trip Overview
Rara Trek: A Journey to the Jewel of Northwestern Nepal
The Rara Trek is one of Nepal’s most charming and adventurous journeys, leading to the Rara Lake in the remote northwest. This trek offers the delightful experience, combining natural beauty, cultural diversity, and serene isolation. Rara Lake, situated in the Mugu district, holds the distinction of being Nepal’s largest lakes. Surrounded by the stunning Rara National Park, it spans an area of 10.8 square kilometers (6.11 square miles including surrounding wetlands) and rests at an elevation of 2,990 meters. The lake is encircled by lush pine forests and serves as a habitat for various species of fish, waterfowl, and endemic amphibians, making it an ecological treasure.
The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu ( Nepal’s cultural and traditional capital) to Nepalgunj, a bustling commercial hub near the Nepal-India border. From Nepalgunj, travellers take a short, scenic flight to Jumla, the primary gateway to the remote northwest. Jumla is rich in historical significance, having been a prominent kingdom during Nepal’s unification. The region is also renowned for its unique Marsi rice, once a delicacy of the Nepalese royal family.
From Jumla, the trek to Rara Lake takes approximately four days, traversing off-the-beaten trails through quaint settlements, high ridges, and alpine pastures. Due to limited infrastructure and underdeveloped teahouses, the trek is typically undertaken as a camping expedition. This provides a unique opportunity to connect with the land and its people, often sharing stories and experiences around campfires in remote locales.
The route offers panoramic views of majestic Himalayan peaks such as Api and Saipal, as well as expansive green hills that define the region’s topography. The area is home to a diverse population, predominantly consisting of Brahmin and Chhetri communities, alongside other ethnic groups. This cultural blend enriches the journey, offering trekkers a deeper insight into the traditions, customs, and lifestyles of Nepal’s highland communities.
Rara Trek is not just a physical journey but a deeply immersive experience into one of Nepal’s most unspoiled and enchanting landscapes.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu & Evening flight to Nepalgunj.
Day 03: Fly to Talcha Airport(2,735 m) & Trek to Gumgadi.
Day 04: Trek to Rara Lake from Gumgadi.
Day 05: Rara Lake Exploration Day
Day 06: Trek from Rara Lake to Gorosingha (3050m)
Day 07: Trek from Gorosingha to Sinja (2490m)
Day 08: Trek from Sinja to Chala Chaur (2980m)
Day 09: Trek from Chala Chaur to Chere Chaur (3055m)
Day 10: Trek from Chere Chaur to Jumla(2,514 m)
Day 11: Early morning flight to Nepalgunj and Afternoon flight to Kathmandu
Day 12: International Departure.
Detail Itinerary
1 hr drive BB Plan Hotel/Resort
A hot welcome to you in the beautiful city of Kathmandu. On 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 during your stay in Nepal. We will introduce you to all the individuals who will be part of this Rara Lake trek. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Today, we will take you to sightseeing in the world heritage sites of Kathmandu with our well-trained guide. Visiting Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square are the day's main highlights. In the evening, we would fly to Nepalgunj.
30 min fly BB plan Hotel/Resort
We will fly from Nepalgunj to Talcha Airport and we would walk towards the Gumgadi.
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 walk towards Rara Lake. We can see the panorama view, natural landscapes, and beautiful things through the journey.
Today after having breakfast, we will spend our whole day exploring Rara Lake and its surroundings. We can visit a wooden view tower for the panorama of the emerald picturesque lake. Also, we can go hiking in the surrounding hills and witness different species of floras, faunas, and birds. Boating on the crystal clear water of the lake watching various types of endemic fishes, 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 the 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 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 gigantic meadow full of horses. After some rest at Jaljala Chaur, we will hike on a moderately straight trail until the 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 at Night as you are spending your last night in Nepal and to celebrate the success of your trek. Overnight stay at 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 are as per the Itinerary.
- Hotel accommodation with BB plan in city and Tea house or Camping in Trekking as per 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 out 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 gear is not mentioned in the contract.
- Tips for staff.
- Personal first aid kit.