Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest lake situated in western Nepal at 3062m is beautiful and tranquil. This scenic high altitude lake is surrounded by alpine meadows and forests of juniper, pine and spruce, and in the background you can view the magnificent snow capped mountains of the Himalayas. Rara Lake trek offers beautiful scenery, superb experiences of nature and the culture of this region. It is a good choice if you are a bird watcher or desire something close to wilderness solitude. The trek starts from Jumla (via flights from Kathmandu and Nepalgunj). You don’t need any previous mountaineering training or technical experience for this trek as the terrain is not very difficult. However, some vigorous hiking experience and good physical condition is very useful. This trekking route is by camping only as it has no possibility of tea house/lodge accommodation.

Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu airport and you will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives.

Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

Day 02 : Kathmandu: Patan and Kathmandu Durbar square: In the morning we will drive to Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries. In the afternoon we will visit Kathmandu's Durbar Square, including the old royal palace and the house of the Kumari (a living Goddess) who is the reincarnation of Goddess Taleju (Kali).

Overnight: Hotel

Day 03 : Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (152m): Transfer to the domestic airport in Kathmandu for your one hour of scenic flight to Nepalgunj. Transfer to the hotel in Nepalgunj and the rest of the time is free to explore around the area or just relax at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 1 hour
Difference in Elevation: -1182m

Day 04 : Fly Nepalgunj to Jumla (2400m) and trek to Chala Chaur (2900m):Following the short scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla we will meet our trekking crew at the Jumla airport and commence our trek to Chala Chaur (2900m) after lunch. We traverse northwards out of the Jumla Valley and shortly thereafter we reach the small village of Micha bearing a small walled enclosure and a number of Buddhist stupas. These stupas were erected around late 15th century in the memory of important dignitaries of the region. Our trek continues along a rock-strewn path and ends at Chala Chaur for overnight.

Overnight: Camping
Flight Time: 30 minutes
Walking Time: 3 hours
Difference in Elevation: +2248m Jumla, +500m Chala Chaur

Day 05 : Chala Chaur to cross a Pass (3500m): After breakfast we leave Chala Chaur and follow a trail winding along a path of steep stones. In the course of ascending, we cross through birch, pine forests and a grassy pass at 3500m. Kanjiroba becomes visible in the east with its twin peaks towering over the adjacent area. We continuously descend as the trail opens onto lush forests. After an hour of walking, we will stop at a suitable campsite in the meadows near some shepherd's huts.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +1100m

Day 06 : Cross Pass to Botan (2600m) via Sinja (2440m): We walk along the Jaljala Khola through pine forests and terraced farmland. On route the trail passes the 300 year old Kanaksundari Temple, which holds immense religious significance for Hindus. The route further bends along the main river and crossing a thick plank bridge, we finally descend to reach Sinja village. Sinja village rests upon a small alluvial plain on the west bank of the clear Lah Gad River, also called the Sinja Khola. Sinja was once the ancient capital of the Malla kings. There are stones lying along the trail that foretell the history of the Malla dynasty. After lunch, our trek takes us through a spectacular gorge and finally we reach the village of Botan.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +900m

Day 07 : Botan to Rara Park Border/Gorosingha (2710m): Leaving Sinja Khola, we follow the trail along Ghatta Khola amid the unparalleled beauty of nature. The sinuous route winds up into terraced farmland and a beautiful valley. Soon we find ourselves within the territory of Rara Lake National Park. We come across primitive flour mills and police post on the way. Rara Lake National Park houses a unique and rich ecosystem. We will spend some time exploring the beauty of the park or relaxing before heading to Gorosingha.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +270m

Day 08 : Gorosingha to Rara Lake (3062m): We walk away from Gorosingha and ascend to the Ghurchi Mara ridge [3710m] for one and a half hours. The trail is not as strenuous as it looks. On reaching the crest of the ridge, we get to experience an excellent panorama to the north, displaying irresistible beauty and charm. As the trail descends, Rara Lake becomes visible on the northeast. The trail further passes through bamboo and birch forests before crossing the Khatyar Khola. We then follow the river upstream to Rara Lake, where we savor the most fascinating trekking experience amid the beauty of nature.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +352m

Day 09-10 : Rest Day: We now have 2 days set aside to explore the area, including the old village of Rara. We can also climb up to the wooden observation tower behind the post office for fine views of the lake and surrounding hills. A visit to the National Park Headquarters is also an option. Swimming is allowed in the lake and it is piercingly cold and refreshing. This can be a perfect way for acclimatization.

Overnight: Camping
Elevation: 3062m

Day 11 : Rara Lake to river camp via Jhyari 2630m: We depart from Rara Lake and continue skirting along the target destination. On crossing a ridge, we enter the village of Jhyari. Strolling by the Jhyari Khola, the trail further follows terraced farmlands. As we approach Dhauligar Khola valley, we find a suitable camp site near the river bank. We also get to witness the beauty of nature and outstanding panorama of snow-capped mountain peaks.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: -432m

Day 12 : River Camp- Ghurchi Lagna pass (3450m) - Chautha (2770m): After breakfast we follow the Dhauligar Khola route, passing through farmland and then entering the village of Pina where we can see the police post and some small hotels. We continue climbing to the Ghurchi Lagna pass and come across several small chortens, alpine-like pastures, walnut groves and a narrow valley. Finally, the steep slope guides us into the village of Chautha where we conclude our day trek.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +140m

Day 13 : Chautha to Tharamara (3280m): We follow the northern bank of the Sinja Khola trail as it passes through the massive overhanging rock at Kabra. Silaji found in this area is the source of the important medicinal mineral which is believed to cure almost anything. The route then passes through the villages of Bumra and Nyawre, before climbing to the pasture at Tharamara.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: +510m

Day 14: Tharamara to Jumla (2400m): Our last day of trekking begins slowly and gradually as the trail gently sloping upwards. We continue to follow our trail from high alpine pastures through a lovely valley to Jumla.

Overnight: Camping
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: -880m

Day 15 : Fly Jumlua to Kathmandu (1334m) via Nepalgunj: We take a flight from Jumla to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight.

Overnight: Hotel
Flight Nepalgunj: 30 minutes
Flight Kathmandu: 1 hour
Difference in Elevation: -1106m

Day 16 : Kathmandu(1334m): Today we will visit Pashupatinath (ancient and holiest temple of Hindu religion), Boudhanath (the largest Stupa of Nepal built in 14th century), Soyambhunath (one of the world's most glorious stupa), famous for eyes of Buddha which seem to be observing the world from four directions.

Overnight: Hotel

Day 17 : Transfer to the airport and departure

The tour price includes:

1. Transfers airport/hotel/airport
2. Hotel in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj on twin sharing BB basis
3. Transport, guided visits & entry of the monuments in Kathmandu and Patan
4. Domestic round trip flight ticket Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jumla-Kathmandu
5. Domestic airport taxes
6. Trekking permit /TIMS, and National park entry fee
7. A professional tour/ trekking guide, cook and porters
8. Meals Full board during trek
9. Drinks (Tea and Coffee only)
10. Accommodation in tent/camping during the trek
11. Your international flight re-confirmation
12. All necessary documents and government tax
13. Insurance for all staff (including guide,cook, porters, assistant guide)

The tour price does not include:

1. International Flight
2. International airport tax in Kathmandu- approximately USD 20
3. Nepal entry visa fee USD 40. (Total 30 days from the date of issue) and you may easily obtain your visa upon your arrival in Kathmandu international airport
4. NOTE: You need 2 Passport size photos for the visa
5. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
6. Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident/repatriation helicopter/medical care)
7. Personnel trekking equipment
8. Personal expenses such as cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, hot shower, etc
9. Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
10. Personal medical supplies
11. Alternative transportation, in case of flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade etc
12. Tips for trekking staff or bus driver

Special Note:

This Itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. The Trek can be operated only by Camping accommodation. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.