Rara Lake Trek

12th year anniversary
Trip Advisor

A journey into the Jumla region and the Ra Ra Lake is probably one of the most hard to believe and captivating treks in all of the Himalayan range, with its unique harmony, blending well in perfect accord with the surrounding mountains and beautiful landscapes. Adventure starts from the hill town of Jumla in the remote north-west of Nepal. From Jumla, the trek heads north passing through beautiful country side, farm villages and valleys with tremendous views of snow capped peaks of the Dolpo and the Tibetan mountain ranges. You will feel as if you have entered into an unknown but beautiful environment, as you enter the Ra Ra National Park and its beautiful surroundings including the pristine Lake Ra Ra. Its scenery and unbelievable quietness is fascinating amidst its charming forest and landscapes. We will be camping here for two nights to explore all around the largest lake in Nepal. After an enjoyable stay here, we return to Jumla by an alternative route in order to give you the best of this magnificent country. Our wonderful and memorable journey ends at Jumla with a flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Day 01:

Arrive in Kathmandu.1, 300m.

Day 02:

Kathmandu sightseeing tour

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel.

As per the flight schedule for Nepalgunj, we transfer to the domestic airport for one scenic flight to Nepalgunj. We will arrive into Nepalgunj with time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town which is situated on the southern Nepal border with India. Here it is quite hot and tropical. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 04: Fly to Jumla 2,370m. Begin trek to Charya Chaur 2,800m.

Morning transfer to the airport for half hour flight to Jumla. On arrival into Jumla, our trekking staffs will greet you and introduce them to you. Jumla is the largest upland town in the Karnali District, and Nepal’s most sparsely-populated administrative zone with no roads communication and is only accessible on foot or by air. After strolling for sometime in Jumla, half an hour’s walk from Jumla towards the college is the small village called Micha where, in a small walled enclosure, stands a number of stone stupas telling of the Buddhist history. The stupas were erected in memory of important dignitaries of the region and date back from the late 15th century. From here we take a short walk climbing away from the Jumla Valley to the campsite at Charya Chaur high above the Karnali Technical College. Overnight camp

Day 05: From Charya – Chaur to camp beneath the unnamed pass. 3,500m.

Day starts with a morning climb through birch and pine forests to the unnamed grassy pass sometimes known as Jaljala. As the walk progresses, views of Kanjiroba Himal can be seen to the East, with its twin peaks that towers over the adjacent area. At afternoon, descent of about 870m through beautiful forests and find a suitable spot for overnight camping on the pastures with a nearby Shepard’s hut after a relatively moderate day on the trail. Overnight camp

Day 06: Trek to Botan. 2, 680m via Sinja Khola. 2,440m. 6 – 7 hrs.

A morning walk completes the descent to Sinja .We will follow the Jaljala Khola downstream through forests with immense gnarled pines and through terraced farmland. Just before the final descent to Sinja the trail passes the 300 year old Kanaksundari Temple where ancient stone lions guard the inner sanctum. Sinja was once the ancient and thriving winter capital of the Malla kings and a few Malla stones dating from the medieval Khasa kingdom can still be seen alongside the trail on its steep, low knob. The trail passes south of the peaked, white temple and descends to the main river, crossing a thick plant bridge at a place where the water has cut a deep, narrow furrow through bedrock. Sinja village rests upon a small alluvial plain on the west bank of the clear Lah Gad River, although here it is called Sinja River. The ruined town actually stood on the east bank of the Sinja Khola, at a place known as Kotgaon or Lamathada, where you can poke among ancient sculptured stones overgrown with weeds. Just north of Sinja stone-bound aeries -once used by meditating enunciates- are visible along the rock walls. We can have lunch here or else just take a short break near the bridge over the Khola. We will then continue to follow the river upstream, passing by the small village of Ganj through a spectacular gorge to the campsite at the village of Botan.

Day 07: Trek to Rara Border.3, 190m. 3 – 4 hrs.

Today, there will be a short walk to the entrance of the Rara Lake National Park for your overnight camp. The trek continues after leaving the Sinja Khola from Botan to follow the Ghatte Khola north and then walking towards north-eastwards up a beautiful valley through farmland and past primitive flour mills to enter the Rara National Park at the Ghorasain police post. A short hike can be explored.

Day 08: Trek to Rara Lake. 2,980m. 6 – 7 hrs.

Leaving the Ghorasain campsite, our route leads to a climb all the way to the Chuchemara Danda ridge, which is at about 4,260m elevation. This part takes nearly 2 hours, the climb is not too hard, and upon reaching the crest of the ridge, an excellent panorama can be seen against the northern horizon. Descending the trail northwards, Rara Lake will soon be seen to the north-east and the trail passes through bamboo and birch forests before crossing the Khatyar Khola which is followed upstream to our overnight camp near the Shore of Rara Lake.

Day 09: A day for rest at Rara Lake.

A rest day to explore and climb up to the wooden observation tower for fine views of the lake and surrounding hills. The National Park Headquarters can be visited and a leaflet about the National Park can be obtained there. Swimming is allowed in the lake and is shrilly refreshing. Overnight camp

Day 10: Trek to River Camp or Pina via Jhyari 2,580m.

A short day on the trail, leaving behind Rara Lake across a ridge to the village of Jhyari. Following the Jhyari Bira Khola downstream for only short way, the route then crosses into the Dhaulagiri Khola valley to the overnight campsite beside the river. Farming is very evident in these valleys with terraced fields on all but the steepest slopes and snow capped peaks will be seen to the north east. Time permitting and willingness of the group and the porters trek further on to a delightful campsite at Pina to make the next day shorter.

Day 11: Trek to Chauta 2,770m via Ghurchi Lagna Pass 3,460m. 5 – 6 hrs.

From the campsite on the Dhaulagiri Khola, the walk leads through farmland to the village of Pina where there is a police post and a small local hotel before climbing to the Ghurchi pass. The long climb from Pina is mostly through forests with fine views to the north which are best enjoyed during rest stops. The pass is marked by several chortens and the trail then descends across alpine pastures, through walnut groves and to a steep narrow valley all the way to the village of Chauta for the overnight stop, where there are shops and local hotels.

Day 12: Trek to Tharamara. 3,270m. 5 – 6 hrs.

The journey from Chauta follows the northern bank of the Sinja Khola through Bumra and pastTHE SMALL HOTEL and health clinic under the massive overhanging rock at Kamra, source of the important medicinal mineral, Silaji. Descending to the Sinja Khola the route passes the village of Nyawre, which is supplied by hydroelectricity, to the next bridge upstream before climbing for some 600meters to the pasture at Tharamara, camping here or an hour further above Tharamara.

Day 13: Trek to Jumla 5 – 6 hrs.

The last day of trekking begins slowly and gradually, dropping down a gorgeous valley from high alpine pastures, through splendid forests and eventually into a fertile well farmed valley. There are many charming little villages such as Padmara, and the track is not too steep. It follows the same river all the way down to Jumla. This makes a nice circuit and avoids having a repeat part of the outward trek. On reaching Jumla rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the busy market town. Overnight camp

Day 14: Fly Jumla – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu.

Morning flight to Nepalgunj and connecting flight ot Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.

Day 15:

Free day in Kathmandu

Day 16:

Final departure.

 

  • All transfer in a Non Air conditioned private vehicle
  • 4 night Kathmandu hotel (tourist class) on BB basis
  • Trekking on organized camping trek basis
  • 3 meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) a day during trek
  • Sleeping tent, dining tent, toilet tent, kitchen tents & mattress
  • All necessary Kitchen utensils and the table & chair
  • National park fees & all the permits
  • One English speaking guide (Sirdar)
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 members) one porter is allowed to carry maximum of 25 kg of total weight
  • 1 Sherpa (assistant guide) for every 4 members
  • Daily wages of Nepali staffs, meal and accommodation
  • Insurance of guide & porter
  • One full day sightseeing with English speaking guide with all entrance fees.
  • Flight fare as per the program

 

  • Domestic flight airport tax
  • Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
  • Laundry
  • telephone calls
  • emergency evacuation if required
  • Donation
  • tips All personal nature expenses

Please note: Clients are suggested to give maximum of 12 Kg. of personal luggage to the porter. Also, please note that on the domestic flight you are only allowed to carry your luggage of 20 Kg and 5 Kg as a hand carry.

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Note From Experts