Rara Lake Trek

The Rara Lake Trek offers an incredible opportunity to explore the remote western region of Nepal, home to Rara Lake—the largest and highest lake in the country. This trek takes […]

15 Days
15 - 20 KM Per Day
Tea House
Start from Kathmandu and End to Kathmandu
Min 2 to Max 10 Pax in a group
Domestic Flight (KTM - Lukla - Kathmandu) and Private Vehicle
moderate

Highlights

  • Practicing yoga daily amidst the breathtaking Himalayan landscape.
  • Discovering the serene beauty of Rara Lake, Nepal's largest lake.
  • Trekking through untouched forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron.
  • Engaging with local communities to experience their culture and lifestyle.
  • Taking in stunning panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri and Api Himal.

Overview

The Rara Lake Trek offers an incredible opportunity to explore the remote western region of Nepal, home to Rara Lake—the largest and highest lake in the country. This trek takes you along an off-the-beaten path, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you. The entire journey unfolds within the Rara National Park, a haven for diverse wildlife, including musk deer, Himalayan black bears, leopards, Himalayan goral, Red Pandas, and the iconic Danfe bird. Bill Greer, the founder of Great Outdoors Recreation Pages, once described Rara Lake as “a shimmering blue jewel set in a ring of snowy peaks.”

The trail winds through lush forests, offering a journey through an ever-changing landscape of flora and fauna, all leading to the stunning Rara Lake. Here, the reflections of the towering Himalayas create a mesmerizing sight. The mountains inspire a sense of awe and might even ignite a desire to conquer them one day. The area around the lake is home to over 1,000 species of flowers, 51 species of mammals, and 214 bird species. Additionally, the region is known for its abundance of medicinal plants.

The trek itself, which includes crossing the Ghurchi Lagna Pass at 3,450 meters and various ridges at 3,000 meters, takes you through remote villages. These communities live at high altitudes, with a lifestyle that is uniquely different from your own. The Rara Lake Trek is a perfect blend of rugged terrain and tranquil beauty, offering an escape from the crowds and a chance to reconnect with nature. This off-the-beaten-path adventure circles back to its starting point, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Nepal’s untouched wilderness.

Itinerary

If you're looking for a tailor-made trip or wish to customize this itinerary, feel free to reach out to us. We're always here to help you craft the perfect holiday experience. Contact us today!

Day 01

Arrival Kathmandu and transfer to hotel (1355m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu's international airport, our team will greet you outside the terminal and transfer you to your hotel by private vehicle (Jeep/Bus/Van, depending on your group size). After checking in and enjoying some refreshments, you can either relax or take a stroll through the lively streets of Thamel to get acquainted with the area. In the evening, our senior guide will give you a briefing about the upcoming journey. You’ll also be treated to a welcome dinner, featuring traditional Nepali cuisine and a cultural dance performance. This may be your first night in the breathtaking Himalayan region. Overnight stay at the hotel (breakfast included).
Day 02

Kathmandu sightseeing tour and trip preparation

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at your hotel and escort you in a comfortable tourist vehicle. The valley tour will include visits to Syambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath (the largest temple), and Boudhanath. At the end of the day, you'll explore Kathmandu Durbar Square before returning to your hotel. In the evening, our senior trekking guide will brief you about the upcoming trek. Overnight stay at the hotel, with breakfast included. These sites hold great cultural significance, deeply rooted in an ancient civilization, making them essential to visit. Please note, you'll explore 3 to 4 sites on this day, as visiting all of them is not feasible in one trip.
Day 03

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m.)

In the evening, enjoy a scenic 1-hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Situated near the Nepal-India border in western Nepal, Nepalgunj is one of the largest towns and is known for its hot climate. It also serves as the gateway to Kailash via Simikot. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the night. Overnight stay with full board meals included.
Day 04

Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2514m)

After a hearty breakfast, we depart from Nepalgung and head to the airport for our flight to Jumla. Known as one of Nepal's most rural and least developed districts, Jumla remains largely unexplored by trekkers. We set up camp for the night in Jumla, allowing ourselves time to acclimatize before continuing our adventure.
Day 05

Trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur (3050m)

After breakfast, we begin our trek towards Chere Chaur. Our journey starts with an uphill hike alongside the Jugad River. Along the way, we pass through lush green forests, ancient monasteries, charming villages, bustling markets, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Day 06

Trek from Chere Chaur to Chala Chaur (2980m.)

On the second day of our trek, we begin with a hot breakfast before heading out on the trail, which gradually ascends toward the Jaljala Pass. Compared to other passes like Thorong La, Jaljala Pass is relatively easier, standing at 3,580 meters above sea level. After crossing the pass, we continue our trek toward Jaljala Chaur. Upon arrival, we take a short rest before continuing along the trail, which ascends toward Chala Chaur. We spend the night at a tented camp in Chala Chaur, enjoying full board meals.
Day 07

Trek from Chala Chaur to Sinja Valley (2485m)

After an early breakfast, we begin our trek with an ascent to Sinja Valley. The trail takes us through several villages, winding through the lush forest along the Jaljala stream. Sinja, once the ancient capital of the Khasa kingdom, flourished from the 12th to the 14th century.
Day 08

Trek from Sinja Valley to Gorusinga (3050m)

After breakfast, we begin our journey with an uphill hike along the Hima River, passing through dense forests, the village of Laha, and scenic valleys. Along the way, we'll cross a suspension bridge before reaching Gorusinga, where we’ll conclude today’s trek.
Day 09

Trek from Gorusinga to Rara Lake (3010m)

After a hearty breakfast, we make our way through Chuchhema Danda, one of the best viewpoints to capture the stunning views of the Himalayan ranges and the mesmerizing Rara Lake. Along the journey, we pass by the Khatyar stream and several settlements, including Murma village, before arriving at Rara Lake. Nestled in the highlands of the Himalayas, Rara Lake offers one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have.
Day 10

Rara lake exploration day

Today is a perfect day to explore Rara Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Nepal. Nestled at an altitude of 2,290 meters, it spans an impressive 9.8 square kilometers. We’ll enjoy a peaceful boat ride to take in the breathtaking scenery and observe the variety of fish that call the lake home. For an even more stunning experience, we’ll hike around the lake, where we can marvel at panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks on both the southern and northern sides of the lake.
Day 11

Trek from Rara Lake to Pina (2435m)

After breakfast, we depart from Rara Lake and begin our trek to Pina Village. The first part of the hike is an easy, flat trail leading us to Gamgadi, the administrative headquarters of Mugu District, where government offices are situated. From there, we continue our descent until we reach Pina Village, where we’ll camp for the night in tents, surrounded by the peaceful natural beauty.
Day 12

Trek from Pina to Burma (2850m)

Today’s trek begins with a descent as we cross the Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3,485m), offering stunning mountain views and passing through several local settlements on our way to Burma. Burma Village, also known as Nauri, is a highlight of the region. We’ll spend the night at Burma, camping in tents with full board meals provided.
Day 13

Trek from Burma to Jumla (2514m)

After breakfast, we begin our final day of trekking by following the Hima River and crossing a suspension bridge. The trail then descends, leading us to a natural hot spring where we can soak and relieve any aches. Refreshed, we continue our journey, crossing Danphe Lagna Pass (3690m) before reaching our destination: Jumla.
Day 14

Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

After an exhilarating journey filled with numerous ascents and descents, we catch an early morning flight back to Nepalgunj. Later that evening, we take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel to freshen up. To end our adventure, we enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, complete with a cultural dance performance.
Day 15

Departure to your home

It’s your final day in Nepal! After breakfast, our team will be ready to take you to the international airport. We’ll depart the hotel at least 3 hours before your flight. It’s been an amazing time spent together, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey!

Inclusions

What's included

What's not included

Departure Dates

Frequently Asked Questions about Rara Lake Trek

1) What is the best time to trek to Rara Lake?

The best time to trek to Rara Lake is from March to May and September to November. These months offer favorable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for trekking.

2) How difficult is the Rara Lake Trek?

The trek is considered moderate to challenging due to its remote location, high altitude, and rugged terrain. The Ghurchi Lagna Pass at 3,450 meters and the ridges at 3,000 meters require a good level of physical fitness and acclimatization.

3) What should I pack for the trek?

Pack light, but ensure you bring warm clothing, good trekking shoes, a sleeping bag, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and water purification tablets. Layers are essential, as temperatures can vary greatly.

4) What is the altitude of Rara Lake?

Rara Lake is situated at an altitude of 2,990 meters (9,810 feet) above sea level. The surrounding trekking areas can reach higher altitudes, making acclimatization an important aspect of the journey.