OVERVIEW
Trekking in Rara Lake offers the best scenery on the
north-western most side of Nepal. Within its confines lie the Rara
national park, the smallest park in Nepal, where in turn the
country's largest lake, the Rara Lake can be found (10.8 sq. km. At
2,990 meters). Considered one of the finest parks in the world,
Rara National Park abounds in coniferous forest and is the ideal
habitat for the musk deer, Himalayan black bear and other fauna.
The Danfe (Impeyan Pheasant) national bird of Nepal, flies above
while a variety of fish, the snow trout, inhabit in the Rara lake.
Adding charm to the region are its generally open-heated and
friendly people. The trek can begin in Jumla (over an hours flight
from Kathmandu) or from the nearer Nepalgunj.
Rara is a good destination point for trekking in the west. The
trail is very much "off the beaten path" and affords glimpses of
culture and scenery very different from those in the rest of the
country. The centerpiece of the park is the biggest lake of Nepal.
Along mountain paths and a series of picturesque villages, one
reaches the magnificent banks of Rara lake. The park includes
Trans- Himalayan valley with high ridges covered with forest and
alpine pastures.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu.
You will be greeted at the airport by our company representative
and taken to your hotel by private transportation.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparations.
In morning exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural
sites like Swayambunath (Monkey Temple),and Kathmandu durbar square
will be done.In the afternoon we’ll meet in office with your
trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and
preparations for the journey.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj 150m/490ft: 1 hour flight.
An hour’s flight from Kathmandu will take us to Nepalgunj, an
interesting town on in Western Nepal bordering the state of Uttar
Pradesh, India. Explore the mixture of Hindu and Muslim cultures
that influence the town and visit Bageswory temple or the Muslim
Bazaar during evening. Overnight accommodation in a hotel.
Day 4: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla 2370m/7775ft and trek to Chala
Chaur 2900m/9514ft: 35 minute flight and 5 hours walk.
A 35 minute flight from Nepalgunj will take us to Jumla, gateway
town to the Dolpo Region. From here, we depart toward the Jumla
valley, passing through Micha Village, where a collection of
Buddhist stupas from the 15th century is housed within a walled
enclosure.
Day 5: Trek from Chala Chaur to Sinja 2440m/8005ft: 6 – 7 hours
walk.
We follow the Jaljala Khola across terraced fields and pine
forests. We will encounter a 300 year old Hindu temple while
passing through Kanaksundari. The trail to Sinja is marked with
numerous stones etched with writing dating back to the Malla
dynasty, as Sinja was the historical capital of the Malla Kings. We
arrive at Sinja, situated on a plain on the west bank of the Sinja
Khola.
Day 6: Trek from Sinja to Botan 2600m/8530ft: 5 – 6 hours walk.
An easy walk today takes us along the Sinja Khola, traversing a
beautiful gorge to emerge into a landscape of lush forests and
meadows. The peaks of the Kanjiroba Himal dominate the skyline as
we ascend a gentle slope to Botan.
Day 7: Trek from Botan to the Gorosingha 3120m/10236ft: 5 – 6 hours
walk.
Departing Botan, we follow the Ghatta Khola along a stunningly
beautiful wide valley dotted with farmhouses and terraced fields.
Passing a police checkpoint and several flour mills we reach the
entrance to Rara Lake National Park. The wild beauty inside the
park is unparalleled as we pass along pristine trails to our
overnight stop in Gorosingha.
Day 8: Trek from Gorosingha to Rara Lake 3062m/10045ft: 5 – 6 hours
walk.
Ascend the Ghurchi Mara ridge from Gorosingha, we encounter an
amazing panoramic view of the park. The azure waters of Rara Lake
glisten on the northern horizon as we descend through verdant
trails of birch and bamboo. Crossing the Khatyar Khola, we travel
upstream to arrive before sunset at the banks of Rara Lake.
Days 9 and 10: Explore Rara Lake 2980m/9776ft.
Spend the next two days exploring the heavenly shores of Rara,
Nepal’s largest lake. A 13 kilometer circumlocution of the lake is
a truly a walk through one of the world’s most precious wild
regions, with chances to spot species like the Himalayan tahr, musk
deer, gorals, red pandas, and even rhesus and langor monkeys. Take
a swim in the lake for an amazingly refreshing experience, or
visited the deserted villages of Rara and Chapra on the lake’s
isolated northern shore.
Day 11: Trek from Rara Lake to Jhyari 2630m/8628ft: 7 – 8 hours
walk.
We follow the northern outskirts of the park to a ridge over which
we descend to Jhyari village. Following the Jhyari Khola, we travel
through meadows and farmlands, heading south into the Dhauligar
Khola valley. We follow a meandering trail through spectacular
wilderness until dawn, and camp near the river’s edge, its surging
waters serving us a sweet lullaby as the stars emerge from a
fathomless sky.
Day 12: Trek from Jhyari across Ghurchi Lagna pass 3450m/11614ft to
Chautha 2770m/9087ft: 7 – 8 hours walk.
Heading south through a police post at Pina village, we climb a
chorten-lined slope to Ghurchi Lagna pass. We cross an expanse of
pasture and groves of walnut, descending gently into a narrow
valley and then steeply to the village of Chautha.
Day 13: Trek from Chautha to Tharamara 3280m/10761ft: 7 – 8 hours
walk.
We walk south today along the northern edge of the Sinja Khola,
passing a number of interesting villages on the way. Danphe Peak
emerges over the horizon as we cross an expansive meadow en route
to Tharamara.
Day 14: Trek from Tharamara to Jumla 2370m/7775ft: 7 – 8 hours.
Following a gentle uphill slope to Khali Lagna, we ascend to a
ridge from where Jumla can be spotted in the valley below us
beneath a horizon of rugged peaks. The scenery is excellent upon
our gradual descent, culminating in a challenging stretch before
our final stop in Jumla. Spend the evening relaxing in one of
Jumla’s restaurants and enjoy a hot shower.
Day 15: Fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj and to Kathmandu: 1 hours
flight.
We’ll board the plane for Nepalgunj after breakfast and take the
next available flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Arrive in
Kathmandu in the afternoon and be transported to your hotel. Enjoy
your last evening in Thamel reminiscing after a spectacular trip.
Day 16: Depart Kathmandu.
Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time
permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to
your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Outdoor
Expeditions. Farewell and Namaste.
Cost Included
* Pick up and drop from international airport.
* Kathmandu accommodation (as per your request)
* All land transfer and domestic flights as per given
itinerary
* Sightseeing tour with experience local guide
* National Park Conservation entry permit fee
* Teahouse (twin sharing basis room)
* Meals (3 meals / B.L.D) while on the trek
* Experienced English speaking guide / leader, necessary experience
local helpers
* All program according to itineraries on full board
* All food, accommodation, equipment, insurance and other
facilities to staffs
Cost Not Include
* Nepal entry visa fee
* Travel insurance
* Medical evacuation in case of emergency
* Personal expenses
* All bar bill
* Expenses of personal nature soft/hard drinks, tips etc
