The Rara Lake trek takes place in the remote districts of Mugu and Jumla in the Karnali Region. There are different options available on this, for example following the salt route to Humla, or taking a number of trails through Dolpo. Regardless of the route, the countryside is remarkable and Rara Lake – a gem sparkling turquoise blue in the sun.
Lying at an altitude of 2,990m, Rara Lake, sometimes also referred to as Mahendra Taal, is the largest lake in Nepal, covering over 10 sq. km and reported to be 167m in depth. Set in Rara National Park, the area around the lake is mainly pine forest and is home 214 species of birds, including a good number of migratory birds. It is a wonderful place for bird watching enthusiasts who can expect to see water fowl, coots common teal, blood pheasants, and the Danfe, the national bird of Nepal. Other animals which live in this area include musk deer, himalayan black bear, red panda and jackals, among others.
Apart from the area around the lake, this trek goes through very arid landscapes as it is in the rain-shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Views of Chucchemara Peak, Ruma Kand and Malika Kand are on show from around the lake area.
This is a beautiful trek into an area of the country which is not yet visited by many tourists. The trails are at relatively low altitudes and a moderate level of fitness is fine to complete this trek. Having said that, this is the Himalayas so trails go up and down, and up and down!
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (Flight) | 150 m | 1 hr |
| Day 2 | Nepalgunj to Jumla (Flight) | 2540 m | 20 min |
| Day 3 | Jumla to Chere Chaur | 3055 m | 6 hr |
| Day 4 | Chere Chaur to Chala Chaur | 2980 m | 5 hr |
| Day 5 | Chala Chaur to Sinja Valley | 2490 m | 7 hr |
| Day 6 | Sinja Valley to Goru Singhe | 3050 m | 6 hr |
| Day 7 | Goru Singhe to Rara Lake | 3010 m | 6 hr |
| Day 8 | Day trip to Muldi Viewpoint | 3410 m | 3 hr |
| Day 9 | Rara Lake to Pina | 2440 m | 6 hr |
| Day 10 | Pina to Bumra | 2850 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 11 | Bumra to Jumla | 2540 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 12 | Jumla to Nepalgunj (Flight) to Kathmandu (Flight) | 1380 m | 1 hr |
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