Rara Lake Trek takes us to the greatest lake in Nepal at the altitude of 2,980m. Lying at the far northwest of Nepal, Rara Lake trek is a huge attraction to the trekkers visiting Nepal. The main attraction of the Rara Lake area trekking is the tranquil Rara Lake and its gorgeous surrounding. Most of the region around the Rara Lake and Jumla are relatively unexplored and untouched. Every soul reaching to these areas will be mesmerized by its beauty. The Trek takes us to the Rara Lake situated in the midst of the Rara National Park; the national park is renowned for Himalayan black bear, Red panda, Black Panther, Ghorals, Leopard, Musk Deer, Wild Boar and Languor Monkeys along with numerous species of birds. Rara lake trekking proves to be a lifetime opportunity for botanists naturalizes and bird watchers.
The Rara Lake trek begins with a fantastic flight to first Nepalung and then to Jumla over the hilly regions of Nepal, takes us along side of the stupendous snow capped mountains of Dolpo and the shadows of the Tibetan mountains to the magnificent lake. The four final days of the trekking offers us the fabulous views over Mugu, the southern mountain of Hulma and Julma and the border range of Tibet. Though out the Rara Lake Trek, we will walk across the grassy alpine meadows of the Himalayas, remote and high villages of the region. On our way back we will pass Julma on the steep way down and finally to the town of Nepaljung from where we will fly back to the flamboyant city of Kathmandu.
The highest point we hit during the Rara Lake Trek is Danphe Lagna at the height of 3500m. We will visit small tea shops and bhattis on the way, interact with the locals and taste and enjoy the local cuisine and wines during our Trek. Though a very interesting and joyful, Rara Lake Trek takes a considerable amount of trekking in the wilderness of the Himalayas. One should be physically ready and strong and mentally prepared to make this trip as s long lasting memory. -6 hours of trekking is required to meet the challenges of Rala Lake trekking.
Day 01: Kathmandu to Nepaljung
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 02: 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 03: 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 04: 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 05: 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 06: 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 07: Dhotu to Rara lake (2980m)
It is a short, pleasant day 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 08: 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 09: Rara Lake to Gorosingha (3190m)
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: Gorusingha to Sinja (2440m)
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: Sinja to Jaljala Chaur (3270m)
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: Jaljala Chaur to Jumla (2370m)
Keep climbing through forest to yet another meadow, just below the ridge at 3510m, then a Pleasant descent to Jumla (4 hrs).
Day 13: Jumla to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
All Meals on full board basis will be provided during the spent on trek. Three meals a day(Nepali,Sherpa, Tibetan,Continental, cusion) a day will be provided from the teahouse/lodge menus. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same camp you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
Make sure to have both medical and evacuation insurance before coming to Nepal for Everest Base Camp Trek