Rara Lake Trek - Nepal

Rara Lake Trek
Rara Lake Trek
Rara Lake Trek
Quick Overview

Highlights of Rara Lake Trek

  • Rara Lake is the Largest Lake in Nepal, which is calm and surrounded by the untouched forests and snow-capped mountains.
  • The Rara Lake trekking route is peaceful, unlike the popular treks like Everest and Annapurna. You’ll walk through quiet villages, pine forests, and the hills, enjoying peace. 
  • Enjoy the scenic trails and Panoramic views of mountains. From Jaljala pass, Sinja Khola, terraced fields, and those stunning Himalayan panoramas, everything looks perfect for photography lovers.
  • You’ll get to experience the culture of the local villages, how they greet you with warm smiles, and share stories of their daily life and ancient traditions.
  • Rara National Park is home to various Wildlife and Birds, so you might spot Himalayan monals, musk deer, and rare birds. 
  • Experience some magical moments like sunrise over the lake and a sky full of stars at night. These moments are peaceful and unforgettable.
  • Rara Lake trek is moderately difficult and the best adventure without extreme altitude challenges.

Overview of Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake is Nepal’s biggest lake. It is almost 3,000 meters deep and sits quietly inside Rara National Park. This journey is into Nepal’s remote northwest, where the mountains whisper stories and a hidden lake waits for you. The trek to Rara Lake begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Jumla, then the route takes you through pine forests, rolling hills, and traditional villages where life is simple. 

Unlike the famous treks like Annapurna or Everest, the Rara Lake Trek is peaceful, and it feels untouched. Every step you take brings you closer to the Queen of Lakes and when you finally stand in front of Rara Lake, you’ll be blessed. It is so beautiful and looks unreal. 

Rara Lake Trek is moderately challenging and perfect for trekkers who love offbeat adventure. 

Along the way to Rara Lake, you’ll find authentic tea houses, rare wildlife, and a sky full of stars at night. This trek is a beautiful escape from cities to nature, into stillness, and into Nepal’s dreamy place, where most travelers never get to visit. 

Quick facts for Rara Lake Trek

  • Location: Mugu District, Karnali Province, Nepal
  • Altitude: Around 3,000m (Rara Lake)
  • Duration: 9 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
  • Accommodation: Tea houses & Homestays along the trail
  • Meals: Full Board Meal, Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
  • Starting: Kathmandu
  • Ending: Kathmandu
  • Transportation: Domestic flights from Kathmandu-Nepaljung-Jumla and the same way return.
  • Permits required: Rara National Park Entry Permit, Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS Card)

How to reach Rara Lake?

Getting to Rara Lake is an adventure in itself, but you’ll definitely enjoy it. Your journey starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, and then you’ll take another flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla. As you fly, you’ll see terraced fields, winding rivers, and small villages tucked into the mountains. Landing in Jumla feels so good. The fresh air and the mountains feel closer. From here, your Rara Lake Trek begins. 

Rara Lake trail takes you through green pine forests, quiet villages, and villages where local people will greet you with warm smiles. You’ll also get to see rivers and panoramic Himalayan ranges, every step like you’re discovering a hidden corner of Nepal. After days of trekking, you’ll finally reach Rara Lake, which is the largest and most beautiful lake in Nepal. It looks calm, blue, and stunning. Surrounded by untouched forests and snow-capped peaks. This trek isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the journey, the scenery, and the peaceful escape from the crowds. 

Rara Lake Trek - Nepal Itinerary

Trip PlanExpand all
  • Flight: Kathmandu to Nepaljung (55 min, ~365 km)
  • Flight: Nepalgunj to Jumla (35 min, ~130 km)

Your adventure of Rara Lake begins early in the morning with a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. When you reach Nepalgunj, you’ll again need to take a flight to Jumla which is a gateway to Rara Lake Trek. When you reach Jumla, the fresh air hits you differently. For today you’ll stay in a hotel at Jumla. 

Max Altitude: 2,540m Meals: Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Hotel
  • Trekking Distance: ~10 km, 5-6 hrs

Our trek to Rara Lake officially today. From Jumla, the trail takes you through terraced fields and small villages where you can notice traditional Karnali architecture of stone houses. The path gradually climbs through pine forests, with mountain views. As you arrive Chauriya Chaur. It is a small village on the hills. But staying there you’ll feel calm and love the the remote living. 

Max Altitude: 3,050m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: lodge

It’s a scenic day, the trail climbs through Jaljala Pass with mindblowing views of Himalayan peaks, valleys, and terraced hillsides. After the pass the route takes you through hills, wild forests, and rivers. When you arrive Bota, you’ll see a quiet settlement with friendly villagers and a cozy tea house. 

Max Altitude: 3,580m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: Lodge
  • Trekking Distance: ~12 km

Today’s trail will follow the Sinja Khola river passing through small waterfalls, riverside terraces, and dense pine forests. This day, you’ll also cross some suspension bridges, adding a hint of adventure. Tody’s trek ends in Bota 2. It is a small settlement on a hill, from where beautiful sunset views over the valleys are seen. 

Max Altitude: 2,440m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: Lodge
  • Trekking Distance: ~11 km

It’s a longer trekking day. You’ll start your trek from Bota 2 and ascend towards Ghorasinga. If you’re lucky, then you might see Himalayan monals or other birds today. The climb is gradual, which gives panoramic glimps of distant peaks. You’ll arrive at Ghorasinga in the evening which is a small village. 

Max Altitude: 3,050m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: Lodges
  • Trekking Distance: ~9 km, 4-5hrs

This is the most magical day of your trek. As you leave Ghorasinga, the trail opens up to panoramic views of the lake area. Pine and rhododendron forests surround you. And when you finally reach Rara Lake it looks mind-blowing. Clean, blue, and mirror-like, surrounded by forest and snow-capped peaks. You’ll spend the afternoon here exploring the lake and overnight in a lakeside tea house or homestay. 

Max Altitude: 2,990m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: Lodges

It’s your free day today. You can rest, relax and fully soak in the beauty of Rara Lake. The nights are perfect in Rara Lake for stargazing. You can enjoy the whole day.

Max Altitude: 2,990m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: Lodges
  • Trekking Distance: ~9 km, 4-5 hrs

After enjoying Rara Lake it’s your time to return back. While you’re returning, you’ll notice the villagers, forests and rivers are now more familiar and connected. Stop at small tea houses for tea or snacks and arrive at Talcha Village for the night. 

Max Altitude: 2,745m Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and DinnerAccommodation: Lodges
  • Flight: Talcha to Nepalgunj (~1 hrs, ~210km)
  • Flight: Nepaljung to Kathmandu (~55 min, ~365 km)

Your trek ends here. Catch a domestic flight and get back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. Arrive in Kathmandu with memories of Nepal’s largest lake that you’ll never forget in your lifetime.

Max Altitude: 1,400m Meals: Breakfast and LunchAccommodation: Lodges
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Cost Details

Includes

  • All airport pickup and drop-off.
  • Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Jumla - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu flight tickets
  • All government permits, entrance fees & TIMS
  • 3 meals a day during trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Tea / Coffee (2 cups per day)
  • Comfortable lodge/teahouse accommodation during trek
  • Professional, English-speaking trekking guide
  • Guide salary, insurance, food & accommodation
  • First Aid kit
  • Company service charges & local taxes

Excludes

  • International flights to and from Nepal
  • Nepal Visa fees
  • Travel insurance (mandatory for high altitude trekking)
  • Alcoholic drinks and extra snacks
  • Wi-Fi, charging, hot shower in tea houses
  • Porter (available on extra cost if required)
  • Tips for guide & porter
  • Any costs arising due to flight delays / bad weather

Essential Information

Best Time to Go Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake is magical all year but some seasons truly make it unforgettable. 

  • Spring ( March - May):Spring is the best season to go to Rara Lake. This season brings warmer temperatures and the forest is covered with rhododendron and wildflowers. 
  • Autumn (September - November): This is another best seasons to trek to Rara Lake because autumn brings fresh weather, moderate temperature and the mountains around Rara are perfectly visible. This is a perfect season for trekking without sweating too much or freezing at night. 
  • Winter (December - February):Winter season makes Rara Lake unique. Snow may blanket the trails and the lake, making it feel untouched and serene. The trails are also peaceful during this season. Experienced trekkers can do it during winter too because nights are really cold. 
  • Monsoon (June - August): During the monsoon, the forest is lush green but the trails can be slippery, and flights may get canceled. So, it is less recommended.

Permits required for Rara Lake Trek

Rara National Park Entry Permit

  • This permit is required because Rara Lake is inside Rara National Park.
  • It costs around (USD 10-15) for foreigners.  

TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)

  • This permit is required for all trekking in Nepal. It is for the safety of trekkers. 
  • It costs around USD 10 for individual trekkers. 

Being your trekking agency, we will arrange all the permits and all the documents for you. So, you don’t have to worry and can enjoy your trek to the fullest.  

Why should you travel to Rara Lake with us? 

Himalayan Partner believes every journey should be more than just a trip. It should be a story that you’ll tell forever. Our experienced guides, personalized itinerary, and attention to detail ensure every detail of your Rara Lake Trek is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. From handling permits and flights to providing local insights and warm hospitality, we take care of everything so you can focus on the adventure. 

Conclusion of Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake Trek is not just about reaching Nepal’s largest and most beautiful lake. It’s a journey that remains with you for your life. The memories you made, the villages, hidden trails, and those untouched landscapes. Every time you think about this trek, your memories will bring you closer to nature. From the warm hospitality of local people to the stunning Rara Lake, this trek is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.