trip Overview
Rara Lake Trek – Journey to Nepal’s Pristine Wilderness
The Rara Lake Trek is a truly captivating adventure that leads to Nepal’s largest and most beautiful high-altitude lake, situated in the remote northwest region of the Mugu district. Renowned as the “bluest lake” in Nepal, Rara Lake displays a remarkable transformation in color throughout the day—shifting in hue as the light changes. The scenery surrounding the lake evolves constantly, offering a breathtaking visual experience. Encircled by the pristine Rara National Park, the lake is embraced by vibrant forests that provide habitat to a diverse range of flora, fauna, and birdlife. It is also home to several endemic species of fish, frogs, and aquatic birds, adding to its ecological significance.
The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by another flight to the remote town of Jumla. This journey offers stunning aerial views of western Nepal’s dramatic landscapes. Jumla, once an important kingdom during the unification of Nepal, holds substantial historical and cultural importance. From here, the trekking route follows an off-the-beaten-path trail, typically requiring 4 to 5 hours of walking per day through picturesque settlements, dense forests, and scenic alpine meadows. The trail rewards trekkers with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks such as Dand, Api, and Saipal, while immersing them in the unique culture of the Thakuri communities that dominate the region.
Though the Rara Lake trek offers unparalleled natural beauty and cultural richness, it is slightly more challenging than many other treks in Nepal due to its remoteness. Limited infrastructure, basic accommodations, and the lack of immediate health services make it essential to plan carefully. However, with the support of a professional trekking company, the journey becomes both safe and fulfilling.
Nepal Dream Path Treks offers expertly curated trekking packages to Rara Lake, featuring experienced guides, dedicated porters, all necessary permits, and affordable pricing—ensuring a smooth and memorable experience.
Embrace the serenity, discover unspoiled landscapes, and experience the raw beauty of Rara Lake—Nepal’s hidden natural treasure.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj (150m)
Day 04: Fly to Jumla (2540m) and Trek to Chauriya Chaur (3055m)
Day 05: Trek from Chauriya Chaur to Chautha (2807m)
Day 06: Trek from Chautha to Jhyari (2635m)
Day 07: Trek from Jhyari to Rara Lake (3010m)
Day 08: Rara Lake Exploration day
Day 09: Trek from Rara Lake to Gorosingha (3050m)
Day 10: Trek from Gorosingha to Sinja (2490m)
Day 11: Trek from Sinja to Chala Chaur (2980m)
Day 12: Trek from Chala Chaur to Chere Chaur (3055m)
Day 13: Trek from Chere Chaur to Jumla
Day 14: Early morning flight to Nepalgunj and Afternoon flight to Kathmandu
Day 15: International Departure
Detail Itinerary
1 hr drive BB Plan Hotel/Resort
A very warm welcome to you to the beautiful city of Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, our representative from Nepal Dream path will receive you at Tribhuvan airport and Transfer you to the Hotel in a comfortable private vehicle. In the afternoon, we will organize a welcome dinner and inform you of all the necessary information you need to have during your stay in Nepal. We will introduce you to all the individuals that are going to be part of this Rara lake trek. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Today, we will take you sightseeing in the world heritage sites of Kathmandu with our well-trained guide. Visiting Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square are the main highlights of the day. Overnight stay at Hotel.
30 min fly BB plan Hotel/Resort
We will fly from Kathmandu to the main business and transportation hub of Nepal, Nepalgunj. As it is directly connected to the Indian border, it is the main pass to export/import goods from the country.
You can enjoy a semitropical warm climate along with the different cultures and traditions of far southwest Nepal. Also, you can visit local markets, and mini zoos and indulge yourself in street food. Overnight stay in Hotel.
05 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
After having breakfast, we will have a short and scenic flight to Jumla. Jumla is a gateway to the Karnali region and one of the least accessible districts of Nepal. On reaching Jumla, you can feel drastic changes in landscapes as we fly from the plain Terai to the Hilly landscapes of Jumla.
06 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
From Chauriya Chaur, our path will ascend up to Kaligaon (3685m) via the beautiful Daphe Lagna Pass, which is also the highest point of this trek. From the top of this pass, we can witness the mesmerizing view of the surrounding hills and mountain peaks. From Kaligaon, we will follow the downstream trail that leads us to the beautiful village of Chautha for an overnight stay.
5-6 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
From Chautha, we will follow a rocky uphill trail to Bhulbule where we enter our Rara National Park permit. We will continue uphill to an assortment of Chhortens, cairns, and prayer flags atop the Ghurchi Lagna. From here, we can enjoy the magnificent views of the Karnali River and snow-capped mountains bordering Tibet. Our path will descend, passing many spruces and pine forests to Jhyari. Overnight stay at Jhyari.
3-4 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Camp on Rarashore
Today, we will continue our Rara Lake trek following up trail passing through the green Cedar forest to Rara Lake viewpoint from where we can enjoy a distant glimpse of your dream destination Rara Lake. Then, with full excitement, we will descend to the northern side of Rara Lake where camping is allowed.
Today, after having breakfast, we will spend our whole day exploring Rara Lake and its surroundings. We can visit a wooden viewing tower for a panorama of the emerald, picturesque lake. Also, we can go hiking in the surrounding hills and witness different species of flora, fauna, and birds. Boating on the crystal clear water of the lake, watching various types of endemic fish, water birds, and frogs, will make you feel like you are in heaven. The greenery of the forest surrounding Rara Lake is covered by surrounding mountain peaks; one cannot expect more than this from nature. Overnight camping at Rara Lakeshore.
6-7 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
On this day, leaving behind the majestic Rara Lake, we will trek to Gorosingha. We will continue our Rara Lake trek uphill through Chapri village, headquarter of Rara National Park. From there we will ascend crossing many beautiful settlements and Khatyar Khola camp to Chuchemara Danda. From there, enjoying the beautiful distant panorama of the Himalayas, we will descend to Gorosingha for an overnight stay.
4-5 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
On this day, after having breakfast, we’ll leave Gorosingha for Sinja. Following the downstream trail, we’ll reach a small settlement of Gani. From Gani, the Rara Lake trek continues to Laha. Further, we’ll continue following downhill trails leading Sinja valley for an overnight stop. Sinja valley is a beautiful settlement located on the bank of Hema River. Sinja valley used to be the capital of the Malla Dynasty from the 12th-14th century and offers lots of historic and religious places to explore to the trekkers.
4-5 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea house
Leaving beautiful Sinja valley behind, we’ll head towards Chala Chaur, passing many small settlements. The trail goes back and forth across the Jaljala River.
Finally, after a trek of 4-5 hours, you’ll reach Chala Chaur for an overnight stay.
5-6 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
From Chala chaur, the Rara Lake trek goes downhill to the Jaljala Chaur, which will present you with a gigantic meadow full of horses. After some rest at Jaljala chaur, we will hike on a moderate straight trail until Jaljala pass (3580m), which offers you a beautiful view of Mt. Kanjiroba. From Jaljala pass, we will descend downhill passing through beautiful rhododendron, Birch, and Pine forest until Chere Chaur. Chere Chaur is a high-altitude meadow that offers a gorgeous view of Jumla. Overnight stay at Chere Chaur.
05 hrs walk All meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea/Coffee] Tea House
This walk is the final day of our Rara Lake trek, as we will trek back to Jumla. From Chere Chaur, our path gradually climbs up, passing through green forests, ancient monasteries, and beautiful villages all the way to Khalanga Bazaar. Khalanga Bazaar is a small marketplace for the people living in the surrounding villages. From here, we will continue downhill until Jumla for the overnight stop.
20 min and 30 min fly BB Plan Hotel/Resort
After having breakfast at Jumla, we will fly back to Nepalgunj in the early morning. After the days of the Rara Lake trek, today we will spend our day resting at a hotel in Nepalgunj and enjoying the city. In the afternoon, we will have another flight to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj. On reaching Kathmandu, our representative from Nepal Dream Path will transfer you to the Hotel. We will organize a farewell dinner tonight, as you are spending your last night in Nepal, and to celebrate the success of your trek. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Today, with a heavy heart, we will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport about 3 hours earlier than your scheduled flight time. Farewell and have a safe journey back to your home. Hope we will meet again and have a great time together.
Equipment List
- Sun Hat
- Worm hat (it means worm one to protect your head from cold)
- Headlight
- Sun Cream/lip guard
- Sunglasses
- Tooth pest/Brush/soap
- Gloves
- Down Jacket
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Jumper/fleecy jacket
- T-shirt
- Long underwear
- Windbreaker trouser
- Towel
- Wool socks
- Cotton socks
- Trekking boots
- Sewing kits
- Water bottle
- Swiss knife
- Extra batteries
- Flip flops
- Raincoat/ Umbrella
- Rucksacks(For a Day)
- Sleeping Bag
- Medical & first aid kit
- Trekking Crampon (If you are going to do a trek in winter then you need a Crampon for your trekking.)
What's included?
- All transportation and Arrival, Departure transfers as per the Itinerary.
- Hotel accommodation with a BB plan in the city and a tea house or Camping in Trekking as per the itinerary.
- Full day guided tour of Kathmandu including private vehicle, Entry permits, and a well-experienced city guide.
- All meals are included during the Rara Lake trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Tea/Coffee).
- Guide, porters, and other support staff as per your requirement and at the agreed price.
- National Park Fees and all required permits.
- General First-Aid Kits for all.
- All taxes and fees are required for the program.
What's not included?
- Meals in the cities.
- Personal expenses (Laundry, bar bills, water, etc).
- Travel Insurance (Essential).
- Personal trekking gears are not mentioned in the contract.
- Tips for staff.
- Personal first aid kit.