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13 Days
Moderate
3,900m
Nepal
2-16 People
Hotel, Lodge
Flight, Tourist Bus
B L D
Explore more facts about the trip
Our Rara Lake Trek is one of the best easy trekking experiences you can go for, if not the best. This 13-day journey takes you to the absolutely stunning Rara Lake, sitting at 2990 meters above sea level. The Rara Lake is the deepest and largest freshwater lake of Nepal, and also one of the most beautiful lakes you will ever see. Fun fact, even though it is a well-conserved freshwater lake, there is zero life in the water due to its high mineral content.
This off-the-beaten-path trek has to be one of the most scenic treks in Nepal, taking you through the remote Karnali region. The crystal-clear waters of the lake are accompanied by spruce and pine forests within the Rara National Park. You can also see a couple of peaks from the lake shore, including the Sisne Himal and Chuchemara peak. Although boating and swimming are prohibited in the lake, you can go on a short horse riding tour around the village or by the lake.
The national park is home to over 200 different species of birds; our trekking trails will be full of the beautiful chirping of birds. In addition to that, the park also has wildlife like musk deer, wild cats, Himalayan black bears, jackals, red pandas, Himalayan Tahr, and more. However, the chances of encountering these mammals are rare as they stay away from man-made trails.
The trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which is an important stop as there are no direct flights to Jumla from Kathmandu. We will follow it up with a flight to Jumla and eventually a trek to Chere Chaur, starting the trekking days. Passing by, resting, and spending the nights at many villages, we will reach a maximum altitude of 3200 meters above sea level.
Moreover, there are many things you should get to know before you decide to book this amazing adventure with us. That is exactly why we have crafted this detailed trek package; you so fully understand the limitations and coverage of the package, along with getting an idea of the trekking experience.
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The first day of the Rara Lake Trek itinerary starts as your flight reaches Kathmandu. After about an hour of visa processing, you will successfully obtain your tourist visa to Nepal. To obtain the visa, you need to fill out a visa application form, pay your visa fees, and submit a couple of documents to the visa officer. You can also apply for a tourist visa online.
One of our reps will be waiting at the terminal for your arrival. He will escort you to your room for the night. But before that, we will have a short introductory meeting with the guides and porters who are responsible for your well-being on this trek.
Max. Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu)
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
On the 2nd day of the Rara Lake Trek itinerary, we will fly all the way to Nepalgunj. This flight takes about 40 minutes to complete, saving us from a 500 km drive that could take well over 18 hours in Nepal. The transition from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj is very drastic; you will immediately feel the difference in weather and temperature as you get out of the airplane. We will spend the night there before heading out to Jumla tomorrow.
Activity: 40 mins flight
Max. Altitude: 150m/492ft. (Nepalgunj)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
The day starts in a hot tropical climate zone. After breakfast, we will get on a 20-minute flight to Jumla, reaching 2540 meters above sea level. Arriving at Jumla, you will transition to a hilly environment with scenes of many peaks in the distance. From the airport, we will trek alongside the Jugad River and ascend steadily, passing through the Khalanga Bazaar.
Today’s trek is almost 21 km long with an estimated trek duration of 4 to 5 hours. The net elevation gain is about 515 meters, taking us to 3055 meters above sea level.
Activity: 4-5 hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 2,540m/8,333ft. (Chere Chaur)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 4 of the Rara Lake Trek itinerary features a 15 km trail with a net elevation loss of 75 meters, which is a trivial figure. This trek is going to take us 5 to 6 hours to complete, reaching 2980 meters above sea level at the end of the day. Leaving Chere Chaur, we will ascend through meadows and reach a small pass with an elevation of 3200 meters. After reaching the summit, you will enjoy a panoramic scene of the surroundings before descending all the way to Chalachaur.
Activity: 5-6 hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 3,200m/10,499ft. (Chalachaur)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Today, the Rara Lake Trek itinerary takes us on a 6 to 7-hour journey, covering about 15 km of distance. The net elevation loss of the day is about 490 meters, taking us to 2490 meters above sea level. The trek starts with a plain trail going through meadows and forests. After about an hour, we will reach a descending path. This trail leads us to Jaljala Chaur. Following a lunch break at Jaljala, we will descend further into the valley and reach Sinja Valley.
Activity: 6-7 hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 2,490m/8,169ft. (Sinja Valley)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
On the 6th day of the Rara Lake Trek, we will trek about 16 km with an estimated trek duration of 6 to 7 hours. The net elevation gain of the day is 560 meters, which takes us to 3050 meters above sea level. Leaving Sinja Valley, we will follow the Hima River and gently ascend through a lush forest. Passing by tiny settlements, the trail steepens more as we approach the destination of the day. The final leg of the day is a steady uphill ascent through a mixed forest.
Activity: 6-7 hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 3,050m/10,007ft. (Ghorosingha)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Compared to the previous days, day 7 of the Rara Lake Trek is a short trekking day, covering about 12 km with a net elevation loss of just 60 meters. This trek takes about 5 to 6 hours, taking us to 2990 meters above sea level. Starting off, we will get on a steadily descending trail that soon ascends through a ridgeline reaching 3050 meters above sea level. From there, we will descend grassy slopes and enter the Rara region. The trail turns plain yet again, going through forested sections until we reach the lake.
Activity: 5-6 hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 3,050m/10,007ft. (Rara Lake)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Today is the only exploration day of the Rara Lake Trek itinerary. We will spend the afternoon roaming around the lake and hiking up to a nearby viewpoint. The day starts with a filling breakfast at last night’s accommodation. After that, we will visit the lake, take pictures, explore the shores, and head to a nearby viewpoint, climbing about 200 meters. From this viewpoint, you will get to see the entire turquoise blue water of the lake along with the Chuchemara peak. After we are done exploring the lake, we will head back to our accommodation and call it a night.
Day 9 of the Rara Lake Trek itinerary features a 4 to 5-hour walk covering about 12 km of total distance. The elevation loss of the day is 550 meters, taking us to 2440 meters above sea level. Leaving the lake, we will traverse through the Rara National Park and descend gradually through a winding trail. Passing by tiny settlements and crossing small streams, we will reach our lunch spot of the day. Post-lunch, the trail still descends gently all the way to Pina village.
Activity: 4-5 hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 2,440m/8,005ft. (Pina)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Day 10 of the Rara Lake Trek itinerary features a 5 to 6-hour trek with an elevation gain of 410 meters. This trek is 14 km long, with an ending elevation of 2850 meters above sea level. The starting part of the trek is a plain section going through terraced farmlands. Soon after, the trail ascends through villages with traditional houses made of stone and mud. As we cover more distance, the trail turns steeper, featuring a rocky terrain. Soon enough, we will arrive at our destination of the day.
Activity: 5-6 hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 2,850m/9,350ft. (Bumra)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Next up on the Rara Lake Trek itinerary, we have a 10 km long trail with an estimated trek duration of 4 to 5 hours. This trek will lose us about 310 meters of elevation, taking us to 2540 meters above sea level. Leaving Bumra, the trek starts with a plain section that gradually descends after a while. Passing by lush forests, we will soon follow the Jugad River once again. Following the river, we will pass by many settlements before reaching Jumal.
Activity: 4-5 hrs trek
Max. Altitude: 2,540m/8,333ft. (Jumla)
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
The trekking days of the Rara Lake Trek itinerary are over. Today, we will have breakfast at Jumla and head to the airport to catch a flight back to Nepalgunj. This time we will not spend a day there; instead, we will catch the next flight to Kathmandu.
After we process all the final procedures, we will have a short farewell ceremony and drop you off at the airport for your next destination. We hope that you had a great time with Morning Star and to seeing you again soon for another Himalayan adventure.
If our standard itinerary doesn't fully meet your needs, we are happy to tailor it to your specific preferences and requirements.
The best seasons for the Rara Lake Trek are autumn and spring. You can never go wrong with any of these seasons since they are the optimal time of the year. The seasons of spring and autumn offer great outdoor traits, such as mild daytime temperatures, less rainfall, clear skies, and more. These seasons are the most preferred and chosen by trekkers worldwide. However, the hilly region’s weather patterns are often unpredictable because of the swift afternoon winds from the east.
The Rara Lake Trek is an easy trekking experience, without any long ascents or sharp descents. There are no technical sections that require great physical strength or form. Overall, the trails are very manageable, and anyone who has trained for the trek can do it without any need for prior trekking experience. Our team of trek experts has given this trek a 5 out of 10 on the difficulty scale.
Altitude Sickness is highly unlikely to get you on this trek since we will not even reach 3500 meters of elevation, where the sickness starts. The maximum elevation we will reach on the Rara Lake Trek is 3200 meters at a small pass between Chalachaur and Sinja Valley. This elevation is reached on the 4th day of the trek. All in all, you are more than safe from altitude sickness on this trek.
To prepare for this trek, we need you to get on a 4 to 5-week physical training plan. This plan should involve cardio exercises such as jogging, swimming, cycling, etc., and a little bit of endurance training since you have to walk for hours on trekking days. Since this trek is an easy journey, a 4 to 5-week training period should make you fully prepared for the trek.
You will get to taste many local cuisines throughout the trek, along with some traditional and western options. While western meals are available throughout the trek, we recommend you try the local dishes and traditional options as much as possible. The Rara Lake Trek package will cover 3 meals per day during the trekking days. As for accommodation, the package will cover every night’s stay for the entire journey.
First off, we will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, the next day, we will fly to Jumla to start the trek. Towards the end of the trek, we will fly back to Nepalgunj and take another flight to Kathmandu. All of these flights will be covered by the Rara Lake Trek package, along with free airport pick-up and drop-off service.
You will get some level of mobile network connectivity throughout the trek; however, some places like high passes, secluded trails, ridgelines, etc., might not receive any connectivity at all. At the end of every night, you will be in villages where phone network connectivity is good. You can also get WiFi connections at most tea houses so you can update your family and friends of what’s happening.
To do this trek, you need to have a Rara National Park Entry permit and a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. The Rara Lake Trek package will cover the fees related to this journey.
Visa fees are not a part of the trek package, as they are considered to be personal expenses. You have to pay it before you leave the airport; if not, you will not have a tourist visa, without which, we can not take you on a trek.
Much like visa fees, travel insurance fees are also your personal expense. We can not take you on the journey with us if you do not have insurance. You need to give us proof of insurance to be included in the trek group.
Your extra expenses on this trek are international flight expenses, travel insurance fees, tips for the porters and guides, visa fees, additional meals, any kind of beverages, emergency rescue services, extra night stays, upgraded accommodation, laundry bill, etc.
While a private trek is a more intimate trekking experience, it is also the pricier option. Basically, you can choose the trekkers in the group, your trekking buddies, or your loved ones, anyone you want to experience the trek with. On the other side, a group trek will have you with a couple of random trekkers. This is the cheaper option and also a great way to meet new trekking friends.
General
In general, a Rara Lake Trek can last anywhere from 12 to 16 days, depending on the specific itinerary of the trek.
Yes, the trek is definitely a great option for first-timers. Given the maximum altitude of 3200 meters and the easy daily trails, this trek is suitable for first-timers.
The Rara Lake region is not that remote since it is one of the most popular destinations in Nepal.
Our trek group size is typically 6 trekkers, 1 guide, and 3 porters. Additional trekkers in the group will be met with one assistant guide.
No, there are no specific restrictions; it’s just the general restrictions like every other national park.
Preparation & Fitness
Given daily distances and elevation gains, an average fitness level is enough to do this trek without any difficulty.
Yes, you can practice on the ladder machine, or you can just go on short hikes to similar hills around you.
The altitude barely affects the pace on this trek since we will not be reaching considerable elevations that have a great impact on breathing and walking pace.
Absolutely, beginners can manage this trek without any hassle; you do not need prior trekking experience to complete this journey. However, we expect every trekker to prepare well for this trek.
Even though the porter carries your heavy luggage, you are still expected to carry a day pack containing things like water bottles, cameras, phones, etc. The weight of the daypack depends on the things you want to carry for easy access.
No, there are no opportunities to acclimatize to the altitude before reaching the highest point, since the highest point is not at risk of altitude sickness.
Insurance and Visa
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this trek. Without insurance, we will not be able to take you on this trek.
No, there are no additional permits required except the ones mentioned in the “Permits” section.
Yes, our guides will assist you with obtaining the required permits for the trek. You just have to provide them with the documents they ask for.
Yes, even though altitude sickness is not a risk on this trek, injuries can still occur.
No, there are no such things. You just need to have a tourist visa.
You can pay the rest of the payment before or after your arrival in Nepal.
Guides & Support Staff
No, you need to be accompanied by a licensed trekker to do this trek. Solo trekking is not a possibility as the trek goes through the Rara National Park, a conserved region.
Every 2 trekkers will share a porter while every 6 trekkers will be assigned a trek guide.
Yes, our guides are very familiar with the trails around the lake. They are also knowledgeable about the local culture and practices.
Each porter can carry about 16 kg of weight. You should pack your luggage with clothes and things you won’t immediately need while trekking.
No, you can not just hire a porter; you will not be granted access from the checkpoints if there is no guide in the group.
Accommodation and Facilities
Yes, dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but make sure to let us know beforehand.
No, tea house accommodations are available throughout the trek. You will not have to spend a single night camping out in the open, unless you really want to.
Yes, tea houses are well-equipped on this itinerary. You can also expect laundry and WiFi at most establishments.
No, we do not need to carry packed lunches as we will pass many eateries en route.
Food and Drinks
No, you do not need to have a water purifier; you can simply carry water purification tablets instead.
Weather & Seasons
October is the best month for clear views and comfortable weather.
It does not get too cold, as we will barely be over 3000 meters above sea level.
No, we recommend not doing this trek in the monsoon as the cons outweigh the pros. The trails get slippery, muddy, and covered in moss while the scenes are often blocked by rain clouds.
It is highly unlikely in peak trekking seasons, as the weather is generally clear. If you are deciding to do this trek in the monsoon or winter, you can expect many flight delays.
Yes, you can expect snow and rain in early spring or late autumn, but it will not be heavy and risky.
Health & Safety
Yes, there are a couple of medical clinics in Rara Lake and Jumla. In case of minor treatments, you can use the first aid box that the porter carries.
You need to always use a water purification tablet to make sure that you do not get any waterborne disease on this trek.
No, you do not need any specific vaccinations for trekking in the remote Karnali region. However, a bug repellent spray might come in handy.
Trekkers often sight a couple of snakes or mammals en route. Snakes usually do not approach humans, and neither do mammals, so it’s quite safe.
There are no safety measures for crossing streams or rocky sections since they are not risky at all. You can cross those sections with ease, using a pair of trekking poles.
Yes, mobile network coverage is available along the trek. However, we use a satellite phone to make emergency communication since phone networks can be unreliable in the hills.
Booking & Payment
Our trek package includes all accommodation costs, 3 meals per day, except on days in the city, permit fees, domestic flight expenses as per the itinerary, wages of the porters and guides, their insurance, all ground transportation, and more.
No, you can not book the Rara Lake Trek at the last second, since preparing for any trek takes long planning and arrangements. It is not a readily available journey that you can join in a matter of days or weeks; it takes months to get things sorted out so the experience is seamless.
As per the time of cancellation, we will withhold a certain percentage of the initial deposit you made to confirm the booking of the trek. We do this to pay for the manpower and accommodation arrangements we used for arranging your trek.
Yes, private rooms are generally not available in remote villages, so getting them is a hassle. However, if you let us know that you want a single room for yourself, we can manage something. This comes at a price.
Yes, you can modify the itinerary in any way you like, as long as it is a feasible modification. This will affect the final pricing of the trek package, depending on the changes you have made.
If domestic flights are cancelled or delayed, we will simply wait for the next flight to go on a road trip, whichever makes the most sense at the moment.
Transportation & Flight
These domestic flights are very reliable in terms of schedule and safety. While you can expect some delays at times, there are no other complaints.
If our flight to Jumla is cancelled, we can take a jeep ride instead, which will take 6 to 7 hours, or simply wait for the next day’s flight. However, flight cancellation is a rare occurrence.
The starting point of the trek is not far from the Jumla airport, and we can simply walk there.
Yes, there are a couple of routes to reach Jumla in case of non-operational flights. However, the road condition is very poor, and it will take over 6 hours.
Yes, one of our reps will have you escorted to the airport as per your flight schedule time or preferred time.
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+977 9767224414