Overview

Duration :
21 Days
Secondary Activity:
Nature and Culture
Max altitude :
3,875m/12,713 ft
Transportation:
Private vehicle and Domestic Fight
Trip ends in:
Kathmandu
Accomodation:
Hotel, Lodge and Tent Camp
Primary activity:
Trekking and Hiking
Group Size:
Min. 2 pax
Country:
Nepal
Trip starts from:
Kathmandu
Diffficulty:
Strenuous
Meals:
Nepali Local and Continental
Best Season:
Autumn and Spring
Trip route:
Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Simikot- Limatang-Railing Gumba-Limatang-Yanghchu-Sun Khada -Phucha-Apsia-Melchham- Rimi-Saaththaple-Luma-Rara-Talcha to Nepalgunj-Kathmandu

Trip introduction

Trekking in Nepal in 2024 around majestic Rara Lake is like watching a beautiful piece of art. As a painter dissolves several colors and creates magic on his canvas; in a similar passion, nature has blended its colors and created a heavenly site. Offering an exclusive opportunity for visitors to witness the amazing beauty of nature. While we walk through lush green forests, invest our energy to get on top of the valley, and cross pasture lands, and culturally rich villages; we will experience the authentic lifestyle of local inhabitants personally with utmost simplicity.

Rara Lake and Rara National Park

Rara Lake itself is the main highlight of this trip, It is the largest lake in Nepal in the smallest but diversified Rara National Park.  Believed to be the most beautiful national park, it is covered with coniferous forest which is the home to numerous floras and faunas. We can find rare habitats like snow trout fish only here in the crystal clear water of Rara Lake. Whereas, the Rara national park is also a great place for bird watching. As well as, spotting other endangered species like Danfe, musk deer, etc. The astounding reflection of Kanjirowa Himal on Rara Lake on a clear day creates the perfect panoramic picture that will enchant every visitor for sure.

Journey to Rara Lake

The natural and cultural journey towards Rara Lake begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Followed by another connecting domestic flight to Simikot. Then we follow off the beaten path through beautiful villages, forested lands, grasslands, riverbanks, several ascends, and descends for around ten days of adventure trekking to arrive at Rara. Accommodation during the trek would be a mix of camping and homestay. That sort of gives us a real feeling of adventure with an opportunity to get close to locals.

Farming local produce with honey hunting also comes under the local profession living in these areas. Most of the local inhabitants belong to a poor underprivileged backward society unknown to modernization and sophisticated technologies. Their life is not simple but we can find simplicity in them. Therefore, travelers visiting this beautiful place will also play a major role in uplifting their lifestyle. Tourism creates jobs. Also, Tourism is the main source of income and the best way to support the local economy.

In this way, the magnificence of exploring rural areas around Rara Lake can be continued for a couple of more days towards Chauta, Nauri Ghat, and Jumla before catching a flight to Nepalgunj or flying directly from Talcha to Nepalgunj. Finally after getting back to the capital city of Kathmandu conclude our naturally beautiful and culturally rich Rara Lake Trek.

Trip Difficulty and Best Season

Rara Lake Trek is not high-altitude trekking; therefore altitude sickness should not be a problem. However, you must be physically fit and should be ready to take up challenges out in front of you while walking on the rural off-the-beaten trails.

If you visit during the spring months of March, April, and May, you will get to enjoy the trek with blossoming rhododendron trees. During autumn, the weather is fine with crystal clear magnificent landscapes and neighboring Himalayan views. So, if it’s Rara Lake Trek then make it happen with Nepal Mountain Trekkers!

Contact us for further information about this trip.

Special Note:

If this itinerary 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 and trek preparation:
  • Day 3
    Flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m/490 ft):
  • Day 4
    Flight Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,910m/ 9,550 ft):
  • Day 5
    Simikot to Limatang (3,292m/10,800 ft):
  • Day 6
    Limatang to Railing Gumba(3,875m/12,713 ft):
  • Day 7
    Railing Gumba to Limatang (3,292m/10,800 ft):
  • Day 8
    Limatang to Yanghchu Khola(2,059m/6,755 ft):
  • Day 9
    Yanghchu to Sun Khada (2,545m/8,349 ft):
  • Day 10
    Sun Khada to Phucha (2,460m/8,070 ft):
  • Day 11
    Phucha to Apsia Lek (Hepse) (3,195m/10,482 ft):
  • Day 12
    Apsia to Melchham (2,591m/8,500 ft):
  • Day 13
    Melchham to Rimi (2,552m/8,372 ft):
  • Day 14
    Rimi to Saaththaple (3,127m/10,259 ft):
  • Day 15
    Saaththaple to Luma (2,073m/6,801 ft):
  • Day 16
    Luma to Rara (2,982m/9,783 ft):
  • Day 17
    Day Hiking to Murma (3,200m/10,498 ft) and Rest:
  • Day 18
    Rara to Talcha Airport (2,752m/9,028 ft):

    Option 1 from Rara

    Day 18: Rara to Jhyari (2635m/8645 ft)
    Day 19: Jhyari to Chauta (2807m/9209 ft)
    Day 20: Chauta to Nauri Ghat
    Day 21: Nauri Ghat to Jumla
    Day 22: Flight Jumla to Nepalgunj
    Day 23: Flight Nepalgunj to Kathmadnu (or Bus)
    Day 24: Farewell Day

  • Day 19
    Flight Talcha to Nepalgunj:
  • Day 20
    Flight Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (or Bus):
  • Day 21
    Departure Day:

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive at Kathmandu::

As soon as you arrive at the capital city, Kathmandu, you will be met by a representative from Nepal Mountain Trekkers at International Airport terminals and he will take you to your respective hotel (Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard). After check-in at the hotel, you can enjoy your free time relaxing in a cozy room or stroll around the tourist hub Thamel area until the end of the day.

Day 2 : Sightseeing and trek preparation::

After having our early meal, we start our day with a visit to the Nepal Mountain Trekkers office at Thamel. After being introduced to our team including tour guide, trekking leader, and director of operations, we head for necessary trekking preparations, getting needed equipment with the initiation of Kathmandu sightseeing around world heritage sites. Kathmandu durbar square, Swayambhunath stupa, Pashupatinath temple, and Boudhanath stupa are UNESCO world heritage sites that we explore till sunset. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu. B included.

Day 3 : Flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m/490 ft)::

Our Rara Lake Trek initiates as we take about an hour domestic flight from Kathmandu to a town near the Nepal-India border named Nepalgunj. We stay overnight at a hotel in Nepalgunj.

Day 4 : Flight Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,910m/ 9,550 ft)::

After having our breakfast at Nepalgunj, we get ready to catch our next flight to Simikot and meet our trekking crew over there. Upon arriving at Simikot, we start our trekking activity from here. Excellent landscape views with gorges, terraced farming lands are visible on our way. We stay overnight at Simikot.

Day 5 : Simikot to Limatang (3,292m/10,800 ft)::

We begin our first day of trekking after having our early breakfast towards Limatang. The local Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture, beautiful village landscapes remain as the highlights of the day. We set up camp at Limatang for an overnight stay.

Day 6 : Limatang to Railing Gumba(3,875m/12,713 ft)::

Today we go for a visit to Railing Gumba, an ancient monastery, and famous pilgrimage site. We will walk for around two hours to arrive at the colorful Railing monastery. Saga Dawa festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated here at Railing monastery annually on the fourth day of lunar full moon day that usually lies during the month of June. After getting cultural insights at Railing Gumba we get ready to descend down towards Limatang. We set up camp at Railing Gumba for an overnight stay.

Day 7 : Railing Gumba to Limatang (3,292m/10,800 ft)::

Today in just a couple of hours of downhill trekking, we return back to Limatang. Overnight stay at tented camp in Limatang.

Day 8 : Limatang to Yanghchu Khola(2,059m/6,755 ft)::

We proceed from Limatang after we complete our morning meal and follow through the great downhill trekking trail which is more than 1,000 m drops of an altitude towards Yanghchu Khola. It offers great natural exploration opportunities and diversity in picturesque views along with landscapes. Overnight stay at tented camp in Yangchu.

Day 9 : Yanghchu to Sun Khada (2,545m/8,349 ft)::

During our initial days of Rara Lake Trek, leaving behind Yangchu while crossing quite a few Magar villages, we arrive at a beautiful local settlement known as Sun Khada where we will be staying overnight in a tented camp.

Day 10 : Sun Khada to Phucha (2,460m/8,070 ft)::

We start our day with a healthy morning meal. Today would be quite a relaxing day as we leave behind Sun Khada, trek through off the beaten trails to Phucha for an overnight stay in our tented camp.

Day 11 : Phucha to Apsia Lek (Hepse) (3,195m/10,482 ft)::

Further, we push ourselves towards Apsia Lek (Hepse) today for great natural Himalayan views (Saipal Himal and other surrounding peaks) views that await us at 3,195m above sea level. We stay overnight at Apsia Lek (Hepse) in our tented camp.

Day 12 : Apsia to Melchham (2,591m/8,500 ft)::

We make plenty of descends today through up and down and flatter after Melchham. Among two alternative paths, we decide, depending on the condition of trails for one or another variant. As both routes bring us finally to Melchham, our today’s destination, a traditional village situated on a small sunny plain. Overnight stay at Melchham.

Day 13 : Melchham to Rimi (2,552m/8,372 ft)::

Our day initiates with our morning meal. Then after we get ready to leave Humla valley behind and enter several larger villages towards Pilplan crossing through suspension bridges and arriving at Rimi. We will also be experiencing warm hospitality from the locals. In this way, we stay overnight at Rimi on our tented camp.

Day 14 : Rimi to Saaththaple (3,127m/10,259 ft)::

We have our breakfast today we trek along a small mountain valley through refreshing forests and off the beaten path with a less populated area. We make our way through steep, small trails, and a couple of ascends takes us to Saaththaple where we will be setting up our tented camp for overnight stay.

Day 15 : Saaththaple to Luma (2,073m/6,801 ft)::

Further after having our early meal, we leave behind Saathhaple to explore the wild valley and ascend around 900 meters gain witnessing terraced farming, suspension bridges towards Luma. We spend overnight at Luma in a tented camp.

Day 16 : Luma to Rara (2,982m/9,783 ft)::

Today is the most important day of our Rara Lake Trek, as we will be surrounded by beautiful forests of Rara National Park where we get absolute opportunity to spot various flora and fauna and finally arrive at our destination, the largest lake of Nepal, Rara Lake at 2,989m above sea level offering a spectacular experience for each and every travel lovers. We stay our first night nearby Rara Lake.

Day 17 : Day Hiking to Murma (3,200m/10,498 ft) and Rest::

Today we will explore the largest lake of Nepal, Rara Lake. We trek for a couple of hours, approximately two hours to arrive at Murma hill from where an excellent view of Rara Lake and the surroundings is visible. In this way, after capturing the best of nature, culture, and adventure we head further either towards Talcha airport or you have an option to trek for a further couple of days before we arrive at Jumla airstrip.

Day 18 : Rara to Talcha Airport (2,752m/9,028 ft)::

After experiencing a heavenly experience at Rara Lake, we go for a short hike to Talcha airport from where we will fly to Nepalgunj tomorrow. Overnight stay at tented camp in Talcha.

Option 1 from Rara

Day 18: Rara to Jhyari (2635m/8645 ft)
Day 19: Jhyari to Chauta (2807m/9209 ft)
Day 20: Chauta to Nauri Ghat
Day 21: Nauri Ghat to Jumla
Day 22: Flight Jumla to Nepalgunj
Day 23: Flight Nepalgunj to Kathmadnu (or Bus)
Day 24: Farewell Day

Day 19 : Flight Talcha to Nepalgunj::

Today we board a short domestic flight from Talcha to Nepalgunj. Enjoy free activities and be comfortable in a relaxed manner at a cozy hotel in Nepalgunj. Also, prepare for tomorrow’s connecting flight or drive to Kathmandu.

Day 20 : Flight Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (or Bus)::

In this way, finally, our amazing Rara Lake Trek comes to the conclusion and we either take a drive or you have an option to fly to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be met by our director of operations, Mr. Dhakal, and offer you a farewell dinner as a complimentary token of love from Nepal Mountain Trekkers Company.

Day 21 : Departure Day::

Today will be your final day in Nepal, as we drop you at International Airport for your scheduled international flight towards your onward destination.

Price Includes

  • Airport pick up and drop service
  • 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 that 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.
  • Tent-camping during the trek
  • Transportation costs: 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 Staffs: 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 an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on 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 Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: TIMS Card, National Parks, and Special Rara National Park Permit
  • First aid medical box
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • Trekking gears like a sleeping bag and down jacket made available on rent
  • 13% VAT and 10% company service charge
  • Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

  • Nepal Entry Visa fee (Visa Information)
  • International airfare and excess baggage charges
  • Travel and rescue insurance cost
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters are expected but not mandatory

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 -20°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
  • 12/04/2024
    3-9
    Yes
  • 03/05/2024
    2-10
    Yes
  • 06/06/2024
    2-10
    Yes
 

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