Jumla Rara Lake Trek

This is a relatively moderate trek, which does not go higher than around 3,500 m / 11482.9 ft.  It takes place over 12 days, with nine of those being on the hiking trail, and  you will be camping for 10 days in mainly remote areas. 

While it is not necessary to be a very experienced trekker to undertake this trek, it is preferable that you do have some experience and that you do enjoy camping in basic conditions. 

For any trek in the Nepal Himalayas you need to be of a reasonably good fitness level.  While this is considered a moderate trek (for the Himalayas) days on the trail still average 6 hours of hiking.  Camping, while we make it as comfortable as possible, can be harder for those not used to the basic conditions in remote areas. 

Determination, stamina and confidence is the key to enjoying this trek!

Increase your fitness regime before you come and followour guidelines on altitude and safety on the trail. We want you to enjoy your trek!

The camp site will consist of your tent, a toilet tent, a dining tent, a kitchen tent and tents for the porters, chef and guide.  The chef will be up and preparing breakfast while you wake up more slowly.  With hot water for washing your hands and face and early morning ‘bed tea’ you will be refreshed by breakfast.

The guide will give you a quick briefing, according to the trail ahead and the weather.   Then you set off on the day’s hike.

The trail may take you over rivers, through forest, through settlements and across their cultivated lands, on to pastures and up and down hills. 

You will most likely have a packed lunch with you and when you reach your next overnight stop you will get some snacks and tea while the crew set up camp and the chef prepares dinner.

This trek takes you to two administrative districts – Mugu and Jumla, which both fall into the Karnali Province.  The peoples of Mugu are of mixed origin: indigenous people and settlers from around Nepal. In Jumla most of the people are Hindu and follow Hindu culture and religion.

Both districts are remote and settlements small with traditional Nepali architecture although there are some areas which have remains of centuries old palaces and temples.

Mountains:  You will see many mountains in the Jumla Himal.

Flora and Fauna: Like most remote northern areas of Nepal, there are a variety of herbs grown for medicinal purposes.  As far as wildlife is concerned, there are the usual smaller Himalayan mammals as well as the rare Himalayan black bear and Red Panda. 

Rara Lake:  This is the largest lake in Nepal and is surrounded by blue pine trees the rhododendron forests. The lake itself is beautiful and its setting stunning. From a nearby view point you can get great views of the lake and surrounding areas.

Rara National Park: It is the smallest national park in Nepal and sees few visitors.  And yet at its center is the amazing Rara Lake.

A minimum of two trekkers is required for this camping trek.  If you are alone and wish to do this trek, please talk with us.

The Stunning Rara Lake

Number one has to be the amazing Rara Lake.  

Rara is the largest lake in Nepal and is surrounded by stunning forests and foothills.  It has some rare species of mammals and is a great place for bird watching. 

Go boating on Rara Lake.  Another highlight is to hike to a viewpoint to get a complete picture of the lake and its surroundings.

Rara National Park

Rara National Park is the smallest in Nepal, although it does have a large buffer zone which is a designated area around the core park area. In other words, a transition zone between park and communities.  A buffer zone can provide alternative resources and income opportunities to locals who may, in the past, had harvested what is now a national park. It also provides locals with the opportunity to have some say in the park management activities. Overall, a buffer zone creates a healthy ecosystem.

Nepalgunj

This city is so different from Kathmandu and world’s away from the settlements you will see in Jumla and Mugu, that it needs some comment here.  Nepalgunj has one of the six land borders between Nepal and India.  Because it is an open border for Indian and Nepali nationals all these border crossings are busy with trade, migrant workers, and daily shoppers.

The city is also the main gateway to Bardia National Park as it has an airport that connects it with Kathmandu. Bardia lies only 2 hours away from the airport by fast vehicle.

Nepalgunj is also gateway to many of the remote districts of Nepal such as Jumla, Mugu, Humla and others – again because of its airport.

When our treks go into areas where there is limited or no accommodation for trekkers, we opt to be self-sufficient through camping.

We will provide you with your own tent and sleeping mat, a toilet tent and a dining tent where you will take your meals. Your camp chef is on hand to prepare great meals in his kitchen tent.

We try to make your camping experience comfortable for you with great gear and great staff.  But these are the Himalayas and Mother Nature will have her say.  Star filled skies, snowy mountain peaks and rich forests, rivers and waterfalls are all provided by her – but she also sometimes throws curveballs such as cold winds and cloudy days.

Breakfast, an afternoon snack, and dinner are provided at the campsite.  Lunch will be prepared at the camp but eaten on the trail, unless we know there is a great teashop on the route. 

We provide plentiful food, freshly prepared and to your taste (as much as possible).  Many trekkers bring snacks from home or from Kathmandu to give them that instant sugar or energy boost.  Dried nuts and fruits, chocolate and power bars are the most popular items.

Possible Menu While Camping:

• Breakfast is most likely porridge with bread (probably roti – a Nepali flatbread).
• Lunch and dinner can be pasta, noodles, dal bhat (Nepali vegetable curry), pizza, etc.  
• Afternoon snacks may be fried potatoes and popcorn.
• We don’t  buy meat on the trail in case it is not fresh.  We will carry some canned meat / tuna fish.  However, there is always vegetarian food available at every meal. 
• Tea/ coffee/ hot water is unlimited, with  powdered milk and sugar.
• We will not carry alcohol as we do not recommend its consumption while trekking. Both alcohol and soft drinks are just too heavy to carry on a camping trek – another reason we don’t bring them along. 

Drinking Water While Camping

You will be provided with boiled water for drinking.  Bringing a  Lifestraw is a good idea too, as it filters out some, not all, larger bacteria.  Where there are fresh springs, using sterilizing drops/ liquid will make the water drinkable.

Take a look at our list of trekking equipment / gear  you need on any trek.  We suggest a few additional items for a camping trek, such as:

Portable solar panel (one which hooks onto your day pack) to recharge equipment.

• Headtorch with batteries and extra batteries.
• Medicines – any ones you take regularly plus items such as headache tablets, stomach tablets etc.  And a small first aid kit.
• Four-season sleeping bag. This can be rented in Kathmandu.
• Toiletries in small, travel sized containers.
• Things for blisters and a few bandages in case of sprains.
• Nepali rupees in case there is a teashop selling cold drinks or oranges.
• Your favorite snacks from home or from Kathmandu. 

Porters will be carrying the tents, kitchen equipment and food for this trek. They will also carry your gear but please do not bring unnecessary items which will take up space and human energy.   Please be considerate when packing.

Like many of the trekking areas in Nepal, the best times to do the Jumla Rara Lake Trek are during the spring and during the autumn.  It is not recommended for monsoon (summer) as it will be wet and slippery on the trails.  Winter is also not generally recommended.

Within spring and autumn, the best months are:

• Spring – April to May
• Autumn – mid September to mid-November.

Not only is Mother Nature kinder during these months, bringing you clear skies and warmer weather, keep in mind domestic flights can be impacted by bad weather, particularly in the monsoon.

On Arrival in Kathmandu

If you wish, we can meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Just let us know on the booking form but please note there is a charge for pick up.  Otherwise, there are pre-booked taxis available at the exit point. 

Hotels in Kathmandu

Included in your trek is camping accommodation on the trail, and one night in a hotel in Nepalgunj.  

We suggest you look at booking.com and hostelworld.com  for hotels in Kathmandu.  We also suggest you stay in Thamel  as it is geared up for tourists with lively cafes, restaurants, bars and shops.  Our office is conveniently located in Thamel too.

Explore Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a vibrant city with an ancient history as well as modern amenities.   During the day visitors can explore the ancient sites and in the evening enjoy great accommodation, food and nightlife.

Highlights of any of our tours around the city will include the Tibetan area of Boudhanath, Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), and Pashupatinath  with its ancient Hindu temples and ghats.  These are the basis of any tour you wish to take with us.

Additionally, there are three Durbar Squares within the Kathmandu Valley, dating back to when there were three kingdoms in what is now Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.   We can easily add these to your tour but would suggest Bhaktapur, which lies 30 minutes out of town, should be given a whole day to itself. 

There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including those mentioned here. And there is so much more.  If there is anything in particular you wish to see please let us know.

Naturally, you can also explore the city yourself.  Don’t forget the great cafes, bars and restaurants in both Thamel and across the Bagmati River in Jhamsikhel.

Visa on arrival is available for people from most countries, via the Immigration Department of Nepal’s on-line site.   Complete the form, print it out and bring it with you.  Bring USD cash (exact money) to make payment on arrival at the airport. 

• 90 Days – 125 USD
• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD

For the Jumla Rara Lake Trek you need the following permit.

Rara National Park Permit: USD25 per person for the duration of your trek.  (SAARC nationals pay approx. USD10)

This fee goes towards the preservation of Rara National Park, including the lake area.

We shall organize this on  your behalf.

This trek is classed as a moderate trek, partly because it does not take you into very high altitude areas.  There are three nights when you are sleeping at just above 3,000 m / 9,842.5 ft and a couple of mountain passes to cross at around 3,500 m / 11,482.9 ft, but overall, it is a low altitude trek.

However, since 3,000 m / 11,482.9 ft is considered the height where some people may start feeling some slight irritations related to altitude, it is a good idea to take some basic steps while trekking. 

Drink plenty of water – 4 ltrs per day is recommended.

Hike slowly and take plenty of breaks.

Our guides are trained in first aid and in recognising signs of altitude so do not hesitate to inform them if you are feeling unwell.

Do not go off hiking / exploring on your own.  Always tell your guide if you are heading off somewhere, even if it looks very near.  The mountain landscape can be deceptive.

Tips for Safety on the Trek:

• Trekking poles for stabilizing yourself are great. 
• Do not go off on your own at the rest/ overnight stops without telling your guide.
• Drink at least 4 ltrs of water per day. While camping you will be provided with boiled drinking water.
• It is important not to skip meals – you need the energy.  But the odd power bar for lunch will not do you any harm.
• Do tell your guide if you feel even slightly unwell.
• Have the correct insurance.
• Wear the correct trekking gear. Good footwear is important.
• Bring your own regular medicines and a medical kit.
• Pay attention to the guide on trails that may be a bit tricky.

The cost of the trek, namely, food, accommodation, guide, chef and porters has already been covered.  Because it is a remote camping trek, there really isn’t many places to spend your money.  

You will require money for donations at any religious sites you may visit.  And if there are teashops / shops in the larger settlements you might want to buy a soft drink or fruit (if available).

You will require money for lunch and dinner in Nepalgunj.  While we provide you with accommodation and breakfast in Nepalgunj; lunch and dinner are not included.  This gives you the opportunity to try out local restaurants. Your time is short in this city, but you might also see some souvenirs to take home!

We can suggest you bring around USD5-10 in Nepali rupees, per day. A bit more for your day in Nepalgunj.

Transport: Four domestic flights.

Accommodation: Tents, and sleeping mats are provided.

Food: At the camp site you will get breakfast, dinner,  and afternoon snacks.  You will also get a packed lunch to eat on the trail.

Permits: The permit required for this trek is included in the cost of your trip.

Tips: Tips are not included in the cost of your trek.  Please calculate the tips for your guide and porters.  Tips can be in Nepali rupees or other currencies.

Before you come expenses: 

• Flight ticket, visa fee, and insurance.
• Trekking / camping gear, good  trekking boots.

Please tip your guide and porters on your treks.  For camping treks, you also have a camp chef who you should tip too.  This has now become the standard practice in Nepal, although it is not mandatory.   Keep in mind 100% of your tips goes to the staff.

We suggest the following:

• Tip the guide 10% of your trip cost. 
• For the porters tip around a total of USD150  for each porter.
• Tip the chef USD200.
• The tips for the guide and crew members are divided by the number of trekkers on a trip. So, the larger your group, the less you pay as an individual!

The tips for the guide and crew members are divided by the number of trekkers on a trip.  

Bardia National Park

The last day of your trek sees you flying out of Jumla to Nepalgunj and then flying from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

You can extend your trip to take in Bardia National Park as it is only two hours by private vehicle from Nepalgunj airport.

Bardia National Park is similar to Chitwan National Park as it has wildlife safaris.  It is much more rural and quieter than Chitwan and sees fewer visitors.   

A little background information: Bardia (or Bardiya) was established as a wildlife reserve in 1976 and was given national park status in 1988.  Being the biggest lowland national park in Nepal at 968 square km, Bardia is home to a wide range of wildlife and flora.  The area is sub-tropical, so the forests are lush and the grasslands rich with mammals and birdlife.

There are 61 species of mammals and 513 species of birds in the park.  Most interestingly there is the largest community in Nepal of Royal Bengal Tigers.  Bardia National Park also has wild elephants (who are migratory) and Gangetic dolphins.  One Horned Asian Rhinos are not native to this area but have been relocated from Chitwan National Park where their number is high.

There are a number of hotels and homestays around Bardia National Park and within the buffer zone area, offering a range of facilities.  All hotels offer walking and jeep safaris into the park.

Most visitors spend 3 nights / 4 days there due to its distance from Kathmandu but since you are already in Nepalgunj you may wish to stay a shorter time – or even a longer time!

Should you be interested in visiting the park, please ask us about this. 

Other Trips With Magical Nepal

We can assist you with other trips or treks in Nepal too.  We can also help you with trips to Bhutan and Tibet.  Feel free to explore our website or ask us directly.  

Diversity – Equality – Inclusion: Keys to a Great Experience

We at Magical Nepal are a team of highly trained travel enthusiasts.  

We started Magical Nepal in 2017 and pride ourselves in growing a great team. From our climbing guides, trek guides, and liaison staff to our camp staff, porters and camp chef, we all love to explore and travel in the Nepal Himalayas. We also love to introduce our beautiful country to our clients.

We are committed to human dignity, security, and safety for all – for our clients and for the communities we visit. We are also committed to the environmental sustainability of the landscapes, flora, and fauna of the Himalayas.

We also pride ourselves on offering great value for money and a price guarantee – if you can find the same trek at a lower price, we will match it – guaranteed.

Please check the reviews from our past clients to see what they say about us.