Rara Lake Trek – A Trek to a shimmering blue jewel set in a ring of snowy peaks.
Rara Lake Trek is an enthralling hike in the remote part of western Nepal Himalayas to the shores of Nepal’s highest fresh water lake, Rara Lake. Rara Lake situated at an elevation of 2990m and spread over an area of 10.8 sq. Km, in Jumla and Mugu District of Nepal is the main feature of the Rara National Park and also the apex of this wonderful trek.
Surrounded on all sides by the Rara National Park and high Himalayan mountains , Rara Lake as described by GORP founder Bill Greer is “a shimmering blue jewel set in a ring of snowy peaks”. The area surrounding the Rara Lake is also home to rare floras and vulnerable species of animals.
Rara Lake Trek Route
Though more trekked upon than a couple of years ago, trek to Rara lake is rough and without any comfortable services as compared to trek routes in the Everest or Annapurna Region. Rationally, speaking, Rara Lake Trek is not an easy trek as it involves crossing over many 11,000 foot passes, which is not easy on the legs, but once you over come these obstacles, the rewards are manifold. To sum it all up in few simple words, Rara Lake Trek can best be described as, incomparable natural splendor with untouched villages and blissful surroundings.
Getting There :
Talcha Airport four Kilometer to the east of Rara Lake is the nearest Airport and it takes about two hours for a good hiker to Trek to Rara Lake from here. So, Tourists who prefer to avoid multi day trekking can fly into Talcha and then trek to Rara Lake. Tara Air, Summit Air and Sita Air operate flights from Nepalgunj and it takes about forty minutes to reach Talcha Airport.
But, if you are thinking about the 12days Rara Lake Trek, than the journey begins with an hours flight to Jumla via Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. From here the Trek to Rara Lake Starts going through ethnic villages and Himalayan trails. Jumla is famous for Apples and a trek through these apple orchards can be a whole new experience too.
Religion and Culture
Chettris and Thakur Society belonging to Hindu religion are dominant in the community. But there are small hamlets in the upper Mugu Region close to the border with Tibet who practise Buddhism and these places are dotted with Buddhist Monasteries.
Best Time to Visit
March to May is a good time to venture on the Rara Lake Trek when temperature is mild and favorable for trekking.
October – November is also a good time when the weather is at it’s best and the sky clear for mountain views. December to February will see snowfall and the passes will be blocked.
TRIP FACTS :
- Minimum No. Of Participants : 2 Persons.
- Type of Trek : Lodge Trek.
- Highest point : 3270m.
- Trail grade : Strenuous.
- Total duration : 12 Days.
- Starting Point : Kathmandu.
- Ending Point : Kathmandu.
- Best Season : February to May and September to December.
- Climate: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cold and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in summer(heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
- Trek availability: Private treks only for a minimum of 2 persons on request. No group departures available.
RARA LAKE TREK ITINERARY
Day 1: Flight Kathmandu–Nepalgunj (2540m). HOTEL.
Day 2: Flight Nepalgunj – Jumla(2540m/25minutes Flight). Lodge.
Day 3: Trek to Chere Chaur (3055m). Lodge.
Day 4: Trek to Chautha Chalachaur (2980m). Lodge.
Day 5: Trek to Sinja Valley (2490m). Lodge.
Day 6: Trek to Ghorosingha (3050m). Lodge.
Day 7: Trek to Rara Lake (3010m). Lodge
Day 8: Rest and Exploration Day. Lodge.
Day 9: Trek to Pina (2440m). Lodge.
Day10: Trek to Bumra (2850m). Lodge.
Day11: Trek to Jumla. End of Nepal Rara Lake Trek. Lodge.
Day12: Flight Jumla-Nepalgunj–Kathmandu.
NOTE : The above itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participant’s etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participant’s safety, comfort and general well being.
Recommendations: The trek is a relatively difficult requiring good physical fitness. Few weeks training is advised and a physical fitness check-up is a must
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