Rara Lake Trek

Explore the major UNESCO world heritage sites of the Kathmandu valley which include, Swyambhunath known as a (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath, Boudhanath. Marvel at the architectural design of these buildings and visit Kathmandu Durbar Square. After visiting these sites, return to your hotel. You can also make final preparations for the trek on the remainder of the day. Overnight stay at a hotel at Kathmandu.

You take a flight to the far west region of Nepal from Kathmandu. The journey to Nepalgunj starts from TIA’s domestic terminal as you catch a 1-hour flight. In Nepalgunj, you will be received and transferred to hotel. You can enjoy the afternoon strolling around the bustling market. Overnight stay at Nepalgunj.

On this day, you fly to the remote town of Jumla. A 20-min flight from Nepalgunj will take you to this pre-dominantly subalpine geography. Once the capital of the Khasa kingdom, the Jumla district is also known for harvesting the best quality apples. It is a unique town and the originators of Nepali-Khas Bhasa- language. The district itself is record-setting for harvesting rice at the highest altitude. Overnight stay at Jumla.

You start this off-the-beaten-path trek with a trek up to Danphe Langa. Leaving Jumla valley behind, you head onto the jaded rocky hills along Tila River. As the trek climbs steeply through Padmara valley, the trail passes through a narrow cut out ridge with steep rocky walls on either side. Eventually crossing a pine forest, you arrive at Padmara village before ascending to Danphe Langa. Overnight stay at Danphe Langa.

The trail goes up and down heading for Chautha. First, this trail follows the bank of Sinja Khola passing by a large rocky overhang in Kabra. Then, the track runs through a lush forest of fir and bamboo before running down to Sinja Khola. Heading north, we cross the Gahautha Khola before ascending to Chautha village. Overnight stay at Chautha.

An impressive pass to be crossed today is the Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3446m) as the trail takes to Dhotu. First you climb to Bhulbhule before ascending up to the pass as small stupas, prayer flags and cairns greet us along the way. Then, descend through terraced fields as you arrive at Pina. Taking the trail to Rara, pass through a pine forest before descending to Jhyari Khola and arriving at Dhotu. Overnight stay at Dhotu.

Today, we visit the highlight of this trek as we arrive at Rara after a relatively easy walk. Taking the trail upstream a river, cross it before climbing up to Jhyari. This village inhabited by Thakuri is amid the woods. You climb up the cedar grooves before arriving at plains atop a ridge with magnificent valley and Rara Lake to the northeast. We cut through another forest before arriving by the Rara Lake. Overnight stay at Rara Lake.

We take a day off the trails to enjoy the picturesque Rara Lake and village. This is the largest lake in Nepal and a walk around the lake will be eight hours while a hike to Rara village further north is two hours. Alternatively, thrill yourselves with a climb atop an observation tower for these views. Finally, visit the National Park headquarters for more information on the park. Overnight stay at Rara Lake.

Leaving behind this magnificent lake, we follow a tributary while exiting the premise of this turquoise hue lake. Heading downstream, we set out for Murma. The trail climbs further south through tall trees of pine and birch before arriving at the highest point atop the ridge. The mountain range appears at a distance as we descend from the maximum altitude of 3749m. Arriving at Chuchemara Danda, we steeply descend further east to Ghorosingha. Overnight stay at Ghorosingha.

On this day, we descend further to Sinja. First, the trail drops along the valley to Bota before climbing steeply to Diyabala Danda. The descent then takes past farmlands along the beautiful valley. Terraced fields of Lumsa appear luscious and green as the trail runs along its rims. Finally, the trail descends further along patches of green scenery onto Okharpati. Overnight stay at Sinja.

Crossing the bridge over Sinja Khola marks the start of a return journey. Setting off to Jaljala, the wooden bridge is our first crossover as the trail heads east along Sinja River. Passing Kotgaon, we follow the ridge along Jaljala Gadh. We cross a pine forest before making a stop at Kanaksundari temple. Finally, we arrive at Jaljala. Overnight stay at Jaljala.

The ultimate day of our trek entails a descent to Jumla. Heading through Chere Chaur, we embark on a relatively easy hike back to the start point of this trek. It is a viewpoint of Tila Valley and Jumla. While a gentle descent, take time to stop at intervals and gather the most of this beautiful wilderness as you head back into the civilization the next day. Overnight stay at Jumla.

Wrapping up the trek of the far west, catch an early flight back to Nepalgunj. This will be a scenic flight through the remote terrains and valleys on to Terai plains. You arrive at Nepalgunj and catch onward flight to Kathmandu. Back in Kathmandu, a tour rep. will receive you at the airport and transfer you back to the trip hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

A free day in Kathmandu can be utilized to relax at some of the best spas in the country or take a tour of the valley and its attractions. An early morning excursion of Swayambhunath stupa can be coupled with a trip to the Patan Durbar square. Both, UNESCO World Heritage sites, cater to the archeological geeks and admirers of ancient architecture. Join the trek operators and rest of the team for a farewell dinner to celebrate a successful trip of the far west. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.