- Destination:Nepal
- Total Duration:14 Days
- Trip Grade:Easy
Trip Overview
Rara Lake camping trek takes you to a divine trail to the largest lake in Nepal. Situated at almost 3100 m altitude, it is one of the most beautiful, ecologically rich and the remotest lakes in Asia, if not in the entire world. A saying so popular among the visitors around the globe is that Rara changes its beauty and color almost every single time in a day. It is more like being in heaven watching the changing color of the enchanting lake with the backdrops of the majestic mountains that surround the park as well as the lake itself. The lake is around 5 km apart and almost 170 m deep with clear natural glacier water flowing from the mountains. You can have clear mirror images and reflections of the mountains on the surface of the lake.
Rara Lake lies as a is part of Rara National Park which is spread over 106 sq. km. area in Mugu and Jumla districts of Karnali Province in Nepal. The park stands as the symbol of beauty amongst the nature lover and represents the unique ecosystem and glory of Far western part of the country. The route is filled with dense green forests and alpine meadows with hovering mountains of Dolpo and Tibetan plateaus looking down every soul, the land and the lake reflects the wilderness and tranquility of silence. You would even have the feeling that gods and goddesses have created this part of land for their own sake of finding peace and divinity.
Similarly, Rara lake trek is a camping trek that will take you in an off the beaten trekking route to a magnificent and magical land that will give you a first-hand view and experience to observe dependency of humans on nature; people of Karnali region have their own way of living, unique ancient language, norms and values much of which are still kept secret from the outsiders.The lake represents pollen kept safe and secured by beautiful petals like mountains – and the people as the bees and butterflies.
Rara lake trek is usually ideal to start from Jumla to save much time. You fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then again take a flight to Jumla. The alternative route to reach Jumla that is by land takes almost 3 days to reach Jumla. Jumla is a beautiful largest hill town from where you will trek gradually through beautiful forests of pine, rhododendron, broad leafed chestnut, birch and much other vegetation. If you are fortunate you can see rich wildlife as well. The park is home for some of the rare and endangered animal species such as musk deer, red panda, Himalayan black bear, shy and intimidating leopard, goral and black faced monkeys and many others. The trek further takes you to awesome landscapes through lush forests and prairies that provide magnificent views of southern mountains ranges of Humla, Mugu and Tibetan border. You will travel through some of the remotest villages in the world.
A peaceful trekking that will open up the gateway to true heaven and solace, Rara Lake Trek is still a hidden gem.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Flight to Nepalgunj
- Day 3: Flight to Jumla 2370 m
- Day 4: Trek to Daphne Langa 3130 m
- Day 5: Trek to Chautha 2800m
- Day 6: Trek to Dhotu 2400m
- Day 7: Trek to Rara Lake3050
- Day 8: Exploration day
- Day 9: Trek to Ghorasingha 3200 m
- Day 10: Trek to Sinja 2450 m
- Day 11: Trek to Jaljala 3250m
- Day 12: Trek to Jumla
- Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu
- Day 14: Final Departure
Detail Itinerary
A warm welcome, as our representative will receive you and transfer you to your respective hotels and provide you valuable information regarding your stay, refreshments etc.
An hour long flight will take you to Nepalgunj where you can buy essential good for trekking and take a trip around the marketplace. Nepalgunjis one of the hottest areas in Nepal and in the past not so popular among tourists. It is also a hub for travellers going to different parts of western Nepal.
You will take an exciting flight to high mountain valley airport at Jumla district. It is a very beautiful valley with pleasant weather that will remind you of Switzerland or at least Kathmandu valley. This is the first day of your camping trek.
You will start the actual trekking from this day with an early hike on the northern bank of TilaKhola. It is a pleasant walk through dense forests of pine and fir. Spectacular valleys and narrow canyons will be on the way as you proceed further towards Padmara and finally reach Daphne Langa for the camp.
Today you will start to descend towards the SinjaKhola in the early part. Crossing through log bridges and passing through hidden villages you will come across heavy steep hills covered with forest. Finally you will reach the campsite at Chautha following some descents.
Today you will enter the magnificent land of Rara Lake National Park. You will require obtaining the permits from the counter and taking a hike towards the valley. Dhotu lies on the way towards the promised land before that you have a wonderful camp stay overnight at Dhotu.
Today is the special day. Passing through some of the old and hidden villages, you will come across cedar forests. After further ascent in the forest you will reach broad meadow and finally the enchanting Rara Lake. Enjoy the magical moment, observe the surroundings and views of the snow capped mountains. A true gateway to heaven and never ending solace, indeed.
An early walk around the lake side will add new episode in your life. The northern side of the lake provides window to some of the remotest villages of the country. Enjoy the silence and meditation in the natural setting. Overnight stay in the camp.
You take retrace to Jumla. You will take a different route for freshness, on the trail that take you to GHorasingha village. The village is on the ascent from the Rara Lake crossing several local bridges and going pass Murma village. At the high points you can look back to the beautiful Raralake and the mountains. You will stay in Ghorasingha for the night.
Further descending you will enter the Ghatta valley. You will walk pass some of the populated areas on the sides of the SinjaKhola. This historic village still exhibits old palaces and old temple sites. You will reach Sinja village for the night camp.
Crossing the Sinja River, you will take on the trail further passing through beautiful bridges constructed by local knowledge and resources. The trail further progresses with steep climb to reach Jaljala.
This day you will walk through beautiful alpine meadows before descending down to reach Jumla. An overnight stay will provide much needed rest.
The final day in the far west, you will take the flight back to Nepalgunj and eventually return flight to Kathmandu. You will be received by our representative and usher you to your respective hotels.
This is your final day. You will be dropped at the International airport 3 hours prior to your flight time by our representative. Thank you and have a safe journey.
" Dolma Treks covered all aspects of my dream trip: hotels, logistics, food, permits.
Tsering Lama is a very seasoned trip organizer and guide that knows the way things work locally, which means a hassle-free, pure joy adventure. I have traveled to Nepal 5 times so far, always with Dolma Treks. Have done a bit of everything: culture, trekking, yoga retreat, educational visits, rescue visits (Earthquake 2015). I have been solo, with friends, and even with my young son since he was 7. Everything was perfect, every single time.
I loved every second of my trips to Nepal and I simply can't wait to be back"
I would just like to say that our trekking holiday in Langtang National Park & our Bridim homestay with Tsering Lama and his wonderful porters "Lale and Mingmar" was the most memorable, amazing holiday I have ever experienced. The guidance and support given were just so great. My wish is that my Aussie friends join a trek with Dolma Tours one day to experience this amazing country of Nepal. Thank you, Tsering. Your Aussie friends, Tania, Steve & Jesse Pitt
I recently went on Tsering's 17-day tour of Nepal, in Oct/Nov 2013.
Tsering is an exceptional tour leader, very organized and a welcoming host.
He paid much attention to detail both in the planning of the itinerary and throughout the course of the trip. Right from the beginning, the pre-departure information was excellent and I felt very well-prepared. Any questions I had about the trekking were answered promptly by email.
Tsering's itinerary has a lovely variety of places to visit: in Kathmandu, trekking in the Annapurna mountains, visiting the Chitwan National Park, and a stunning flight over Mount Everest. On our trek, the porters were very helpful, friendly and spoke a little English.
Tsering was always professional and timely. We were also given great insight into the generosity of the Nepali people by being invited into his family home.
Heartfelt thanks again from me for a wonderful trip!
We joined one of Tsering's trips to Annapurna and Chitwan in October 2013, where Tsering warmly welcomed us at the airport and confidently and efficiently organized everything for us from the moment we arrived until our departure 17 days later, making the entire trip extremely relaxing and enjoyable.
His guidance with local customs and his ability to communicate clearly in English was invaluable in ensuring we were completely informed at all times of our programme. His command of local languages meant we were afforded the best treatment at the local hotels, lodges, and restaurants throughout our trip.
The trip was a wonderful balanced mix of the frantic bustle of Kathmandu, the grandeur of the Annapurna mountains, and the thrill of the Chitwan jungle, all complemented by a style of travel that exposes you to, and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture to the extent you are personally willing and comfortable with.
The local guides Tsering organized were very competent and knowledgeable, giving us a great opportunity to absorb, understand and appreciate the breadth and depth of Nepal's history and the many cultures that make up its friendly people. Tsering gave us a marvelous insight into the recent history and of current events that gave us a wonderful context and appreciation of what makes the nation of Nepal what it is today and influences its future.
For the trek, Tsering organized a friendly team of local porters and guides who worked so hard carrying our gear over the often steep terrain of the mountains. Special mention goes to our lead guide Lale, who ensured the trek was perfectly paced to match the abilities of our relatively senior group. The guides and porters always had a friendly and smiling disposition, and we had a marvelous party with them on our last night, sharing cultural song and dance.
Tsering is generous of both time and nature, we were privileged to meet his family, and we particularly enjoyed the company of his enchanting 11yo son Jigme on our trip, and of his young friend Amod.
I would unreservedly recommend Tsering as a guide to anyone travelling to Nepal who is wanting to get to know this intriguing and beautiful country and its friendly people, and who enjoys knowing everything is confidently organized for you in a relaxed and efficient manner by a knowledgeable local who is a marvelous ambassador for his people and his country.
Thank you, Tsering, I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to visit Nepal again someday and enjoy your friendly and proficient service.
Tsering and his trekking company were brought to my attention by my daughter who had trekked with friends in Nepal. That trip was led by Tsering who was already known to one of the group. This group so recommended Tsering, that my wife and I decided upon a trekking tour under his guidance.
We were not any stage disappointed. Tsering contacted us and after considering age, fitness and wishes, designed what he thought was an appropriate tour. He emailed a comprehensive programme with some beautiful pictures and suggested dates. We arranged the flights to and from Kathmandu and brought in a couple of friends.
From our arrival until our departure, every detail was arranged. All accommodation, transport guides, porters, and dining was minutely cared for leaving us the freedom to simply enjoy ourselves. The team he engaged were known to him and endlessly strived to assist. Friendliness and honesty were so obvious.
Westerners are usually apprehensive about local cooking and food hygiene. Tsering always stationed one of the porters in the kitchens of the tea houses to oversee the cleanliness of food preparation. Some of his team are also chefs. It is a matter of pride for him that virtually all his tourists complete their trips without gastric upset.
Tsering is very kind, caring and attentive to detail. He is great fun, has a keen political insight as well as concern for the education of his young countrymen. He is honest and generous to a fault - as are his lovely family whom we met. We also enjoyed their hospitality.
If we return to Nepal there is absolutely no doubt we would ask Tsering to undertake our planning and if possible accompany us. He was faultless and thus I have no hesitation in recommending his company to your favorable attention.
