Rara Lake Trek: Join Female Guide Holiday on an incredible trekking journey to the remote and serene Rara Lake in western Nepal. This 15-day adventure starts with a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, followed by flights to Nepalgunj and then to Jumla. From Jumla, the trek takes you through a breathtaking landscape towards Rara Lake, the highest lake in Nepal, fondly known as the ‘Queen of Lakes.’ Along the way, you’ll explore the pristine Rara National Park, which is home to an array of wildlife such as musk deer, Himalayan black bears, leopards, Himalayan gorals, and other unique species. This trek offers not only stunning views of snow-covered peaks, forests, and crystal-clear lakes but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the local people.
This trek takes you through remote trails, dense forests, and ultimately to one of the most tranquil lakes in the world. After visiting the cultural highlights of Kathmandu, you’ll take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj and onward to Jumla, where the real adventure begins. The journey to Rara Lake, known for its peaceful isolation, rewards trekkers with awe-inspiring views and a chance to witness the natural beauty of Nepal. Rara National Park is one of the finest in the world, offering a sanctuary for wildlife like the musk deer, Himalayan black bear, and leopard. As you trek through this region, you’ll also experience the simple, rustic lifestyle of the locals who call this remote area home.
Permits for the Rara Lake Trek:
Rara National Park Permit: To enter Rara National Park, you need a special permit. This permit is essential for trekking in the park and helps protect the local wildlife and natural environment. The cost for the permit is typically included in the trek package provided by Female Guide Holiday.
Flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Jumla:
Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: This is a domestic flight that typically takes about 1 hour. Nepalgunj is a major hub in the western region of Nepal and serves as a gateway to the Rara Lake Trek.
Nepalgunj to Jumla: This flight connects Nepalgunj with Jumla and usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Jumla is the starting point for the trek to Rara Lake.
These flights are subject to weather conditions, and delays or cancellations can occur, particularly during the monsoon season or in winter. It’s advisable to have some flexibility in your travel plans and to confirm your flight details with Female Guide Holiday, as we will typically arrange these flights as part of your trekking package.
Why Choose This Trek?
Choosing the Rara Lake Trek offers a truly unique and rewarding experience for several reasons. First, the trail is remote and less crowded compared to other popular trekking routes in Nepal, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive connection with nature. The highlight of the trek, Rara Lake, is the largest and highest lake in Nepal, providing breathtaking views of its crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains.
Additionally, Rara National Park, a part of this journey, is home to rare and exotic wildlife, including musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and leopards, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The trek also offers cultural immersion, as you’ll pass through remote villages, giving you the opportunity to experience the traditional way of life of the local communities.
Finally, the trek is ideal for adventurers seeking solitude and serenity, as the route provides a quiet escape from the busier trekking trails. With the guidance and support of Female Guide Holiday, this trek ensures a well-organized, safe, and enriching experience.
Meals and Drinking Water During the Rara Lake Trek:
Throughout the trek, you will be provided with three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These meals typically consist of simple yet nutritious Nepali, Tibetan, and continental dishes to keep you energized for the trek. Most meals will be served in local teahouses or lodges along the trail.
For drinking water, it is recommended to carry a reusable water bottle. Boiled water is available at lodges, and you can also bring water purification tablets or a filtration system to ensure safe drinking water during the trek. Bottled water is available in some places but may be costly and less environmentally friendly. Staying hydrated is essential, so make sure to drink plenty of safe water throughout the journey.
Accommodation During the Rara Lake Trek:
Accommodation along the Rara Lake Trek is typically in basic teahouses or lodges. These teahouses provide simple yet comfortable rooms, usually with twin beds and shared bathroom facilities. The facilities may be more rustic in remote areas, but they offer a warm place to rest after a day of trekking.
In Jumla and some of the larger villages, the teahouses may offer slightly better amenities, such as hot showers (for an extra charge) and charging points for electronic devices. However, as the trek progresses into more isolated regions, facilities may become more limited, so it’s important to be prepared for basic living conditions.
At Rara Lake itself, there are a few teahouses and camping options for those seeking more adventure. Keep in mind that heating in most lodges is minimal, so warm clothing and a good sleeping bag are recommended for the cooler nights.
Physical Condition & Experience Requirements for the Rara Lake Trek:
The Rara Lake Trek is considered a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers with a good level of physical fitness. While prior trekking experience is helpful, it is not mandatory. However, you should be prepared for long days of walking, covering 5-7 hours on average each day through varied terrains such as forests, valleys, and hills.
The trek involves some gradual ascents and descents but does not include extreme high-altitude challenges like other Himalayan treks. That said, basic stamina and endurance are necessary to manage the remote nature of the trail and the varying altitudes, with Rara Lake sitting at 2,990 meters (9,810 feet). Proper acclimatization is built into the itinerary to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Before the trek, it is advisable to engage in regular cardio exercises, such as hiking, running, or cycling, to build endurance. Mental preparedness and a positive attitude are just as important for a successful and enjoyable trek.
What to Expect on the Rara Lake Trek:
- Remote and Peaceful Trails: The Rara Lake Trek takes you through off-the-beaten-path trails, offering solitude and tranquility as you explore one of the most secluded areas of Nepal.
- Moderate Trekking: You can expect long days of walking, with 5-7 hours of trekking through forests, valleys, and scenic landscapes. The trek is not extremely challenging, but it does require good physical fitness.
- Diverse Landscapes: Trek through lush forests, alpine meadows, and picturesque villages with stunning views of snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and the wilderness of Rara National Park.
- Cultural Encounters: Experience the simple rural life of remote mountain communities, where you will interact with locals and learn about their traditions, customs, and way of life.
- Wildlife and Nature: Rara National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Expect to see a variety of animals and birds in their natural habitat, including musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and leopards.
- Basic Accommodations: The lodges and teahouses offer simple, clean, and basic facilities. As you venture deeper into remote areas, the accommodations become more rustic.
- Scenic Flights: Enjoy scenic flights to and from Nepalgunj and Jumla, with breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas and western Nepal.
- Cool Climate: The weather can be cool, especially at higher altitudes or during evenings. Warm clothing is necessary to stay comfortable during the trek.
- Altitude: While the trek does not reach extreme altitudes, you will ascend to a maximum elevation of about 2,990 meters (9,810 feet) at Rara Lake. Proper acclimatization is included to avoid altitude sickness.
- Best Time to Visit
- The best time to visit the Rara Lake Trek is during the spring and autumn seasons, as these periods offer the most favorable weather conditions for trekking.
- Spring (March to May): This is an excellent time for the trek, as the weather is mild and the trails are filled with blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers. The temperature is comfortable, and the views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes are clear.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn is considered the best season for trekking in Nepal. The skies are generally clear, offering stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and Rara Lake. The weather is cool but pleasant, making for ideal trekking conditions.
- Monsoon (June to August): This is not an ideal time for the Rara Lake Trek, as the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can make the trails muddy and difficult to navigate. Landslides and leeches are also common during this period.
- Winter (December to February): Winter trekking is possible, but the weather can be extremely cold, especially at higher altitudes, and some areas may experience snow, making the trek more challenging. However, the lake and surroundings can be particularly beautiful with snow, offering a quieter, more isolated experience.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required for all clients engaging in any activity. We strongly urge you to obtain a comprehensive insurance plan from a reputable provider. The cost varies based on coverage, duration, and provider.
Passport and Visa
Every client must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from the return date. Visas can be obtained from the Nepalese consulate in your country or at Tribhuvan International
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Rara Lake Trek is during the spring and autumn seasons, as these periods offer the most favorable weather conditions for trekking.
- Spring (March to May): This is an excellent time for the trek, as the weather is mild and the trails are filled with blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers. The temperature is comfortable, and the views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes are clear.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn is considered the best season for trekking in Nepal. The skies are generally clear, offering stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and Rara Lake. The weather is cool but pleasant, making for ideal trekking conditions.
Monsoon (June to August): This is not an ideal time for the Rara Lake Trek, as the region experiences heavy rainfall, which can make the trails muddy and difficult to navigate. Landslides and leeches are also common during this period.
Winter (December to February): Winter trekking is possible, but the weather can be extremely cold, especially at higher altitudes, and some areas may experience snow, making the trek more challenging. However, the lake and surroundings can be particularly beautiful with snow, offering a quieter, more isolated experience.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required for all clients engaging in any activity. We strongly urge you to obtain a comprehensive insurance plan from a reputable provider. The cost varies based on coverage, duration, and provider.
Passport and Visa
Every client must have a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from the return date. Visas can be obtained from the Nepalese consulate in your country or at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The visa fee is approximately USD 30 for a 15-day tourist visa, USD 50 for a 30-day visa, and USD 125 for a 90-day visa.
Enviornment
The environment along the Rara Lake Trek is characterized by its pristine and diverse landscapes, offering trekkers a glimpse into some of Nepal’s most unspoiled natural beauty. As you trek through dense forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron, you’ll witness vibrant wildflowers in bloom, especially in the spring. The trail then opens up to alpine meadows, where expansive grassy fields offer breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. The journey culminates at Rara Lake, the largest lake in Nepal, renowned for its tranquil, crystal-clear waters set against a backdrop of lush hills and distant peaks. Rara National Park, which encompasses much of the trek, is a haven for wildlife, including musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and a variety of bird species, adding to the trek’s rich environmental tapestry. The combination of dense forests, serene lakes, and majestic mountain views creates a serene and immersive wilderness experience.
Trip Start Dates and Costs for the Rara Lake Trek:
Trip Start Dates: The Rara Lake Trek typically operates during the ideal trekking seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Trips generally start on specific dates within these months, with departures usually scheduled once a week or bi-weekly. Exact start dates can vary based on availability and demand, so it’s best to check with Female Guide Holiday for the most up-to-date schedule.
Costs: The cost of the Rara Lake Trek can vary depending on factors such as the time of year, group size, and inclusions in the package. Generally, the price ranges from approximately $2,500 to $3,500 per person. This cost typically includes domestic flights, accommodation, meals, guided trekking services, park permits, and insurance. It is advisable to contact Female Guide Holiday for a detailed quote and to confirm what is included in the package, as prices can fluctuate and additional expenses such as personal gear, tips, and optional activities may not be included.