Trip Detail Information
Accommodation and Meals
During the Rara Lake Trek, you will stay in various types of accommodation, including hotels, teahouses, and campsites. In Kathmandu and larger towns like Nepalgunj, you will stay in comfortable hotels equipped with amenities such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, and restaurants. As you trek into more remote areas, teahouses become the main form of lodging.
These small lodges, run by local families, offer basic but cozy facilities, including shared rooms and communal dining areas. When teahouses are not available, especially at higher altitudes, organizers set up tented camps. These camps provide sleeping tents, dining tents, and kitchen tents, ensuring a comfortable and immersive outdoor experience.
Throughout the trek, you will enjoy meals that cater to both local and international tastes. Breakfast typically includes options like porridge, eggs, toast, and tea or coffee. For lunch and dinner, anticipate enjoying meals like dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), momos (dumplings), noodle soup, and vegetable curries.
Teahouses and campsites provide three meals a day, along with snacks and beverages like soft drinks and tea available along the route. This culinary experience not only keeps you energized for the trek but also offers a taste of Nepalese and Tibetan cuisine, enriching your overall trekking adventure.
Best time to visit Rara Lake
Spring (March to May)
Spring is an ideal time to trek to Rara Lake. During this season, the weather remains mild and stable, with clear skies and blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers enhancing the trek’s beauty.
Trekking is comfortable throughout the day when temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Bring warm clothes because nights can be chilly, especially at higher elevations. Trekkers and photographers love the spring because it offers great visibility of the surrounding mountains and sceneries.
Autumn (September to November)
Another ideal season for the Rara Lake Trek is autumn. The weather calms down, and the skies clear up after the rainy season, providing breathtaking vistas of the lake and mountains. Daytime temperatures are similar to those in spring, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), while nights are colder, often dropping below freezing at higher altitudes.
Compared to the monsoon season, the pathways are less muddy and slippery, and the lush flora left behind by the rains enhances the trek’s scenic appeal. Another reason this season is well-liked is because it falls between a number of Nepalese traditional festivals, which gives your trekking trip an extra cultural twist.
Monsoon (June to August) and Winter (December to February)
It is generally not advised to trek to Rara Lake during the monsoon season because of the potential for excessive rainfall to cause slippery and treacherous routes. The problems are made worse by the area’s susceptibility to leeches and landslides. Clouds and fog frequently obscure the lovely views, reducing visibility.
Winter trekking is also challenging due to extreme cold and heavy snowfall at higher altitudes, which can block trails and make trekking hazardous. Daytime temperatures can drop to freezing levels, and nights can be extremely cold. However, for those who are well-prepared and experienced in winter trekking, this season offers a serene and less crowded experience, with the snow-covered landscape providing a different kind of beauty.
Rara Lake Trek Difficulty Level
The Rara Lake Trek is moderately difficult, making it suitable for trekkers with some prior experience. I would like you to know that understanding the specific challenges and requirements of this trek is essential for proper preparation.
Physical Fitness
Trekkers should possess a reasonable level of physical fitness to handle daily walks of 5-7 hours. The trek involves a mix of ascents and descents through varied terrains, including forests, valleys, and ridges. Engage in regular cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and endurance workouts in the months leading up to the trek. This preparation will help you cope with the physical demands and reduce the risk of injury or exhaustion.
Altitude
The highest point on the Rara Lake Trek is around 3,190 meters at Ghorasingha. Although this altitude is not extremely high compared to other Himalayan treks, altitude sickness can still be a concern. The schedule usually consists of gradual ascents and rest days to help trekkers adjust, so it is important to get used to the high altitudes. Nausea, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath are signs of altitude sickness. Trekkers should contact a guide if they feel they need help due to any of the indications above.
Terrain and Trail Conditions
The trail conditions vary, with some sections well-defined while others can be rugged and less maintained. Trekkers will encounter dirt paths, rocky trails, and forested areas. During the monsoon season, trails can become slippery and muddy, adding to the difficulty. Good trekking boots with ankle support are essential to navigate these conditions safely. Using trekking poles can also provide additional stability and reduce the strain on the knees.
Weather Conditions
Weather is key! Spring and autumn rule for trekking with stable conditions and clear skies. But be prepared for temperature swings – nights get chilly, especially higher up—pack layers to stay warm and dry through any weather shift. During winter, heavy snowfall can block trails, and in the monsoon season, heavy rains can lead to landslides and leeches on the trail.
Logistical Challenges
The Rara Lake Trek is in a remote part of Nepal, which means facilities and amenities are more basic compared to more popular trekking routes. Teahouses and campsites provide basic accommodations, and food options may be limited. Trekkers need to prepare for limited access to electricity, internet, and medical facilities. It would be best if you could carry essential supplies, including a first aid kit, water purification tablets, and snacks.
Mental Preparation
Mental readiness is just as crucial as physical fitness. The trek’s remote and less crowded nature can offer both unique benefits and challenges. Trekkers need to be mentally prepared for the solitude and basic living conditions. Staying motivated, maintaining a positive attitude, and being flexible with plans are crucial for a successful trek.
Comprehensive Trek Guide
A comprehensive trek guide covers all the essential aspects trekkers need for a safe and enjoyable experience. It includes preparation, packing, navigating trails, and understanding local customs.
Preparation and Training
Proper preparation is key to successful trekking. A few months before the trek, begin your physical preparation. To increase your stamina, concentrate on cardiovascular exercises like swimming, cycling, and jogging. Incorporate back, core, and leg strength training. To imitate trip conditions, practice hiking with a weighted backpack and get comfortable carrying your equipment.
Packing Essentials
Packing the right gear is crucial. Essential items include:
- Clothing: Waterproof and windproof jackets, thermal layers, trekking pants, and hats and gloves.
- Footwear: High-quality trekking boots with good ankle support and grip.
- Navigation Tools: Maps, a compass, and GPS devices.
- First Aid Kit: Items for minor injuries and common ailments, plus any personal medications.
- Miscellaneous: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a water purification system, and a sturdy backpack.
Route Planning
Understanding the trek route is crucial. It would help if you studied maps and itineraries to familiarize yourself with daily walking distances, altitude gains, and available amenities. Could you identify where you can find medical help if needed and the locations of the nearest villages or ranger stations?
Local Knowledge and Cultural Awareness
Respecting local customs and traditions enriches the trekking experience. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language. Be aware of your environmental impact and follow sustainable practices like “Leave No Trace” principles to preserve the natural landscapes for future trekkers.
Safety and Risk Management
Always have a plan for emergencies. Know the symptoms of altitude sickness and the basics of first aid. Ensure your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking and possible evacuation. Trekking with a guide or in a group, especially in remote areas, enhances safety.
Weather Considerations
Mountainous regions can experience rapid weather changes. Keep up with the latest weather updates and be ready for any changes. Depending on the weather conditions, you may need to delay or alter your trek route to ensure safety.
Sustenance and Hydration
Maintain high energy levels with proper nutrition and hydration. Plan meals and snacks that provide sufficient calories and nutrients for high-exertion days. Altitude sickness can be made worse by dehydration. Therefore, it’s imperative to have hydration packs or easily refilled water bottles.
Rara Lake Trek Cost
The Rara Lake Trek, organized by Peregrine Treks, typically starts at $1900. This comprehensive package includes airport transfers, accommodation in three-star hotels in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, and eco-lodges during the trek. The package also covers all meals during the trek, flights between Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Jumla, guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu, and the services of experienced English-speaking guides.
The organizers provide essential trekking equipment such as sleeping bags and duffel bags, and they include permits for the trek and all necessary entrance fees. It ensures that trekkers are well-prepared and supported throughout their adventure.
However, the cost only includes the Nepalese visa fee, international airfare, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, or meals in Kathmandu beyond the included breakfasts. The organizers also exclude tips and gratuities for guides and porters. This well-structured package allows trekkers to enjoy the stunning beauty of Rara Lake without worrying about the logistics.
Rara Lake Trek Distance
The Rara Lake Trek covers approximately 95 kilometers (59 miles) from Jumla to Rara Lake. This trek takes you through remote and varied landscapes, including dense forests, alpine meadows, and traditional villages. Each day involves trekking distances ranging from 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles), allowing trekkers to acclimate to the altitude gradually and appreciate the scenic beauty of the region.
The trek is rewarding and demanding due to its various terrain and breathtaking views. The trip usually lasts between 12 and 15 days, depending on the group’s speed and the route. Acclimatization days, which are necessary to get used to the altitude and guarantee a safe and pleasurable experience, are included in this period.
Rara Lake Trek from Kathmandu
To begin the Rara Lake Trek from Kathmandu, you take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a town in the Terai region of western Nepal. This flight typically lasts about 1.5 hours. After arriving in Nepalgunj, you spend the night there before taking another short flight to Jumla the next day. The flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Once in Jumla, the trek starts, leading you through diverse landscapes such as dense forests, alpine meadows, and traditional villages. The Rara Lake Trek covers about 95 kilometers (59 miles) from Jumla to the stunning Rara Lake, traversing various terrains and offering breathtaking views.
The trek generally takes 12 to 15 days, depending on the pace and specific itinerary, with daily trekking distances ranging from 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles). This timeframe includes necessary acclimatization days to adjust to the altitude and ensure a safe trekking experience. Trekking through the remote Karnali region provides a unique opportunity to explore one of Nepal’s less-visited yet incredibly picturesque areas.
Rara Lake Trekking Permit
1. Rara National Park Permit
You need the Rara National Park Entry Permit to trek to Rara Lake, as the lake lies within this protected area. The permit costs approximately NPR 3,000 (USD 30) for foreigners and supports conservation efforts in the park.
2. Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card
All trekkers in Nepal must have a TIMS card. This card registers trekkers with the Nepal Tourism Board for safety and security. The cost is around NPR 2,000 (USD 20) for individual trekkers and NPR 1,000 (USD 10) for those in organized groups.
Rara National Park
Established in 1976, Rara National Park is Nepal’s smallest and one of its most picturesque national parks, spanning 106 square kilometers in the remote Karnali region. The park features Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest lake, situated at an elevation of 2,990 meters. Rara Lake offers visitors a breathtaking setting since verdant forests and snow-capped mountains surround it.
The park’s diverse flora, including rhododendron, oak, and pine forests, creates a rich habitat for wildlife such as red pandas, musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and numerous bird species. Rara National Park offers a unique and tranquil environment for trekking and nature exploration. The Rara Lake Trek allows visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
The trek passes through traditional villages, offering insights into the local way of life and the warm hospitality of the people. Due to its secluded location, the park attracts fewer crowds than more well-known trekking spots in Nepal, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience for those seeking tranquility and a connection with nature.
Duration
15 Days
Meals
Accommodation
Activities
