Situated about 370 km. north-west of Kathmandu, Rara is Nepal's smallest and most scenic national park covers 106 square km. Much of the park is at an altitude of about 3,000 meters forested by conifers. 
The park was established in 1976 and protects some of the most beautiful alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems of the Himalaya. The centrepiece is the pristine Lake Rara, also Known as Mahendra Tal, the biggest lake in Nepal. The lake is surrounded by richly forested hills, Chuchemara Danda at 4,087 meters is the best vantagepoint to get stunning views of the lake and the thickly forested hillsides and the snow-capped peaks around it.
Other summits in the park area are Ruma kand (3,731 m.) and Malika Kand (3,444 m.), situated to the north of the lake. The trek to Rara Lake begins at Jumla, a village in a Trans - Himalayan area, the rides covered with forests and alpine pastures. The town has airstrip and Tele-communication facilities. The flight to Jumla passes south along the Dhaulagiri range and provides lovely view of Nepal's western landscape. It is three and a half-day's trek from Jumla to Rara National Park. The peaceful surrounding is enhanced by the reflection of the surrounding hills in the Lake's bright blue waters. Due north, chankheli peak (3201m) looms large access the deep Mugu Karnali gorge. The usual itinerary is a loop that starts and ends at Jumla and entire treks about ten days. Food has to bring from Jumla but beyond the Bazaar. It is often unavailable. There are lodges in Jumla and bunkhouse at the Lake; in between there are ten houses where you could stay but camping is more pleasant and certainly more reliable.
Rara comes within the catchment area of the Karnali River, one of the three main river systems of Nepal. The habitat supports animals like the red panda, black bear, yellow-throated martin, ghoral, serow and musk deer. There have also been reported sightings of leopard and wolf. The lake attracts migrant wildfowl like teals, pochards and mallards. Resident birds include the Impeyan, kalij and blood pheasant as well as others like the chukkor partridge.
Rara area is covered with coniferous forest. Rhododendron, black juniper, west Himalayan spruce, oak and Himalayan cypress. During a Rara jungle Safari you will encounter with the endangered animals. You will enjoy the scene of migrant birds including water fowl, Gallinaceous birds, Coots, great-crested grebe, black-necked grebe, red-crested pochard, mallard, common teal, merganser and gulls. The animals’ inhabiting this region are red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jackal, Himalayan Thar, wild yellow-throated marten, wild dog, wild boar, common langur, rhesus macaque and many others.
One of the best ways to overlook the flora and fauna is by walking deep into the jungle through fine grassland and typical villages where you can find unique religions and cultures, as well as abundant wild life. The Rara trek is also famous for bird watching in Nepal.
Rara Jungle Safari offers you the opportunity to have an adventure which you will never forget. rara trek can be combine with Bardiya National park safari, or with Khaptad National park and even with Dolpo trek.
15 days: Rara Lake, Jumla Trek
Day 01: Arrival day, check into hotel and rest.
Day 02: Full day sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley - world heritage sights
Day 03: Drive or fly to Nepalgunj and stay there.
Day 04 - 13: From Nepalgunj early morning fly to Jumla and then start the Rara lake trek and back to Kathmandu.
Day 14: Free day in Kathmandu, join Nepali cultural show and dinner
Day 15: Final Departure , transfer to airport.
Please ask us the details for home stay or tea house stay short treks to Rara lake as well.
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6 days quick visit to Rara lake - the wild west of Nepal one of the most beautiful non touristic trekking area with National park and lake
Rara National Park, Nepal’s smallest and most scenic national park that spreads over an area of 106 sq km is situated about 370 km north- west of Kathmandu and lies in Mugu a mountainous district of the western region of Nepal. The National Park ascends from 1800m to 4480m forested by conifers. The pivotal of Rara National Park is the pristine Rara Lake, which stands high at the self of 2990m and spreads over 10.8 sq km. The clear, high altitude lake of Rara, which mirrors the snow capped Himalayas is ringed with pine, spruce and juniper forest. The undisturbed largest lake also renowned as Mahendra Tal is of oval shape. This tortoise blue lake is surrounded by richly forested hills. Chuchemara Dauda at the elevation of 4087m is the best vantage point to get the magnificient views of the deep blue clear lake and highly forested hillside as well as the snow-capped peaks around it.
More than 500 different kinds of flowers and herbs including Rhododendron, the national flower, Black Juniper, Oak, West Himalayan Spruce and Himalayan Cypress are found in this Park. It is the home of 20 different species of mammals and 214 species of birds. During winter birders can enjoy with many migratory birds. In summer Himalayan flowers surround the lake creating a colorful landscape. Aware of the beauty of the pristine Rara Lake and keeping in account the importance of the National Park, regular flights are operated to Mugu District to the only existing Talcha Airport from where it is few hours walk to the National Park. Those interested for trekking, it is two days trek from Jumla to this interesting National Park.
We want our valuable clients not to miss the opportunity of being at this Paradise and captivating the scenic glimpses of the place, request you all to get lost for few days in the aroma of this natural heaven. If you are looking for wilderness and solitude, do experience this tour to Rara lake.
Day 1. Kathmandu
Arrive at T I A Kathmandu. Transfer from airport to the Hotel. Check in at the Hotel. P M: Visit 2000 years old Buddhist shrine Swyambhunath, situated on the top of the hill west of the city the most popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the “Monkey Temple”. There are many small buildings and shrines down the hillside behind Swayambhunath. Explore the colorful Kathmandu Durbar Square- The Old Royal Palace of Kathmandu, Temple of living goddess Kumari, the Jagannath temple, 17th century temple known for colorfully painted erotic carvings, Kasthmandap temple a three story temple built from a single tree in 12th century. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2. Kathmandu - Nepalgunj
Breakfast at Hotel. After breakfast visit Pashupatinath temple one of the most sacred Hindu shrine in the World. The holy river Bagmati and the burning ghats and also visit one of the oldest and biggest stupa of Boudhanath, After lunch drive to Airport to connect flight to the Nepalgunj Airport. Arrive at the most important town in western Nepal, Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is a densely crowded city and represents every possible ethnic groups in Nepal. There are Hindu temple and mosques, an interesting places to visit. Explore the Nepalgunj city. Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 3 Nepalgunj – Talcha Airport, Near Rara Mugu
After breakfast at the Hotel at Nepalgunj. Drive to Airport to connect flight to Talcha Airport. Arrive at Talcha, We then start with our hike ( trek) to Rara National Park. Rara National Park, Nepal’s smallest and most scenic national park that spreads over an area of 106 sq km is situated about 370 km north- west of Kathmandu and lies in Mugu a mountainous district of the western region of Nepal. The National Park ascends from 1800m to 4480m forested by conifers. It is known as the Qeen's of the lakes.Overnight stay at the camp / simple lodge.
Day 4 Explore Rara lake
After breakfast Boating in Rara Lake for 1 hour. The pivotal of Rara National Park is the pristine Rara Lake, which stands high at the self of 2990m and spreads over 10.8 sq km. The undisturbed largest lake is also renowned as Mahendra Tal is of oval shape. This tortoise blue lake is surrounded by richly forested hills. Chuchemara Dauda at the elevation of 4087m is the best vantage point to get the magnificient views of the deep blue clear lake and highly forested hillside as well as the snow-capped peaks around it. Hike to this Dauda, catch the glimpse of the magnificent mountain views. Dinner and Overnight at Camp.
Day 5. Rara / Nepalgunj/ Kathmandu
After breakfast, hike to Rara Talcha Airport. Fly to Nepalgunj and then make a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu. Hotel Check In.
PM: Patan is often referred to as Lalitpur, which means “city of beauty”. Patan has a long Buddhist History and the four corners of the city are marked by Stupas erected by the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka around 250 BC.
Visit Patan City second largest city of valley including Royal Palace, Bhimsen temple, Manga Hiti, King Yogaendra Malla’s Statue, Krishna temple, Taleju temple, 15th century Golden Temple and Mahaboudha Temple known as temple of 10,000 Buddha, Kumbeshwar Temple. Bishwakarma Temple, Uma Maheshwar Temple.
Day 6 Departure To Airport
AM: Breakfast at Hotel. Free time till departure to Airport.
Photos of the Rara lake and Jumla trek
Please click on thumbnail to enlarge.
We have the following dates scheduled for this Rara lake Jumla Trek 2008 & 2010, that are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 1 or 2 persons in the group. The trek is also available on a private basis to suit your own dates.
Departure Dates for Rara Lake Jumla trek
