Rara Lake Trek - A Hidden Paradise in Nepal

Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Himalayan Dream Team will greet you and guide you to your hotel. Once you reach the hotel, you can check in, freshen up, and take some time to relax. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Dream Team. We will spend the night in Kathmandu.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Our first stop is the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa, perched on a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kathmandu. This sacred site is a beautiful symbol of faith for both Buddhists and Hindus.

Pashupatinath Temple: Next, we visit Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and cremation site. Here, you can witness and photograph traditional Hindu rituals along the Bagmati River, immersing yourself in the local spiritual life.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: After a delicious lunch, we head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic site showcasing stunning Newari architecture. Enjoy a photo session with locals in traditional attire or Hindu holy men (Sadhus), perfect for capturing unique and memorable portraits.

Vegetable and Spice Markets: End the day with a visit to the bustling vegetable and spice markets. Capture dynamic street photography of vibrant colors, energetic atmosphere, and diverse faces, providing a glimpse into everyday life in Kathmandu.

After our short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo, and nearby villages.

After an early breakfast, we leave the Terai plains of Nepalgunj and fly to the hilly landscape of Jumla, one of the least accessible districts in Nepal. Situated in the foothills of the Sisne Himal, Jumla is also the gateway for trekkers who want to explore the remote Karnali region of Nepal.

Today is the first day of our trek. We leave Jumla and ascend to Chere Chaur along the Jugad Khola. On the way, we pass Khalanga Bazaar, a small marketplace for the nearby villages. We also pass a couple of villages and a temple before reaching our destination.

From Chere Chaur, we take the western trail and ascend slowly until the Jaljala Pass (3580m). We cross the pass and continue trekking on a relatively straight trail until reaching Jaljala Chaur. From here, we ascend on a steep trail and enter the Rara Lake Circuit before reaching Chalachaur.

It is an uphill climb to Sinja Valley. On the way, we pass through several villages and walk along the Jaljala Khola (stream). Sinja Valley holds an important place in the history of Nepal. The valley houses the ancient capital city of the Khasa Kingdom that ruled this area from the 12th to the 14th century. Palaces, temples, and ancient remains of a settlement were uncovered during excavations spearheaded by the Department of Archaeology at Cambridge University.

We leave Sinja on an uphill trail alongside the Hima River. From the village, we climb on a steep trail for a while followed by a relatively easy trail until Laha Village. From Laha, it is a steep climb up until Ghorosingha alongside Ghatte Khola (stream).

We begin our steep ascent after breakfast. Our trail is alongside Chuchhemara Danda from where we get to admire the Himalayan panorama, the vast and tranquil Rara Lake, and the lush vegetation of the Rara National Park. On the way to Rara Lake, we pass through Khatyar Khola Camp and a few villages, including Murma. From Murma, the ascent gets a little easier. We continue walking towards Chapri village, which houses the Rara National Park Headquarters.

Rara Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Nepal. After breakfast, we explore the azure waters of the massive lake, also referred to as Mahendra Taal (Lake) after the late King Mahendra. While boating, we get to admire the picturesque setting of the lake and discover quite a few varieties of fish. Chuchemara Peak lies on the southern side of Rara Lake, whereas Ruma Kand and Malika Kand peaks frame its northern area.

From Rara Lake, our trail is easy and we walk on a relatively straight path until Gamgadhi, which is the headquarters of the remote Mugu District of Nepal. From Gamgadhi, we descend on a steep trail to Pina Village, where we spend the night.

From Pina, we descend and cross the Ghurchi Lagna Pass at 3480m. We continue our descent and pass through a few villages before reaching Bumra. The Bumra village is also known as Nauri Ghat.

We cross two suspension bridges above the Hima River and walk downhill. After walking for a few hours, we reach a hot spring where we can ease our aching bodies with a dip. Not long after the hot spring, we cross Danphe Lagna Pass at 3691m. After reaching Cherechaur, we follow the same trail we took a couple of days back and reach Jumla.

We take the earliest flight available to Nepalgunj from Jumla. After reaching Nepalgunj, we fly yet again to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. After reaching Kathmandu, we freshen up and rest. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Dream Team to celebrate the successful completion of the Rara Lake Trek.

Today is reserved in case of any flight delays or cancellations between Nepalgunj and Jumla. If all flights operate on schedule, this day offers an excellent opportunity for additional sightseeing. We can arrange an optional tour to the historic cities of Bhaktapur and Patan.

Optional Sightseeing Tour:

Bhaktapur: Explore the ancient city of Bhaktapur, renowned for its rich culture, temples, and intricate wood, metal, and stone artworks. Highlights include Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and the Pottery Square.

Patan: Visit the historic city of Patan, also known as Lalitpur, famous for its architectural heritage and vibrant arts scene. Key attractions include Patan Durbar Square, the Krishna Mandir, and the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar).

This optional tour provides a deeper insight into the cultural and historical richness of the Kathmandu Valley, making your trek experience even more memorable.

On your final day after completing the Rara Lake Trek with Himalayan Dream Team, it's time to bid farewell. With hearts filled with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of Nepal's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, our dedicated representative will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer to the international airport.

As you board your flight, take a moment to reflect on the enriching experiences and knowledge gained during your trek. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures with the Himalayan Dream Team. Safe travels and best wishes for your future endeavors!