Rara Lake Trek
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Max altitude
- 3,010 m
- Pricing
- Custom quote
At a glance
Overview
The Rara Lake Trek is a stunning, off-the-beaten-path journey into Nepal's remote far-western region, leading to the country's largest and most pristine alpine lake. Often called the "Queen of Lakes," Rara Lake sits at an altitude of 2,990 meters within the protected boundaries of Rara National Park, surrounded by tranquil pine forests, snow-capped peaks, and rich endemic wildlife.
Trip highlights
- +Explore Rara Lake, Nepal's largest and deepest crystal-clear alpine lake
- +Hike through the pristine, wildlife-rich pine and fir forests of Rara National Park
- +Panoramic views of surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks and alpine meadows
- +Immerse in the authentic, untouched culture and warm hospitality of remote western Nepal
- +Peaceful, uncrowded trails offering a true wilderness escape
Know before you choose
Why this journey stands out
The defining experiences, trail character and route rhythm that make Rara Lake Trek distinctive.
Signature experience
Explore Rara Lake, Nepal's largest and deepest crystal-clear alpine lake
Hike through the pristine, wildlife-rich pine and fir forests of Rara National Park · Panoramic views of surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peaks and alpine meadows
Trail character
Moderate · 3,010 m
A 9 days journey with a moderate trail profile, paced around the route's key elevations and experiences.
Sense of place
Trekking, Nepal
Travel through the landscapes and communities that define Trekking, supported by locally led interpretation throughout the journey.
Best suited to
Travelers ready for a moderate adventure
Ideal for guests who value explore rara lake, nepal's largest and deepest crystal-clear alpine lake and hike through the pristine, wildlife-rich pine and fir forests of rara national park and can commit 9 days to the experience.
Route rhythm
Your journey at a glance
- 01 · The openingArrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
- 02 · The heartHike to Murma Top and Explore Surroundings
Hike up to Murma Top (approx. 3,800 m) for a magnificent birds-eye panoramic view of the entire turquoise expanse of Rara Lake and the distant snow-capped Himalayan horizon.
- 03 · The finaleFly from Jumla to Nepalgunj and Connect to Kathmandu
Board an early morning flight from Jumla airstrip to Nepalgunj, then connect on a return domestic flight back to Kathmandu, concluding your western Rara Lake adventure.
Day by day
Your itinerary
01Arrival in Kathmandu and Trek Preparation
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet your Shailung Trails team, review permits and gear, and rest before the trekking route begins the next day.
02Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Take a short domestic flight from Kathmandu southwest to Nepalgunj in the Terai plains, preparing for your remote mountain journey into western Nepal the following morning.
03Fly from Nepalgunj to Talcha and Trek to Rara Lake
Catch an early scenic mountain flight from Nepalgunj to Talcha airport, followed by a gentle, short trek through pine forests to reach the breathtaking shores of Rara Lake.
04Exploration Day around Rara Lake
Spend a full day walking the perimeter trail around Rara Lake, enjoying changing reflections of surrounding peaks on the crystal-clear water and spotting local birdlife.
05Hike to Murma Top and Explore Surroundings
Hike up to Murma Top (approx. 3,800 m) for a magnificent birds-eye panoramic view of the entire turquoise expanse of Rara Lake and the distant snow-capped Himalayan horizon.
06Trek from Rara Lake to Pina
Leave the lake behind, trekking through fragrant pine woods and rolling hillsides along park boundaries down to the traditional village of Pina.
07Trek from Pina to Bumra (Nagma)
Cross the Ghurchi Lagna pass (3,480 m), adorned with prayer flags, before descending through alpine slopes and small rural hamlets to the village of Bumra.
08Trek from Bumra to Jumla
Trek along river valleys and suspension bridges, passing apple orchards and traditional stone houses, to arrive at the historic mountain market town of Jumla.
09Fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj and Connect to Kathmandu
Board an early morning flight from Jumla airstrip to Nepalgunj, then connect on a return domestic flight back to Kathmandu, concluding your western Rara Lake adventure.
Clear and transparent
What your trip covers
What's included
- +Airport pickup and drop-off
- +Domestic flights (Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Talcha / Jumla) and local ground transport
- +Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and porters
- +Teahouse/lodge or tented camp accommodation during the trek
- +Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- +Rara National Park entry permit and TIMS card
- +Guide and porter insurance, wages, and meals
- +Government taxes and official service charges
What's excluded
- -International flights and visa fees
- -Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation up to 4,000m
- -Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj
- -Personal trekking gear and equipment
- -Personal expenses (hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, laundry)
- -Bottled or boiled drinking water and extra snacks
- -Tips for guide, porters, and driver
- -Any other services not explicitly listed under What's Included
Before you go
Essential trip information
Best season
- +Spring and autumn are generally most reliable.
Recommended gear
- +Layered clothing
- +Trekking footwear
- +Waterproof outer shell
Permits
- +Applicable local permits are arranged before departure.