Rara Lake is considered to be the queen of all the lakes. From the entire journey to mesmerizing beauty of the hills and Himalayas as the backdrop surrounding the lake, Rara trek is one of a kind. Although this lake situated in the Himalayan Hills of Nepal is considered one of the most charming treks in Asia, the route is not well established and has not been introduced to a lot of trekkers. Thus, it is a oerfect opportunity for you to grab and set out to unearth the hidden gem of Nepal with an unlimited adventure, culture and panoramic geographical landscape and get lost in the serene.
Situated in the Mugu District of the Karnali Zone of Nepal, Rara Lake is Nepal’s biggest lake. The Lake is situated at an altitude of 2950m and can be reached either by trekking or by flight. Desire Adventures brings you the ultimate 15 days Rara Lake Trek to discover the hidden beauty of Nepal and a cradle of the Malla civilization. The trek starts from Kathmandu where you can explore the heritage sites including the temples, stupas and shrines. Taking a flight to Nepalgunj and then again to Jumla, we start our official trek from here. From Jumla starts the trail leading through the forest of Pine, Rhododendron, Juniper, Oak and the ancient remains of the Malla civilization finally reaching the Rara National Park featuring a wide variety of plants and animals and the Rara Lake itself –the gorgeous and biggest Lake in Nepal.
The best visiting time to the lake is September/October and April to May. Let us know if your birthday falls during the trek so that we can make it a memorable one
What's included
- Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service in a private vehicle
- 3 nights twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu at tourist standard hotel with breakfast
- Full day guided city tour in Kathmandu (Day 2) by a private vehicle
- Farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants with traditional, ethnic music and dance
- Airport transfer for domestic flight
- Special travel permit
- Kathmandu-Nepaljung-Jumla-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu flight tickets and departure tax
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
- All accommodations on a trek (Lodge/Tea house/Tent)
- Fresh seasonable fruits after dinner (while on a trek)
- Tea/Coffee (Served in a cup only)
- Purified drinking water (medicated safe to drink) during the trek
- Government licensed and well trained English speaking guide and his entire expenses
- Porters (One porter for each 2 members) and his entire expenses
- Insurance of Guide and Porter
- All required local and government taxes
- Down jackets and sleeping bags (if required)
- Desire Adventures duffel bag if required
- Trekking route map
What's Excluded
- Nepal arrival visa
- Meals in the city except breakfast and other mentioned special dinner
- Personal expenses
- Extra Hot showers, Wi-Fi & battery charging while on a trek
- Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla (15 kg included)
- Extra porter if you required
- Monument entrance fees while on a tour in Kathmandu (aprox USD25 per person)
- Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation
- Any other extended trips and accommodation
- Tipping to staff (as an appreciation)
While arriving in Tribhuvan international Airport (TIA) you will be received by our team member and will be guided to your respective hotel. After freshening up, we will meet at Desire Adventures office to discuss about the trek. You will also meet your guide here. Nevertheless, if you have an evening flight, you will be directly guided to a Nepali restaurant where you can enjoy the local Nepali cuisine with cultural programs.
Meals Included: Dinner
Highlights of the day: Scenic view of the country from the airplane, introduction to Nepali culture with food, music and dance
Today, we explore the capital city of Nepal. Kathmandu is a city of temples, stupas and monuments. We don’t want you to miss out on the artistry and historic beauty Kathmandu has to offer thus we take you on an adventure around the valley. We will visit some outstanding monuments, UNESCO World Heritagge Sites and explore the local streets of Kathmandu. After spending the day, we will meet again for the final preparation before we leave for the trek tomorrow
Meal included: Breakfast
Highlights of the day: World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pasupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath, Boudhanath and Patan Durbar Square.
After touring around the city, we fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu today. Situated in the flat belts of Nepal, it takes about an hour to reach Nepalgunj. Upon reaching the Sanja Airport in Nepalgunj, we will be transferred to our hotel via a private car where we can be refreshed. Later, we can visit the famous Muslim market, mini zoo and the local Tharu villages.
Meal included: Breakfast
Highlights of the day: panoramic flight to Nepalgunj, introduction to the Tharu community of Nepal.
Early in the morning after having breakfast, we return to the airport and catch our flight to Jumla. Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) airport, therefore, we fly from Nealgunj to Jumla on a STOL aircraft. From the plainland of Terai, we fly off to the further north west of the country to the hilly landscape of Jumla situated on the foothills of Sisne Himalaya. After a 20 minute flight, we reach Jumla and spend the rest of the day exploring the least accessible and most remote area and getting prepared for the next day’s walk. The night will be spent in a tea house in Jumla.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights of the day: Scenic view from the airplane to reach Jumla. Explore the most remote areas and settlements of Nepal
We strat our official trek today. From Jumla, early in the morning we ascend towards Chere Chau. The trail passes along settlements like Simkhada, Ghugumti and Ratamata. We walk along the trail of the Jugad Khola and reach Cheche Chaul; a high altitude meadow from where one can enjoy a splendid view of the Jumla Valley. The evening will be spent exploring the Chere Chaur area.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights of the day: Khalanga Bazar, a marketplace for the villagers, villages and temples along the way, passing the Jugad Khola (river) and enjoying the brilliant scenario of the North West.
After breakfast today, we will continue our walk towards ChalaChaur. Heading west from Chere Chaur, we will first come across Jaljala Chaur with vast meadows. We can also spot horses grazing with a dazzling view here. The night will be spent at a common teahouse.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights of the day: Local market, villages with local settlements and lifestyle, the company of Syaule Khola along the trial, temples, the soothing forest and meadows and the splendid view of the Jumla Valley.
From Chalachaur we walk towards further west and cross settlements like garja, Musedani, Dhaulapani and Dhobighat. The trail is moderately straight and we will pass many meadows along the way.Upon reaching Sinja, we will explore the remains of the ancient palaces and paddy fields. Sinja, once a capital of the Malla Dynasty from 12th -14th century, is a small village situated on the bank of the Hima River. It is mainly occupied by people belonging to Brahmin and the Chhetri community. The night will be spent at Sinja Valley.
Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights of the day: Walk alongside the Jaljala River and the small settlements, paddy fields, the shrine of the Masta-Bhavani cult, stone temple, fountain and pillar dating back to the Khas Malla dynasties, ancient royal palace-the summer capital of Khas Malla rulers in Sinja, the temple of Uma Maheshwar inside the temple, statue of deity of Buddhist origin in the shrine of the ancient royal palace and the Sinja Valle settlement.
Today we will trek to Ghorosingha, situated at 3050m. From Sinja, we walk east towards Laha. We walk alongside the Hima Nadi and upon reaching Laha, we ascend further North and walk along the Rara trail to reach Ghorosingha. An army post that looks like a Holywood ranch marks the arrival of Ghorosingha. The night will be spent in a very basic tea house in Ghorosingha.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights of the day: Mesmerizing trail from Sinja to Ghorosingha along the Ghatta River.
Today is the day we will be viewing Rara for the 1st time. From Ghorosingha, we ascend further north east and cross Chuchamare Dand, reach Katyar Khola Camp, pass along few settlements and finally reach Rara Lake. The night will be spent at a basic teahouse in Rara.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights of the day: Astonishing view of the Rara Lake, highest point in Chuchamare Danda providing the panoramic view of the Western Himalayas, vegetations and dense forest in the Rara National Park.
Since we trekked all the way to come to the Lake, we will spend a day exploring the lake and its surroundings. The surrounding dense forest provides the right environment for birds and animals to flourish. If you are lucky you will get to spot otters, rhesus, langur, Himalayan Thar, serows, musk deer and so on. We can also go boating around the lake and enjoy the beautiful settings of the lake and a few varieties of fishes as well. If time permits, we will also visit the village of Murma and hike up to Murma Top, to enjoy the stunning view of the lakes and the surrounding mountains.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights of the day: Tranquil setting of the Rara Lake area and its surrounding.
After breakfast at Rara Lake, a relatively easy walk on a straight path will first take us to Gamgadhi. It is the headquarter of the Mugu District from where the trail descends through the forest of Pine, Oak, Juniper, Rhododendron to Jhyari Khola. From here, a short uphill walk and then on a level path through the pine forest will finally take us to Pina. The night will be spent in a very basic tea house in Pina.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights of the day: Forest of Pine, Oak, Juniper, Rhododendron; musk deer and pheasants; the district headquarter of Mugu; traditional settlement of people and temples en route.
After breakfast today, we descend down to Bumra or Nauri Ghat. Following the circuit trail. We walk past the Guruchu Langa and will be greeted by praer flags and stone manis. Decending further down. We exit the national park and reach Bulbule then further south to Bumra past the fields around Chautha and few small settlements. The night will be spent in a very basic tea house in Bumra.
Meals included: Brekfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights of the day: View of the Karnali River and snow-capped peaks bordering Tibet and Nepal; Chortens, cairns and prayer flags; spruce and pine forest and meadows and the experience of rocky trail.
Today we will leave Bumra and walk towards Jumla to catch the plane back. We cross two suspension bridges above Hima River and walk downhill. After walking for a few hours, we get to a hot spring where we can ease our aching body with a dip. We then continue walking and cross Danphe Lagna and reach Cherechaur. From here we follow the same trail we took couple of days back and reach Jumla. Overnight stay at Jumla.
Meals included: Brekfast, Lunch, Dinner
Highlights of the day: Breathtaking view of the circuit along the way, hot spring to ease off the trek stress, crossing of suspension bridges.
After bidding farewell to the Rara Lake, we take our flight back to Nepalgunj from Jumla and continue the flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Upon reaching the capital, you can either rest or choose to wander around the streets and buy souvenirs. We will also host a departure dinner for you where you can share your trekking experience in one of the most remote areas of Nepal.
Meals included: Breakfast
Highlights of the day: Beautiful view during the flight from Jumla to nepalgunj and nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
Today is the last day of the trip. As per your flight schedule, we will transfer you to the airport (in a private vehicle). If your flight is scheduled in the evening, you can spend a few hours walking along the popular markets in Kathmandu. Moreover, if you are looking to extend your stay in Nepal, Desire Advenutes will help to make arrangements and make your trip worthwhile.
General:
• Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher, passport sized photo
• Hand Sanitizers
• Reading/writing materials
• Waist Bag
• First-aid kit (containing lip balm, Aspirin/paracetamol, Band Aids/plasters, bandage for sprains, iodine or water purifier, Moleskin for blisters, antiseptic for cuts, anti-bacterial throat lozenges, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for diarrhea, re-hydration powder, Norfloxacin or Ciprofloxin, antibiotic for Girdia, Diamox and any extra prescription drugs you are currently taking)
• Protein bars, chocolates, dried fruits, candies and snack foods
• Swiss army knife
• Sleeping bag (if necessary)
• Light weight Towel
• Swimsuit
• Toiletries (quick drying towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, multipurpose soap, deodorant, nail clippers, face and body moisturizer, feminine hygiene products, small mirror
• Lighter
• Insect/ Mosquito repellent
• Refillable water bottle
• sunglasses, scarf
• Bag liners
• Wind and waterproof shell jacket & trousers (preferably breathable fabric)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Running shoes or sandals
• Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination
• Lightweight thermal gloves
• Underwear and Shorts
• T Shirts 2 or 3
• Long sleeved shirt
• Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces
• Lightweight long trousers (no jeans) 2-3
Special Checklist for winter and high altitude
- Layers/ Thermals/ puffy or down jacket
- Heavyweight woolen jumper
- Fleece pant/ trousers
- Gloves or mittens
- Woolen hiking socks
- Knee-length boots
Special Checklist for Summer
- Layering thin jacket
- Light jumper/ Fleece
- Sunscreen/ Sunglasses
- Trekking knee length shorts
- Slipper
- Liner socks
- Sweat proof t-shirts
Our Guides:
With growing tourism in Nepal, the growth of travel and expedition companies have mounted to its peak. The companies seek the best leaders and guides to compete in the market while giving the best service to the clients. Although there are a numbers of companies promising you the best trip of your life, many neglect giving the knowledge on safety measurements and sustainable tourism to their team. From luxury travels to pocket friendly trips, our team guides deliver you the best of Nepal keeping your schedule, preference and welfare in mind.
Extensive insights on history and culture of the country:
Nepal has abundance of cultural and natural beauty. The charming architecture and rich history of the temples and Stupas are listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our guides are well learned and experienced to give you insights on the country's hidden history and natural beauty. From world renowned sites to less traveled local areas, we make sure to provide you information on the benevolent locals, culture and lands that stretch out from the mighty Himalayas to the Terai Plains.
Round the clock service:
Our guides provide you exceptional service 24*7 throughout the trek. Weather it requires giving information, helping with communication or any other skills, our team makes sure you get the facilities regardless of timing. We have well trained English speaking guides working in the fields and value your timing and schedule and try to work as compatible as they can. In addition both our office staff and our field staff have exceptional knowledge on the products we offer. With any queries, you can email/ call/ message us as we try to respond as soon as possible. With extensive field study, our office staff constantly communicates with our trekking guides, tour guides and climbing Sherpa’s to update the information in the trekking region.
Licensed with minimum 5 years of experience:
Trekking has been commercialized in the last few years since Nepal was recognized as the most efficient country to trek. With growing commercialization comes competitive market. Nevertheless, our climbing Sherpas and team representatives along with the guides are required to have minimum of 5 years of experience with a certified license.
Importance to Sustainable Tourism:
We value the importance of sustainable economy and development. Thus, we hire local porters, guides and climbers to train them and give them a platform to work for themselves and their family. All our team members belong to local native groups and have been trained for trekking in the Himalayas and other regions of Nepal.
No exceptions with quality and equipments:
Our teams of guides are well trained with proper English speaking and communication skills via education and experience. We are also equipped with first-aid kits and trekking apparatus like oximeters, maps, first-aid kits and mobile phone for emergency. Perhaps what separates us from others is the relationship our company has with the climbing Sherpa’s and trekking guides.
5:1 Client Guide Ratio
We maintain a 5:1 client guide ratio i.e. with every 5 clients we provide 1 guide. A team leader/guide with be appointed for a team of 5 trekkers in the group. Nevertheless, an assistant leader will also be provided with every addition of 5 pax. You will have 1 porter for 2 trekkers who will be carrying 25-30 kilograms of weight. We wish for your travels to be worthy and adventurous with no difficulties or hurdles.
Why Desire Adventures?
- Exceptional Product Knowledge
- Fair Price and Service Quality Guaranteed
- Guaranteed Departure on each booking
- Ultra-personalized itinerary and Unmatched Flexibility:
- We Maintain 1:5 Guides:clients Ratio