Rara Lake Trekking - 13 Days Overview
Rara Lake Trekking is a fascinating journey along the wild and remote Karnali region up to the mesmerising Rara Lake. Only a few trekkers take this route, making it an unexplored and less frequented trail. The largest lake in Nepal, Rara, has mesmerized many with its serenity and turquoise beauty. Rara National Park has rich wildlife preservation like musk deer, tahr, leopards, rare red panda, Ghorals, etcetera.
The area is also ideal for bird watching as migratory birds reach here during November and April. The valleys of Sinja and Jumla are equally worthwhile for their cultural significance.
Karnali Region carries a legacy of mysticism and shamanism. It’s a solitary walk along with this less explored territory, rugged and weather-beaten—Rara Lake's beauty and the National park. The people, culture, and lifestyle that trekkers can observe during the trek are unique to this part of the country.
Rara Lake is located in the northwestern part of the remote region of Nepal and is the main attraction of one of the least taken and most stunning treks in the great Himalayas. Another name by which it is commonly referred to is the ‘Queen of Lakes,’ as Rara is the largest lake in Nepal. It covers a length of 10. 8 sq km in size and at 2990 metres above sea level. Its crystal clear water, surrounded by white-capped mountains and thick coniferous trees, makes it a store of beauty and tranquillity.
As mentioned in the songs and poems, there is no way to miss the beauty of a blue lake surrounded by snow mountains in Rara Lake Trek. One said, “ Rara was like a jewel set on the water, and it mirrored the magnificent Himals. ” Malla stonework inscriptions and the juniper, pine, and spruce forests near the Himalayas are seen around the Rara lake.
Wildlife enthusiasts will have a treat watching mammals like Himalayan bears, clouded leopards, red pandas and birds of various species. You can see migratory birds during winter and blooming Himalayan flowers in summer. Thus, the trek to Rara Lake is an inevitable choice for nature enthusiasts looking for peaceful and varied trekking experience in Nepal. The trek over Rara Lake involves walking across various altitudes and terrain that may test your stamina physically as well as mentally but rewards you with enormous natural beauty as well as a serene environment.
Rara Lake Trek Route Overview
We fly to Jumla from Nepalgunj, where the trek begins. Jumla valley is the highest place for paddy cultivation on earth, and the town is the administrative headquarter of Karnali. The hike to DanpheLagna, Chautha, Dhotu, and Rara Lake sees wavy trails crossing rivers and climbing to hilltops along the rugged terrains vegetated with conifers. Rara, the turquoise lake, is a mesmerizing sight, even better from viewpoints around the lake. A round trip of Rara takes around eight hours. We rest here the next day as well and explore the place.
Taking the route along with the lake’s outlet, we descend to and pass a stream below the Murma hill on a log bridge, the trail sees a lot of ups and downs, and after a steep ascent, we reach Ghorasain, where we stay overnight. The next day’s trail is interesting as the gain in altitude gives an exotic view, and then we descend to the valley of Sinja. The trek from here to Jumla through Jajal Chaur is less strenuous, although the trail takes several ups and downs. From Jumla, we take a flight to Nepalgunj and then back to Kathmandu to mark the journey's end.
Rara Lake Trekking Main Highlights
- Visit the dazzling Rara Lake, Nepal's largest and most beautiful Alpine lake.
- Encounter rich biodiversity: 114 bird species and 1074 wildflower species.
- Trek over rural trails that provide access to sought-after remote destinations.
- Spot endangered wildlife and learn about medicinal plants.
- Board a flight in Kathmandu and fly to Nepalgunj.
- Visit the valley of Sinja; we will explore this historically important location.
- Explore the diverse ecosystems of Rara National Park.
- Marvel at distant peaks of Dolpo and API Shripal
- Walk through the beautiful pine, birch and rhododendron forests.
- Experience the real, local culture and lifestyle of the Jumla district.
- Enjoy calm, uncrowded routes well off the beaten track of the tourists
- Discover a unique and largely untouched local culture.
- Be awestruck by unspoiled plants and animals in the national park.
- Marvel at the lake's beautiful surroundings and reflection
- Enjoy the hike through pristine and culturally intact regions in the country.
- Capture the images of the various landscapes like lush forests and alpine meadows.
- Encounter with friendly people in a local village along the trek.
Is The Rara lake Trek For You?
Rara trek is a moderate walk, so it is suitable for a wide range of trekkers. It is an adventure off the beaten track that takes in the best of Nepal’s most unspoilt and remote regions, natural beauty, cultural discovery and physical challenge. Rara Trek is perfect for the first-timer as well as the seasoned trekker who seeks less crowded, pristine wilderness. The trekking journey leads through different vegetation, from tropical pine forests to alpine junipers to ultimately Rara Lake, our ultimate destination.
This region hosts different kinds of rare flora and animals. In addition, nature lovers have their day each time they enjoy seeing various species of flora and fauna, plus beautiful birds, including Danphe (National bird of Nepal) hovering around their habitat spaces. You will have the opportunity to be a photographer to see with your eyes the stunning mountains, combining a tranquil lake atmosphere that will give you eternal peace.
A significant part of the time will be spent in cultural immersion, with opportunities to interact with people from isolated Nepali communities, explore a region bordering Tibet and visit the ruins of an ancient Khasa Kingdom capital. But this is not just any walk in the park.
You will be walking long hours amidst challenging topography in a terrain 3,300 metres above ground – requiring excellent physical and acclimatisation conditions. Future participants are encouraged to thoroughly review their experience level and fitness levels as well as their desire to take on an extremely rewarding path.
What Makes Rara Lake One of the Best Destinations?
Virgin Trekking Trail
Rara Lake trekking trail is an untouched virgin route that is located in the less trodden destination of the country. Unlike many other commercialised trekking routes of Nepal, this virgins’ trail really preserves the sanctity and serenity of nature where one can enjoy their natural walk, keeping oneself lost in the wilderness. Beginning with an introduction to picturesque villages, Chalachaur, Sinja Valley, Shorosingha, Pina, Bumrah Jumla, etc., provide their less crowded path. We will get the opportunity to pass through several basic, friendly little highland villages that act as portals to journey into more remote areas of Rara.
Indigenous Peoples' Culture and Traditions
On the way, we are able to see the authenticity and hospitality of the native people. The main inhabitants of the Rara region are Thakuri, and one can very well get an idea of how this kind of lifestyle co-exists with nature, i.e. the Himalayas. The entire area is marked with numerous temples, monasteries, prayer walls, prayer wheels, pagodas, etc. These temples and monuments not only symbolise their religious aspects but also signify the harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism.
Each building has its own story to tell, revealing several secrets. Even during the treks, trekkers come across several types of herbs available for sale; this shows just how much they know about this biodiversity.
Rara National Park
Located at an elevation of 2,800m to 4,039m, Rara National Park features a variety of landscapes and inhabitants that appeal to nature lovers as well as adventurous holiday makers making plans to visit Nepal. The park showcases the effort to preserve the natural resources that are native to this park with over 1020 plant species where, including Blue pine, rhododendron, black juniper, Oak and cypress counted amongst them.
Also, keen wildlife tourists will have the best chance to explore Rara National Park, which entertains fifty-one mammal species and two hundred forty-one bird species. Endangered animals, including musk deer, Himalayan Tahr, jackal and leopard, are some of the examples which can be found in this park.
Rara Lake
Rara Lake itself is the crowning jewel of this trek. The lake looks surreal, surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. Spread over 10.8 square kilometres, Rara, at 2,990m, is the largest freshwater lake in Nepal. It is a mirror image of the surrounding hills and rich forests. Rara National Park encloses the lake, providing a habitat for musk deer, which has added beauty around the Rara Lake.
Vivid wildflowers (in season), the forest with chirping birds, Indigenous animals- there couldn't possibly be anything more than one may desire from such an isolated serenity. On top of all this, there are picturesque little villages that border the park.
Opportunities for Activities Like Horse Riding, Boating
Unlike other trekking regions, such as Langtang or Everest, Rara Trekking offer additional activities to enjoy around the lake. You can do camping within the surrounding lake, below a magnificent starry sky. Horse riding and boating within the lake seem an exciting approach to making closer contact with nature.
Rara Trekking with Local Guides and Porters
We assure you that the experience of the Rara trek in Nepal is safe with the expert team and strong network we bring along. You will safely venture out to appreciate the scenic splendour in its pure form for the 2025/26 trekking season with our hand-picked local guides and porters.
Our local guides are amazing storytellers and have extensive knowledge of the historical tales in relation to the trails you walk along, as well as all elements related to flora and fauna, plus the traditions of local communities.
These stories will turn your walking into a journey through time, thus connecting yourself for longer with this extraordinary land. And engaging with these local guides also means contributing directly to the economy of these communities. They directly benefit from your visit.
Porters are the backbone of any trek; they carry the backpack to make your trip as easy and comfortable as possible. They are not just a carrier of your stuff but a great help to you, sometimes encouraging with their smile in difficult times. We at Mountain Rock Treks take very good care of our porters. Thus, we make sure that they get paid fairly and provide them with proper gear and support; this is part of our ethical practice.
Rara lake Trekking Preparation in 2025 and 2026
Preparation for the Rara Lake trek is simple. The most important factor in being prepared is to book early so that you have ample time for physical and mental preparation. Keep yourself fit with regular exercise, long walks or day hikes in your boots to make sure they are well broken in. Learn as much as you can about the trail, accommodation, meals and what we provide so that you have realistic expectations.
If there are any points on which you need clarification, don’t hesitate to ask our staff. We provide an all-inclusive Rara Lake trek package for 2025/2026 with the best native guides & porters, ensuring the perfect service. We partner with locals from each region in which we operate, assisting in the authenticity of guidance for Nepal.
Everything that will ensure your comfortable journey is included in our package. Book now opened bookings for 2025/2026 times; Spring/Autumn/Winter is the best time to go on this trek, and bookings are available from our package page.
Rara Lake Trekking 13 days Private and Group Departures
Thinking of trekking to Rara Lake with a group of friends or family members? Joining our 13-day Rara Lake trek group is likely the best option. There are many benefits of group trekking, including the lower cost per person. We have special rates for larger groups and make it work and affordable for big parties too.
If you are travelling by yourself, we suggest you join one of the fixed departures with other international travellers, enjoy a bit more social treks, or have it organised on a private basis just for yourself. This may involve a little more investment, but we will ensure that you can take things at your own pace as we dedicate these treks only to yourself. No matter how small or big your party is, on whatever date, we make sure that you get exactly what you want.
Choosing Rara Lake Trekking with Mountain Rock Treks Advantages
At Mountain Rock Treks, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Our experienced, licensed guides are knowledgeable about the Rara Lake route and weather as well as altitude sickness and will keep you safe. They also have lots of information on the local culture, history and natural surroundings to share.
In addition to following professionalism, we have several other reasons why you should book with us. One main advantage with us is our customised trip offer that is perfect for people who like things to be exactly what they want. You can make the trek longer or shorter as you wish.
We also emphasised the safety of our trekkers during the trek; as for any medical situation that happens during the trek, there will be first aid and Oxygen with our support team. Our Rara Lake Trek cost is competitive and transparent, with no hidden costs. So you pay the best price for the best services, which makes every penny worthwhile trekking.
We have many benefits, such as free airport transfers, company t-shirts, and a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. We assist with all your needs via a 24/7 support team. Similarly, a safe & reliable payment gateway is provided to facilitate your trust and security. Our itineraries are flexible and can include helicopter flights, adventure sports, cultural tours and more. We will even help out with trekking gear rentals if needed.
Rara Lake Trekking Cost 2025 and 2026
Rara Lake trek price starts from USD 400 per person for the group trekkers. This base cost includes the essential services you require during travel in Nepal Himalayas, i.e., permits, transport including flights if necessary, meals & accommodations, and arrangement services. It does not include travel insurance or any accidental expenses or gratuities for the porters and guides.
You can also add a lot/ few things depending upon your desire that may decrease/ increase your overall Rara Lake trek price besides our service charges. This being said, travellers can choose to join the group so that they'll have other people share all the needed resources (the cost will be lower). In addition, if you have your group, opt for the private Rara trekking trip.
The Rara Lake package offers both low-budget flat prices and a more personalised quote according to the client's interests and preferences. Please contact us for your preferred pay mode and corresponding quotes based on your vacation travelling time schedules.