For nature lovers and tranquillity seekers, the Rara Lake trek offered by Orbit Alpine Adventure is an undeniable trip. Rara Lake region features the beautiful countryside and montage landscape in the remote Jumla District lying in northwestern Nepal. The trek actually begins from Jumla where you can reach by flying from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. From Jumla, you start the journey on foot and head further north, enjoying excellent views of snow-capped mountains of the Dolpo region.
Rara Lake Sinja Valley trek takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List under the cultural category since 2008. Sinja Valley is a pristine valley where the Nepali Language, the national language of Nepal was originated. Visiting this valley rewards you with the ancient caves protecting Buddhist chaityas and cliff inscriptions. You can witness the traditional rites of the Masto (Shamans) in many of the stone temples.
The main attraction of this trip is the pristine Rara Lake, which is Nepal’s largest lake situated inside Rara National Park. Nepal’s smallest national park located in Mugu District, this alpine freshwater lake houses some of the endemic fish species of Nepal. The lake is surrounded by lush forests of pine, spruce and juniper trees inhabited by large variety of wildlife.
Rara Lake is surrounded by Chuchemara Peak (4,019m) on the south as well as Ruma Kand and Malika Kand peaks on the northern side. The image of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks to the water body is so beautiful that one can hardly express in words. Moreover, Rara National Park itself is a perfect haven for the endangered red panda and musk deer, and other animal species. You can see Himalayan black bear, leopard, jackal, Himalayan tahr, wild yellow-throated martin, langur, otter, and nearly 200 bird species.
Rara Lake has been a growing touristic destination to promote Nepalese tourism and bring change in the local people’s lives. It got publicity and flow of the national plus international tourists when the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) conducted Rara Lake Festival in early 2007. Initially, it used to be a completely a camping trekking as the infrastructures of tourism were not developed. However, nowadays, there are teahouses built on the way to Rara Lake trekking region, so, it is now a complete teahouse trekking. To give you a unique experience of camping trekking, Orbit Alpine Adventure has designed 15 days’ itinerary.
Nowadays, you can do Rara Lake Overland Tour in a private jeep by driving from Kathmandu to Rara Lake directly. Driving takes you through Surkhet, Manma, Gamgadhi and finally to Rara Lake within 7 days and above. You can do many things on and around the largest freshwater lake of Nepal to make this jeep tour in Nepal. You can experience boating on Rara Lake, cycling around the banks, horse riding, and jungle safari. Likewise, village tour around Rara National Park and hiking to Murma Top are other activities to do while you are around the premises of Rara Lake. We provide Rara Lake jeep tour itinerary from 7 days to above as per your desire.
Despite its incomparable natural treasures, this remote trek of Nepal is very less frequented by tourists than other regions. This is a perfect destination for those who care more about authentic experiences than fancy features or luxury. Therefore, we invite you for an unforgettable Rara Lake trekking to enjoy absolute wilderness plus unadulterated Nepalese culture. You can customize this trek to Rara Lake Limi Valley trek, Upper Dolpo Rara Lake trek and Rara Lake Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, etc.
FAQs:
1. Where is Rara Lake trekking?
Rara Lake trekking lies in the northwestern part of Nepal in the remote region of Karnali Province. It takes you to the largest lake of Nepal located in the Rara National Park which is inhabited by a large variety of wildlife and vegetation. This off the beaten path trek lies between popular Limi Valley trek and Dolpo region trekking that you can even customize this trek up to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
2. How difficult is Rara Lake trek?
Talking about Rara Lake trekking difficulty, it is a moderate type of trekking which can be made by the beginners also. The highest altitude to cross is 3,050 metres (Gorusinghe and Chere Chaur) before you reach Rara Lake, an alpine freshwater lake. There is not any high Himalayan pass that you need previous trekking experience and climbing gears as well as mountaineering technique.
3. What is the altitude of Rara Lake from the sea level?
Rara Lake is situated in the hidden gem, Karnali of Nepal at an altitude of 3,010 metres from the sea level.
4. Can I drive to Rara Lake?
No, you can’t drive the whole way to Rara Lake because there is no road access to due to the geographical complexities. You can fly from Nepalgunj to either Talcha Airport of Mugu or Jumla Airport. From Talcha Airport, you can reach the lake by walking for four hours. Similarly, from Jumla Airport, you can catch a jeep or bus up to Gamgadhi, the administrative headquarters of Mugu, and walk for about five hours to reach Rara Lake.
If you want to experience the roadway transportation, you can drive along the Karnali Highway from Nepalgunj to Kalikot. From Kalikot, you catch another bus to Nagma and finally to Gamgadhi. To reach the Rara Lake, you must hike for about five years from Gamgadhi.
5. What is the best time for Rara Lake trekking?
Although it can be done throughout the year, the best time for Rara Lake trekking is spring and autumn. Rara Lake trek in autumn gives you the pleasant view of the snowcapped peaks and the wonderful landscapes while enjoying the cool breeze. If you do Rara Lake trek in spring, Rara National Park is extremely decorated with the varieties of flowering plants.
6. Why should I do Rara Lake trekking?
Rara Lake trekking rewards you with the wonderful natural and cultural attractions. The less crowded trekking trails going past the pastoral villages, the largest alpine freshwater lake of Nepal and a national park are the most appealing beauty of this region. You can observe the three species of endemic fish of Nepal in Rara Lake together with diverse flora and fauna of Rara National Park. You can relish the snowcapped mountains standing as the natural border between Nepal and Tibetan Autonomous Region.
7. What type of food and accommodation facilities is available during Rara Lake trekking?
Rara Lake trek is completely a teahouse trekking although you can experience camping trekking to reach this region. The teahouses are developed on all the stopovers that they provide basic facilities of food and accommodation during the trek. Until you leave Nepalgunj and after reaching Rara Lake, you can find the better facilities of food and lodging. However, during Rara Lake trekking, you can relish the organic food items according to your appetite.
