Rara Lake Trek - 15 Days - 15 Days

Join Alpine Club of Himalaya’s trekking expedition to Rara Lake Trek, a remote trail in western Nepal. The 10-day trek begins with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu followed by a flight to Nepalgunj and then to Jumla. From Jumla, you will set forth on a journey along the beautiful Rara Lake, the highest lake in Nepal, proudly known as the ‘Queen of Lakes’. You will also explore the Rara National Park, considered to be one of the finest parks in the world, which is home to musk deers, Himalayan black bears, leopards, Himalayan gorals, and other exotic animals. On this journey to Rara Lake, you will not only be able to experience magnificent views of snowcapped mountains, forests, and enchanting lakes but also witness and dwell among exotic local cultures

Let’s embark on remote trails of Nepal, tread on lush forests and reach one of the most serene lakes in the world. The 15-day trek begins with visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu followed by a flight to Nepalgunj and then to Jumla. From Jumla, set forth on a journey that promises greater solitude and a chance to be in the presence of the fantastic Rara Lake. It is the highest lake in Nepal and proudly known by the Nepalese as the Queen of Lakes. During the trek, you will also be entering the Rara National Park which is considered to be one of the finest parks in the world and is an ideal habitat for musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, Himalayan goral, and other exotic animals. During the journey, you will not only be in the presence of snow-capped mountains, forests, and enchanting lakes but will also be amazed by the rustic life of the locals who make this remote land their home.

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)
Upon arrival in the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative from Alpine Club of Himalaya who will drop you at our hotel. After check-in, take a rest or stroll around the streets of Thamel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Alpine Club of Himalaya where you can taste delicious Nepalese cuisine.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing to World Heritage Sites
After breakfast, begin our sightseeing tour by visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square showcases Nepalese art and architecture at its best. The architecture is typical of the Malla dynasty who ruled over Nepal from the 12th to the 18th century. Swayambhunath Temple is popular among foreigners as the Monkey Temple owing to the large monkey population residing in the area. Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River and is one of the principal temples of Lord Shiva. The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in South Asia which is built on the ancient trade route to Tibet.

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m/490 ft) (1 hrs)
After a short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border and also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. It is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, visit the local market, mini-zoo, and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Day 4: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2540m/8334ft) (20 mins)
After breakfast, leave the Terai plains of Nepalgunj and fly to the hilly landscape of Jumla, one of the least accessible districts in Nepal. Situated in the foothills of the Sisne Himalya, Jumla is also the gateway for trekkers who want to explore the remote Karnali region of Nepal. Overnight in Jumla.

Day 5: Trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur (3055m/10,023ft)
Today is the first day of our trek. Leave Jumla and ascend to Chere Chaur along the Jugad Khola. On the way, pass Khalanga Bazzar, a small market place for the nearby villages. Will also pass a couple of villages and a temple before reaching our destination. Overnight in Chere Chaur.

Day 6: Chere Chaur to Chalachaur (2980m/9777ft)
From Chere Chaur, take the western trail and ascend slowly until the Jaljala pass (3580-meter). Cross the pass and continue trekking on a relatively straight trail until reaching Jaljala Chaur. From here ascend on a steep trail and enter the Rara Lake Circuit before reaching Chalachaur. Overnight in Chalachaur.

Day 7: Chalachaur to Sinja Valley (2490m/8169ft)
This is an uphill climb to Sinja Valley. On the way we pass through several villages and walk along the Jaljala Khola (stream). Sinja Valley holds an important place in the history of Nepal. The valley houses the ancient capital city of the Khasa Kingdom that ruled this area from the 12th to 14th century. Palaces, temples, and the ancient remains of a settlement were uncovered during excavations spearheaded by the Department of Archaeology at Cambridge University. Overnight in Sinja Valley.

Day 8: Sinja to Ghorosingha (3050m/10007ft)
Leave Sinja on an uphill trail alongside the Hima River. From the village, we climb on a steep trail then followed by a relatively easy trail until Laha Village. From Laha, it is a steep climb up until Ghorosingha alongside Ghatte Khola (stream). Overnight in Ghorosingha.

Day 9: Ghorosingha to Rara Lake (3010m/9876ft)
Begin steep ascent after breakfast. Our trail is alongside Chuchhemara Danda from where we get to admire the Himalayan panorama, the vast and tranquil Rara Lake, and the lush vegetation of the Rara National Park. On the way to Rara Lake, pass through Khatyar Khola Camp and a few villages including Murma. From Murma, the ascent will get little easier. Continue walking towards Chapri village which houses the Rara National Park Head Quarter. Overnight at Rara Lake.

Day 10: Explore Rara Lake
Rara Lake is the deepest and biggest freshwater lake in Nepal. After breakfast will experience the azure waters of the massive lake also known as Mahendra Taal (Lake) after late king Mahendra. While boating, you get to admire the picturesque setting of the lake and discover quite a few varieties of fish. Chuchemara Peak lies on the southern side of Rara Lake whereas Ruma Kand and Malika Kand peaks frame its northern area. Overnight at Rara Lake.

Day 11: Rara Lake to Pina (2440m/ 8006ft)
From Rara Lake, our trail is easy, and walk on a relatively straight path until Gamgadhi which is the headquarters of the remote Mugu District of Nepal. From Gamgadhi, descend on a steep trail to Pina Village where we spend the night.

Day 12: Pina to Bumra (2850m/9351ft)
From Pina, descend and cross the Ghurchi Lagna pass at 3480-meter. Continue descent and pass through a few villages before reaching Bumra. The Bumra village is also known as Nauri Ghat.

Day 13: Trek ends: Bumra to Jumla (2540m/8334ft)
Cross two suspension bridges above Hima River and walk downhill. After few hours, get to a hot spring where you can relax and ease your aching body with a dip. Not long after the hot spring, cross Danphe Lagna pass at 3691-meter. After reaching Cherechaur, follow the same trail we took a couple of days back and reach Jumla. Overnight in Jumla.

Day 14: Fly to Nepalgunj, fly to Kathmandu
Take the earliest flight available to Nepalgunj from Jumla. After reaching Nepalgunj, fly again to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Upon reaching, get freshen up and take a rest. In the evening there will be a farewell dinner hosted by the Alpine Club of Himalaya to celebrate the successful completion. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 15: Final departure
Our representative will send you off to Tribhuvan International Airport for your connecting flight home approximately 3 hours earlier than the scheduled time. Wish you a safe journey home!

Cost Include

Accommodation in a (3) three-starred hotels in the cities but for the duration of the trek, only effortless lodges are available.
Ground transportations provided.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu where Earthbound Expeditions city tour guide will accompany you.
Full broad meals will be provided throughout the trek.
Government trained guides and needed no. of porters with their insurance, salary, and meals will be provided.
Farewell dinner along with one cultural show.
Every single entry fee and TIMS permit will be provided.
Every single Domestic Flight will be booked according to the Itinerary listed.
Sleeping bags and down jackets for the trek will be provided.
Car/Bus/Domestic Flights included
ACOH Kitbag and certificate

Cost Exclude

International flight tickets
Museums entrance fees
All personal expenses such as bar bills, beverages, snacks, etc.
Airport tax
Extra shower, battery re-charge, laundry charge, etc.
Personal clothing and gears.
Tips to guides and porters.
Cost raised by cancelations, landslides, weather, political unrest, the illness will not be our responsibility since these factors are not within our grasp.