What to Expect

  • Scenic and adventurous flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla.
  • Wilderness off the beaten camping trek in far west Nepal.
  • Opportunity to view Nepal's largest lake (Rara Lake).
  • The unspoiled landscape of pine forest and mountain meadows.
  • Walk through traditional local villages and observe the agricultural life of Nepal.
  • A trail that follows the final stage of worlds' longest trekking trail, The Great Himalayan Trail.
  • Home of many wildlife such as Himalayan black bear, leopard, black panther, musk deer, red panda, wild boar etc.

About Rara Lake Trekking

Rara Lake Trekking is short and an exciting adventure into the highland forest and scenic landscape that surrounds this beautiful lake. Rara Lake is Nepal’s largest lake and located in a spectacular alpine setting. The short journey is ideal for trekkers looking to get away from it all in a remote part of the Himalaya. Rara Lake is located in the northwest of Nepal, and because it is isolated and difficult to reach, it sees only a handful of tourists each season. The unspoiled landscape of pine forest and mountain meadows will be unforgettable.

Rara Lake Trekking passes into the pristine Rara National Park. To the north is the border with Tibet. We begin the Rara Lake trekking journey to this area with ascenic flight to Jumla, a splendid town and one of the largest in the northwest. From here, we meet our full crew and trek north through picturesque villages and rural farmland. Along the way, the cultural interaction and insights on this route cannot be found on the busier and more commercialized routes.

Rara Lake Trekking path travels through a beautiful landscape that will be unforgettable. We cross a pass before arriving at the uninhabited lake area with a nearby park office. Visitors to this region will mostly have the remote trails to themselves!  The natural beauty and peaceful setting in the faraway hills can give you an overwhelming sense of being truly away from worldly cares and concerns. Our camp near the shore and next to the blue waters of alpine Rara Lake (2980 mt, 9,840 ft) will be unforgettable as the trek is off the beaten path.

Mountain views include the Himalayan peaks of Dolpoto the east, the stark landscape of Humla to the west and Tibet to the north. Rara National Park is home to rare, alpine wildlife including the snow leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, musk deer, wild boar and more as well as many species of birds.

Rara Lake Trekking is a camping journey. High Camp Adventure will arrange a crew of porters to transport provisions and gear, including food and a dining tent, tables, chairs, a toilet tent, and personal sleeping tents. Our skilled chef will provide the day’s meals and in the evening we will enjoy a magnificent camp under the stars, surrounded by the Himalaya and jaw-dropping surroundings while we enjoy a supper and a warm drink.

On our way back to Jumla, we take a different route for a circuit journey that visits additional remote villages and scenic meadows.

There are numerous options in the west of Nepal to explore including Dolpo, Rukum and the Guerrilla Trek, Khaptad National Park and more. If you have the time and interest and would like to extend your journey into this area, then we can arrange the details!

Please Note: OurRara Lake Trekking has set departure dates from Kathmandu and this trek can be personalized to accommodate your specific wishes and timetable. 

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 2Trek preparation day (Sightseeing optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 3Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150 mt.). Flight 1 hour. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 4Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2,540 mt.). Flight 20 min. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 5Jumla to Chere Chaur (3,055 mt.). Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 6Chere Chaur to Chalachaur (2,980 mt.). Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 7Chalachaur to Sinja Valley (2,490 mt.). Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 8Sinja to Ghorosingha (3,050 mt.). Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 9Ghorosingha to Rara Lake (3,010 mt.). Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 10Explore around Rara Lake. Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 11Rara Lake to Pina (2,440 mt.). Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 12Pina to Bumra (2,850 mt.). Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 13Bumra to Jumla (2,540 mt.). Overnight at tented camp.
  • Day 14Fly to Nepalgunj and fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 15Leisure day in Kathmandu (Sightseeing optional). Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 16Transfer to Airport for your final departure from Nepal.
Explore Detail ItineraryPrint Pdf

What's Included

Price Includes

  • Pick up & Transfer to and from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to your hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Three nights accommodation at 2/3 star hotel in Kathmandu (breakfasts included).
  • Transportation as per the itinerary (including airfare).
  • Tented camp accommodation during the journey.
  • Standard Meals during the journey (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
  • Expert Guide (registered and licensed by the government) with accompanying porters (generally, one porter for every two clients). (High Camp Adventure covers the staffs’ meals and accommodations as well as wages, transport,insurance, and essential gear.)
  • Equipment (Sleeping bag, Down jacket, Walking poles).
  • Conservation Area and National Park entry fees.
  • Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card.
  • Trekking Map.
  • Medical kit.
  • Government taxes.
  • Our service charge.
  • Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu the eve of your international departure.

Price Excludes:

  • International plane ticket to and from Nepal.
  • Major meals in Kathmandu (other than breakfast).
  • Personal Expenses including laundry, telephone calls, electronic recharge, bar bills, drinks and snacks.
  • Personal clothing and gear.
  • Travel Insurance.
  • Tips for Guides, Porters and Staff.
  • Expenses incurred by cancellation and events beyond our control, for example, weather delays, trail detours, political unrest, illness and et cetera.
Departure note

Please take a look at our fixed departure dates for this Rara lake trek. If they do not fit with your schedule, then please let us arrange an itinerary that is more suitable to you and your requirements.

Useful Information

Accommodation

All the accommodation as per the itinerary is included in the package cost. We have chosen the 2/3 star hotel in the cities for your comfort and safety. The hotels can be upgraded to more deluxe ones upon your request. While trekking in the Mountain, our guides will choose the best available lodge of the village from their past experience. As some villages have limited number of lodges, in a peak season like in Spring and Autumn, you may have to share the room with some stranger trekker as well. Comfortable two men tent with mattress and four seasons sleeping bag will be provided for the camping trek. Our crew will try to set the camp in a scenic place. All the hotel and camping accommodations are as per twin sharing basis unless you are of different gender.

Meals

Nepal is such an easy place to get several vegetarian options so no worries if you are a vegetarian or vegan. You can enjoy typical Nepali food as well as continental, Italian, Indian and Tibetan. Freshly cooked and hygienic dinner and breakfast are served at the camp and lunch will be served on the way to the next destination which will be prepared by our own chef. Only breakfast is served in Kathmandu whilst farewell dinner on the eve of your international departure is served from our side. All the meals (B/L/D) are on full board basis during the trek.

Trekking Crew

An experienced and licensed Guide and necessary porters will assist you during the trek. In a group with more than 8 clients, 2 guides will be provided for the betterment of service. In a teahouse trek, generally, one porter is provided for every two clients who carry between 15 to 20 kg. However, on a camping journey, more porters are required. All the camping equipment such as kitchen, dining, dome and toilet tents, kitchen equipment, fuel, and all consumable goods have to be carried from Kathmandu which needs more manpower. All of our guides and porters are fully insured so you don't' have to worry about them in case of emergency. Our team believes that our customer care is the first priority.

Physical Fitness and Experience

Rara Lake Trek is a moderate trek which is fit for those who has the ability to walk 5-6 hours of walking up hill and downhill in a day carrying a personal day pack. Some days are longer with 7- 8 hours of walking as well. Rara Lake Trek is high altitude trek which demands more physical, however having strong determination, positive vibe and average physical fitness can complete this trek. Some time mental aspect also plays a vital roll in an altitude. Doing some physical exercise a few weeks prior to the trip is better but technical skill is not required for this trek. If you are taking medicine for heart, lung or blood diseases, please kindly consult your doctor and inform to High Camp Adventure.

Travel Insurance

This is a real adventure in high altitude so obtaining a travel insurance is always a good idea for your safety and is highly recommended too. Your travel insurance policy should cover helicopter evacuation and medical expenses in an emergency. There is not any Nepalese insurance company to sell travel insurance policy so you better buy a good one from home. There are some insurance policies which covers only in low altitude below 4000 mt. and some only in high altitude above 4000 mt. So before you purchase it, please double check the policy what it covers and where are you going.

Best Seasons

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for Rara Lake Trek. Where normally days are sunny, the temperature is perfect, the sky is clear and Mountain remains crystal. This trek can be done in Monsoon (June to August ) but you should not expect the great weather and Mountain view. You can do it in Winter (December to February) if you are used to with extreme cold temperature.

Domestic Flights

Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. Air travel between Nepalgunj to Jumla is frequently delayed due to weather conditions and poor visibility. Flights often get behind schedule and delays can even last for days. Under these situations, High Camp Adventure will do its best to re-schedule flights to and from Jumla at first availability. However, the possibility of postponements of flights and even cancellations is a real possibility. We, therefore, advise that you schedule at least an extra two days cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, We can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home.

Ground Transportation

In an alternate of the flight, we can drive to and from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Highway in Nepal is safe, however, sometimes transport can be halted due to landslide, strike or by political unrest. Add a cushion of a few extra days in your onward travel schedule, advised as a margin of safety for your international flight from Nepal. We, therefore, advise that you schedule at least an extra days cushion in your itinerary to avoid conflicts with international flights out of Nepal. In that case, We can arrange activities with your additional days in Kathmandu before your flight home.