during the trek as mentioned in the trek type.
- Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepaljung on B/B Basis,
- Highly experienced Government licensed guide and necessary porters during the trek.
- Government / Local taxes, tourist service charge, guide / porter insurance and salary, general equipment, national park and conservation area fees.
- Kathmandu city tour with an experienced tour guide ( Kathmandu , Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur) depends on your time frame.
- Airport transfers
The Cost Exclude(s)
- Personal trekking Equipment
- Major meals, Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu
- Any type of personal expenses, such as alcoholic beverages and drinks, phone and laundry.
- entry visa fee, can be easily obtained the upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport - Kathmandu .
- Rescue & travel insurance, accident or health emergency, evacuation, loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal effects. We strongly advise you to take out personal travel insurance,
- Tips & Gratuities
Booking
Review
An Unforgettable Annapurna Base Camp Experience!
We had an absolutely incredible experience trekking to Annapurna Base Camp with Nepal Social Treks and Expedition, and we cannot recommend them highly enough! From beginning to end, everything was exceptionally well organized, but what truly made this adventure unforgettable was our amazing team: our guide, Achut Pandey, and our two porters, Niran and Thirtna. Achut was an outstanding guide. He was knowledgeable, professional, patient, kind, and always attentive to how everyone was feeling. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp can be challenging, and having someone we trusted completely made such a difference. Achut knew the mountains and trails incredibly well, kept us informed about what to expect each day, and always made sure we were comfortable, safe, and enjoying the experience. His warmth, encouragement, and sense of humor made even the difficult stretches of the trek enjoyable. Niran and Thirtna were equally amazing. We have so much respect and gratitude for them. They worked incredibly hard throughout the trek and always greeted us with kindness and a smile. If you are considering trekking in Nepal, we wholeheartedly recommend Nepal Social Treks & Expedition. And if you have the opportunity to trek with Achut, Niran, and Thirtna, consider yourself very lucky!
Nepal Social Treks helped us turn a dream into reality.
We have just completed the Annapurna Base Camp private trek with my husband, and it was truly a dream come true! Our guide, Urken Sherpa, was incredibly calm, caring, and supportive throughout the trek. We really appreciated the peace, silence, and privacy of having a private trek. Our porter, Milan, was always smiling and brought so much positive energy to our days. His kindness and cheerful attitude made a real difference throughout the journey. It was our first time in Nepal, and Nepal Social Treks helped us turn a dream into reality. We are so grateful for the wonderful experience and cannot recommend Urken, Milan, and Nepal Social Treks highly enough! Thank you for making this adventure so memorable. ❤️
Trekking Everest Base Camp
I booked the Everest Base Camp trek with this agency, and from the very beginning they were always available to answer any questions or doubts I had. Everything was extremely well organized from start to finish, my guide was fantastic, and we were lucky enough to have perfect weather throughout the trek. It was an absolutely amazing experience, and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Can’t wait to come back for another trekking ☺️ Highly recommended!
I booked the 5 day Around Kathmandu Valley tour for my family which was a great experience. Bhim was our tour guide and Deepak drove us around for the five days. The tour went very smoothly and didn't feel rushed at all. Since we went in the tourism off-season, all the stupas, temples, and UNESCO sites weren't very busy. We were able to finish the day's content by 4pm each day, giving plenty of time to rest for the next day. Bhim was very knowledgeable about each site, Nepali history, and was very receptive to our questions on Nepali culture. The hotels for this tour were also great. In particular, "hotel view point" in Nagarkot had a fantastic 360 view, as it actually is at the top of Nagarkot rather than a lot of other hotels down on the slopes. The view was incredible and we got to see some of the Himalayas, which we considered fairly lucky as we went during the cloudy, foggy monsoon season. Nepal Social Treks took complete care of everything from airport pick up to the hotels, and this was just an absolutely no-stress vacation to do some light cultural exploration of Nepal. Overall, would strongly recommend this tour and Nepal Social Treks!
I booked my trip through Nepalviaje (website in spanish) and from the first moment everything was perfect. Starting with Fernando that was answering really fast all our questions, when we arrive to Kathmandu the person waiting for us in the airport was absolutely fantastic, he wait over and hour for us cause it tooks a while to get out of the airport, the hotel for the first and last night is absolutely brilliant, when you arrive to the Office everything is super clear and they make you feel at home. The Trek is a experience of a lifetime, our guide Lhakpa IS the best guide ever and will not only guide you all the way to the base camp but show you things about culture and take care about every single details, lodges are always fantastic with a huge variaty of food. We made it with other girl and all of us reach EBC, Lhakpa will give you all the good advices to make it and the company will take care of everything, even the last day Basu(the manager of the company) call us to provide a helicopter service to come back to Kathmandu as the weather in Lukla was mean to be bad for a couple of days. 10/10 for this company and all the people involve on it
I completed the Everest Base Camp trek starting from Jiri, and it was simply an unforgettable experience. A long and authentic journey, away from the usual routes, that allowed me to experience Nepal in a deep and genuine way. From the very first day, the agency was fantastic: excellent organization, great support, and constant availability. I always felt well taken care of and never had to worry about anything. A truly special thanks to Anchal Magar, who was an outstanding guide in every sense. (A real friend) Always present, attentive, and highly professional, he showed great sensitivity in understanding my needs, adapting the pace and itinerary with care and intelligence. In the most challenging moments, he was a fundamental point of reference, providing reassurance and confidence. Beyond his skills, what stood out the most was his humanity, kindness, and dedication, rare qualities that made this experience even more meaningful. An experience I will carry with me forever!
