Overview

Duration :
15 Days
Secondary Activity:
Nature and Culture
Max altitude :
5,115m/16,781ft
Transportation:
Private Vehicle and Domestic Flight
Trip ends in:
Kathmandu
Accomodation:
Tent Camp
Primary activity:
Trekking and Hiking
Group Size:
Min. 2 pax
Country:
Nepal
Trip starts from:
Kathmandu
Diffficulty:
Strenuous Plus
Meals:
Nepali and Continental
Best Season:
Autumn and Spring
Trip route:
Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal-Chhepka-Ringmogaun-Phoksundo Lake-Ringmogaun-Pungmo-KagmaraPhedi-Kaigaon-Chotra- Jumla-Chautha-Rara Lake-Talcha-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu

Trip introduction

Phoksundo and Rara Lake Trek offer an opportunity to make our way from the deepest lake to the largest lake in Nepal. Located at Mugu, Karnali zone of Nepal. The highlights of this trek are Shey-Phoksundo Lake, trekking through the Dolpo region, scenic high passes, and Jumla village exploration. And of course, visiting Rara Lake with insights into the rural lifestyle of the Karnali region.

Journey: Phoksundo and Rara Lake Trek (Camping)

Phoksundo and Rara Lake Trek initiate as we board a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj; followed by a connecting flight to Juphal. It is the starting point of the trek where we reach Chhekpa, Ringmo village before arriving at the deepest lake of Nepal, Phoksundo Lake next day. Following the trails, we head further towards Pungmo, Kagmara Phedi via the high pass of Kagmara La pass.

Then in the next couple of days, we cross two more passes: MaureLanga Pass and Gothichaur La Pass respectively. In this way, before arriving at the beautiful natural lake of Rara we trek through the culturally rich Jumla village.

And after exploring the magnificence of Rara Lake, we head towards Talcha followed by a flight to Nepalgunj connecting to Kathmandu. After arrival in Kathmandu, we can rest and relax boasting in the busy city. And buy souvenirs for friends and relatives. Also, we will celebrate our successful journey with a farewell dinner in a Nepali cultural restaurant.

Best Season for Rara Trek with Phoksundo

Phoksundo and Rara Lake Trek are best experienced during the autumn months of September, October, and November when the weather is fine with clear landscape and Himalayan views.

Also, spring months are recommended from March to April to may offer a great walking experience through blossoming rhododendron trees. The trek is the best option for those who love to experience the best natural views with cultural exploration in rural areas.

Without wasting much time, Contact the Nepal Mountain Trekkers Team soon for information regarding the cost and other queries. We are also offering a special discount on this package along with other trekking in Nepal in 2024 to promote tourism in Nepal.

Special Note:

If this itinerary for Phoksundo and Rara Lake Trek doesn’t suit your requirements or if you want to customize it, please feel free to contact us. This trek could be customized as per your required time frame and budget limits.

Overview

  • Day 1
    Arrive at Kathmandu:
  • Day 2
    Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Trek preparation:
  • Day 3
    Kathmandu to Nepalgunj by Flight:
  • Day 4
    Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475m/8,120ft) and Trek to Chhepka (2,720m/8,923ft):
  • Day 5
    Chhepka to Ringmogaun & Phoksundo Lake (3,641m/11,945ft):
  • Day 6
    Ringmogaun to Pungmo (3,500m/11,482ft):
  • Day 7
    Pungmo to KagmaraPhedi (3,500m/11,482ft) via Kagmara La Pass (5,115m/16,781ft):
  • Day 8
    KagmaraPhedi to Kaigaon (2,610m/8,562ft):
  • Day 9
    Kaigaon to Chotra (3,380m/11,089ft) via Maure Langa Pass(3,894m/12,775ft):
  • Day 10
    Chotra to Jumla (2,540m/8,333 ft) via Gothichaur La (2,995m/9,826ft):
  • Day 11
    Jumla to Chautha (2,807m/9,209ft):
  • Day 12
    Chautha to Rara Lake (2,980m/9,776ft):
  • Day 13
    Rara Lake to Talcha (2,752m/9,028ft):
  • Day 14
    Flight to Talcha to Nepalgunj:
  • Day 15
    Flight Nepalgunj to Kathmandu:
  • Day 16
    Departure Day:

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive at Kathmandu::

As you land at Tribhuvan International Airport our representative will be at your service to provide you with a Nepali warm welcome and hospitality at the airport. You will then be transferred by private transport to the hotel of your stay. You will get a Tourist Standard Hotel in Thamel, the popular tourist hub in the central location of the tourist area of Kathmandu (1,335 meters). Stay overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Trek preparation::

Today shall be an enriching and important day for you as we shall be visiting the prominent heritage sites of Kathmandu featured in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List and also have a pre-trip meeting for the preparation of the trek. The star attractions of this sightseeing are the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, and the other big and small heritages.

While Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the oldest stupas in Nepal and is famous for whitewashed monasteries in the surroundings and the beautiful view of Kathmandu valley, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in Nepal. Pashupatinath Temple represents the faith of Hindus all over the world and is known for Hindu architecture. In the pre-trip meeting, you shall be provided with necessary information about the trek and you shall also have the chance to clarify your doubts. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Kathmandu to Nepalgunj by Flight::

The regular 55-minute flight on a Jet stream/Beech aircraft arriving in Nepalgunj. The overnight accommodation and meals are arranged at a local hotel. Nepalgunj is a border town in the Western Terai with extremes in climate. Stay overnight in Nepalgunj.

Day 4 : Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475m/8,120ft) and Trek to Chhepka (2,720m/8,923ft)::

From Nepalgunj, we fly to Juphal, which is a basic airport that connects Dolpa District to the outside. The flights are always scheduled for the morning. It is normal for planes to get delayed or even postponed due to weather. From Juphal we hit Sulighat where the road splits to Phoksundo Valley and to Dunai the headquarters of Dolpa.

There are few settlements where we can have the afternoon meal before finally settling down at Chhepka which is a small settlement of not more than 10 houses. The journey takes about 5-6 hours. Stay overnight in Chhepka.

Day 5 : Chhepka to Ringmogaun & Phoksundo Lake (3,641m/11,945ft)::

From Chhepka we start early towards the north to Phoksundo valley. The paths aren’t confusing and are marked. The road reaches Shumdhuwa after 4-5 hours of the journey which is a major junction with food availability. We travel through western roads through forests and follow a steep climb up to a rest house from where the 200m high waterfall can be viewed from a distance.

It has been claimed as the highest waterfall in Nepal. From here we also get the first glimpse of Phoksundo Lake. It is then at the most a 2-hour walk to Ringmogaun or the place of Phoksundo Lake. You will reach peaceful Ringmogaun by evening. Stay overnight in Ringmogaun.

Day 6 : Ringmogaun to Pungmo (3,500m/11,482ft)::

From here we move to return to Samduwa and cross the bridge and head to the small Pungmo village to cross the challenging Kagmara pass the next day. Pungmo village is the last settlement before Kagmara Pass. From Pungmo village, the next settlement is the Army Camp [no food facilities here].

If you aren’t prepared or intend to stay outside you can skip the Kagmara Pass and reach Kaigaun by returning to Sulighat and taking the more popular path from there but that would add half a day to the tour. Stay overnight in Pungmo.

Day 7 : Pungmo to KagmaraPhedi (3,500m/11,482ft) via Kagmara La Pass (5,115m/16,781ft)::

From Pungmo village we start early in the morning. We pack as much food as possible then it is the gradual climb toward the Kagmara Pass. The Kagmara pass is very wide and long and there are several streams on the way so a waterproof shoe is necessary. The pass is marked by Chorten and prayer flags as always. The top of the pass is too cold and windy to stay. But from the pass the surrounding ranges along with lakes and glaciers are visible.

After crossing the pass there is a rocky descent to the Kagmara Phedi. Once at KagmaraPhedi, where we travel through the banks of the Kagmara River, there are two caves or natural shelters used by people to stay. Stay overnight in Kagmara Phedi.

Day 8 : KagmaraPhedi to Kaigaon (2,610m/8,562ft)::

From the Kagmara Phedi, we follow a narrow and difficult trail up to the army camp. It might take half a day to reach here. From this point, the trail gets easier and there are settlements and monasteries on the way. You can reach Kaigaon by evening where you can find lodging and food facilities. Stay overnight in Kaigaon.

Day 9 : Kaigaon to Chotra (3,380m/11,089ft) via Maure Langa Pass(3,894m/12,775ft)::

This is indeed a really long distance to cover and including a 3,894m pass. The trail passes through the hillside and you can have a meal at Nauli Ghot. After an hour of climb, we reach Maure Langa Pass.

This pass divides the Dolpo district from Jumla. Like other passes, you are bound to get a superb view, this time of the Bheri River valley and the surrounding hills. From the pass, it is a long descent through a thick forest to Chotra. Stay overnight in Chotra.

Day 10 : Chotra to Jumla (2,540m/8,333 ft) via Gothichaur La (2,995m/9,826ft)::

From Chotra, we first pass through Manigaon which is characterized by a long bridge. From here, we don’t take the bridge but move east. The road divides at one point; one takes you directly en route to Rara and the other to Jumla. We take the road to the left. The Gothichaur Valley comes into view all of a sudden. The Gothichaur is a small scenic valley with streams, grassland, and jungles in the background.

Crossing Gothichaur we move towards Jumla. The settlements and people start to increase as we move towards Jumla. You should reach Jumla by evening. In Jumla you can buy the supplies. Don’t forget to have the local red rice at Jumla for dinner. Stay overnight in Jumla.

Day 11 : Jumla to Chautha (2,807m/9,209ft)::

The hill we have to cross is visible from Jumla town. The road climbs gently up to Chauriyachaur which is a large field on the hill. The whole of Jumla town can be seen from here. It is then a steep climb to the top of the 3,691m high Daphe Langa Pass. The Daphe Langa pass is scenic. From here we descend through thick forest to the Bridge over the river locally referred to as ‘Lete Gad’.

We cross the log bridge to the north side after which it is a short climb to Nauri Ghat. If you can reach Nauri Ghat [2,755m] by 3 pm you can try to reach Chautha. As we had started late we had to settle in Nauri Ghat. Just don’t expect good rooms and toilets. Stay overnight in Chautha.

Day 12 : Chautha to Rara Lake (2,980m/9,776ft)::

From Chautha, we again ascend to Ghuchi Langa pass at 3,480m. This pass is greener surrounded by pine forest. After 30 minutes of descending the road can be confusing. We take the left path through the pine forest on the left which takes us directly to Rara Lake.

After some steep descends we then cross the river and move ahead to the small hamlet of Dhuir which is a steep climb of 30-60 minutes to Jhyari which is a small village. After Jhyari the trail ascends and crosses the Park boundary marked by stone and reaches an open pasture. The map and other guides indicate a point from where the lake can be viewed. In the end, the trail descends through the forest to Rara Lake on the wetland side. Stay overnight in Rara Lake.

Day 13 : Rara Lake to Talcha (2,752m/9,028ft)::

You can view the sunrise and explore Rara Lake. If you want to catch the plane at Talcha the following day, you have to move at around 1-2 as it is 3 hours walk to the Talcha Airport and you have to book the ticket for the next day. We move towards the east through a jungle following the ridge.

It is again easy to get lost here but all the way leads to the main road which ultimately leads to Talcha. At Talcha there are a few hotels to stay in but before that try to book your plane ticket. Ask the local people for ‘Summit Air, formerly known as Goma Air’ and ‘Sita Air’ office which were the most frequent ones during the time we visited. Stay overnight in Talcha.

Day 14 : Flight to Talcha to Nepalgunj::

From Talcha we take a flight to Nepalgunj today but the weather is very unpredictable here. The airport is as basic as it can get with only one flight control tower and nothing else. It is normal for flights to get delayed. Fortunately, your plane will arrive in time and you can leave. Stay overnight in Nepalgunj.

Day 15 : Flight Nepalgunj to Kathmandu::

Today we take a flight back to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj and as our final destination of the day, we arrive in Kathmandu. And we check into a hotel where you will overstay for the night. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 16 : Departure Day::

Today we transfer you to the airport for final departure. We hope the trekkers are left with wonderful memories of the trekking trail.

We also hope that you will be returning to this natural wonderland with a great mixture of natural and biotic marvels with our excellent hospitality from the people. You will be transferred to the airport three hours before the time of the scheduled flight to your native place. And this is the end of our services.

Price Includes

  • Airport Pickup and drop
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm hospitality and quality services.
    • Single Accommodation: You won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Domestic Flights and all required Land Transportation
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With the experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge of briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Four seasonal sleeping bags, a down jacket, a Nepal Mountain Trekkers duffel bag, a t-shirt, and a trekking map (Note: down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • Trekking Permits: Trekkers’ Information Management System(TIMS) Card, Rara National Park Entrance Fee, and Special Permits
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge
  • Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

  • Nepal Entry Visa fee(Visa Information)
  • International airfare and excess baggage charge
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments

Head

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Head Torch
  • Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

Upper body

  • Cotton t-shirts and thermals
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Down jacket

Lower body

  • Lightweight cotton pants (long)
  • Waterproof pants
  • Inner thermals

Feet

  • Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Shower sandals

Hands

  • Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
  • Creams
  • Sanitizer

Accessories

  • Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
  • Trekking bag (Rucksack)
  • Duffel bag
  • Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
  • Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
  • Water bottle or camel bag
  • Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits

  • Personal Regular Medicines
  • Knee Caps
  • Bandages
  • Ointments
  • Blister Tape

Fixed Departures

Departure Date
Group size
Bookable
Price
  • 15/03/2024
    2-10
    Yes
  • 09/04/2024
    2-10
    Yes
  • 18/05/2024
    2-10
    Yes
 

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