About this trip
Rara Lake is the biggest lake of Nepal and is a popular destination located in Western Nepal at an altitude above 2,990 meters (9,810 ft) above sea level covering an area of 10.8 km2. The length of the lake is 5 kilometers, width is 2 kilometers and it has a maximum depth of 167 meters (548 ft).
Surrounded by Rara National Park, the lake is surrounded with unique floral and faunal rare vulnerable species. The Park flora consists of 1074 species, of which 16 are endemic to Nepal while the fauna of the park consists of 51 species of mammals and 214 species of birds.
Trekkers can now explore the hidden treasure of this region and get a glimpse into the cultural and natural aspects around this region.
The trek begins with flight to Jumla after an hour’s flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj which lies in the Mugu District, Karnali Zone, Western Nepal.
The main occupation of the people living around the area is agriculture. People also rear goats and extract medicinal herbs and sell them for their livestock. The Thakur society is dominant in the community and the Thakur Baba’s Temple is situated in the southeast corner of the lake. Local people believe that the god Thakur shot an arrow to open the passage of the lake reducing the damage caused by flooding.
Most houses provide Home Stay services and traveler can do camping treks as well as Home Stay treks.
If you prefer a Home Stay trek, please note that the accommodation will be simple and you will be given traditional Nepali food. Home Stay treks are also comparatively lower in cost so it is more affordable for low budget travelers.
By Dipalmalla (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Top photo by Suryadeep Basnyat (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Itinerary Outline
Day 01
Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02
Sightseeing around Kathmandu
Day 03
Fly to Nepalganj
Day 04
Trek to Patmara
Day 05
Trek to Bhargaon
Day 06
Trek to Pina
Day 07
Trek to Gumgarhi
Day 08
Trek to Rara Lake
Day 09
Acclimatization day
Day 10
Trek to Jhari
Day 11
Trek to Bhargaon
Day 12
Trek to Patmara
Day 13
Trek to Jumla
Day 14
Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalganj
Day 15
Depart Kathmandu
Take this trip
Trip Facts
- Start/End
Kathmandu/ Kathmandu
- Maximum Altitude
- 3060 m
- Duration
- 16 Days
- Activities
- Sightseeing and trekking
- Accomodation
- Hotel, Lodge and Home stay
- Transportation
- Private vehicle and flight
- Per day walking
- 4-5 hours
15 Days and 14 Nights tour Package
Arrive in Kathmandu
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our Travel Devisers’ representative and driver will meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport and escort you to your designed hotel. The representative will help you check into your hotel.
At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Photo by Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich) (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Photo by Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich) (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Sightseeing around Kathmandu
Kathmandu Valley is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors.
The valley offers you a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influences.
In the morning, after breakfast, you will be guided to visit 3 renowned Buddhist and Hindu temples: Pashupatinath, Bouddha Stupa, and Swayambhunath.
After lunch, you will be visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square.
Photo by Alexander Shafir (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The valley offers you a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influences.
In the morning, after breakfast, you will be guided to visit 3 renowned Buddhist and Hindu temples: Pashupatinath, Bouddha Stupa, and Swayambhunath.
After lunch, you will be visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square.
Photo by Alexander Shafir (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Fly to Nepalganj
Today you will take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj that approximately takes about 40 minutes.
The journey is best described by the scenic views of lush jungles and great Himalayan ranges of Nepal.
Photo by calflier001 [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
The journey is best described by the scenic views of lush jungles and great Himalayan ranges of Nepal.
Photo by calflier001 [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
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Trek to Patmara
Walking from Jumla to Patmara will take about six hours. The initial part of the trail is through flat routes and after some distance the route takes steep ascent up to Patmara.
En route you will pass through pine forests, green hills and picturesque villages. These villages are mostly inhabited by Chhetris and people from few other castes.
Patmara is a relatively big village with chortens, prayer flags, Mani walls, and temples dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. People living here practice either Buddhism or Hinduism.
Photo by Janak Bhatta (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
En route you will pass through pine forests, green hills and picturesque villages. These villages are mostly inhabited by Chhetris and people from few other castes.
Patmara is a relatively big village with chortens, prayer flags, Mani walls, and temples dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddesses. People living here practice either Buddhism or Hinduism.
Photo by Janak Bhatta (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Trek to Bhargaon
This day you will trek from Patmara to Bhargaon on a roughly six hour journey.
Firstly, you will trek through steep ascent path for early two hours. Then you will cross Kharila pass (3050 m) and the trails will go down gently until you reach Nyawer.
Nyawer is a small village with terraces, mud roof houses, and is mainly inhabited by Chhetri.
From here, your trail will gently go up crossing a suspension bridge over Nyawer Khola to Bhargaon.
By U.S. Department of Agriculture [Public domain], [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Firstly, you will trek through steep ascent path for early two hours. Then you will cross Kharila pass (3050 m) and the trails will go down gently until you reach Nyawer.
Nyawer is a small village with terraces, mud roof houses, and is mainly inhabited by Chhetri.
From here, your trail will gently go up crossing a suspension bridge over Nyawer Khola to Bhargaon.
By U.S. Department of Agriculture [Public domain], [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Trek to Pina
Leaving Bhargaon, you will start an approximately six hour trek to Pina.
You will make a gentle ascent until you cross a suspension bridge. Again you will ascend and reach the check point of Rara National Park at Bhulbule.
The trail up to Ghurchi La Pass (3460 m) is a steep ascent.
En route, you can enjoy forests covered with pine, oak, juniper, rhododendron, bamboo, wild animals, and local birds.
By John Pavelka (Flickr: Crossing the Suspension Bridge) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
You will make a gentle ascent until you cross a suspension bridge. Again you will ascend and reach the check point of Rara National Park at Bhulbule.
The trail up to Ghurchi La Pass (3460 m) is a steep ascent.
En route, you can enjoy forests covered with pine, oak, juniper, rhododendron, bamboo, wild animals, and local birds.
By John Pavelka (Flickr: Crossing the Suspension Bridge) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Trek to Gumgarhi
Today, you will start by crossing a wooden bridge over the Jhari Khola and then continue to ascend.
On the way, you can observe musk deer, pheasants, pine, juniper, oak, and rhododendron forests and other natural vegetation.
To make your trip more exciting, you will come across several villages rich in terrace fields, monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, Mani walls, and people following traditional Tibetan lifestyles.
The final destination for the day Gumgarhi is yet another village mostly inhabited by Sherpa, Gurung, and other ethnic communities
Photo by Donald Macauley (Flickr: IMG_3628) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
On the way, you can observe musk deer, pheasants, pine, juniper, oak, and rhododendron forests and other natural vegetation.
To make your trip more exciting, you will come across several villages rich in terrace fields, monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, Mani walls, and people following traditional Tibetan lifestyles.
The final destination for the day Gumgarhi is yet another village mostly inhabited by Sherpa, Gurung, and other ethnic communities
Photo by Donald Macauley (Flickr: IMG_3628) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Trek to Rara Lake
The path from Gumgarhi to Rara Lake is mostly downhill and goes uphill only for some distance.
You will come across villages and forests on the way. On this day you can enjoy the sight of magnificent Rara Lake.
Photo by By Prabhat.pradhan.75 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
You will come across villages and forests on the way. On this day you can enjoy the sight of magnificent Rara Lake.
Photo by By Prabhat.pradhan.75 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Acclimatization day
Today will be your rest day and you will spend the entire day resting, planning for forthcoming trips, and getting habituated to the trekking destinations.
Trek to Jhari
The final destination for today will be Jhari.
You will have to trek through steep paths following forests, wooden bridge over Jhari Khola and villages to reach the destination.
Jhari is a small village where you can enjoy monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, and Tibetan style houses. The settlement is mainly inhabited by Gurung who closely follow the Tibetan lifestyle.
Photo by William Warby [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Flickr
You will have to trek through steep paths following forests, wooden bridge over Jhari Khola and villages to reach the destination.
Jhari is a small village where you can enjoy monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, and Tibetan style houses. The settlement is mainly inhabited by Gurung who closely follow the Tibetan lifestyle.
Photo by William Warby [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Flickr
Trek to Bhargaon
Leaving Jhari you will head towards Bhargaon village mainly dominated by Chhetri communities on a six hour walk.
In the beginning the route will take you downward and after some distance will take you uphill until you cross Ghurchi La Pass (3460 m).
En route, you will pass through forests covered with pine, oak, rhododendron and juniper, green hills, and several villages.
Photo by AceNotorious (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
In the beginning the route will take you downward and after some distance will take you uphill until you cross Ghurchi La Pass (3460 m).
En route, you will pass through forests covered with pine, oak, rhododendron and juniper, green hills, and several villages.
Photo by AceNotorious (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Trek to Patmara
Today you will follow a steep descending path leading to Khari La Pass.
This is a village with Tibetan style houses, apple and cherry orchards, and terrace fields where local farmers grow wheat, buck wheat, maize, and green vegetables.
From here, the route will move through gently flat lands all the way to Patmara.
Patmara is a relatively big village with chortens, prayer flags, Mani walls, and temples dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddess.
Photo by Sushant Rijal (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
This is a village with Tibetan style houses, apple and cherry orchards, and terrace fields where local farmers grow wheat, buck wheat, maize, and green vegetables.
From here, the route will move through gently flat lands all the way to Patmara.
Patmara is a relatively big village with chortens, prayer flags, Mani walls, and temples dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddess.
Photo by Sushant Rijal (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Trek to Jumla
Today will mark the end of your trek.
You will trek up to Jumla, which approximately takes about five hours.
You will trail through steep descending paths all the way to Jumla passing splendid views of green hill, forests, villages, and ridges.
Photo by Kinawaa (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
You will trek up to Jumla, which approximately takes about five hours.
You will trail through steep descending paths all the way to Jumla passing splendid views of green hill, forests, villages, and ridges.
Photo by Kinawaa (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalganj
Today you will be boarding two flights.
First you will board a flight to Nepalganj after which you will catch another flight to Kathmandu.
The entire day in the capital is free for some shopping and relaxation.
Photo by Alexander Shafir (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
First you will board a flight to Nepalganj after which you will catch another flight to Kathmandu.
The entire day in the capital is free for some shopping and relaxation.
Photo by Alexander Shafir (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Depart Kathmandu
After checking out of the hotel, our representative will take you to the international airport for your flight home.
You also have the option to to extend your stay in Nepal for shorter trips, such as visits to national parks, rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and more. We are always ready to help you plan for these if you would require them.
By Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich) (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
You also have the option to to extend your stay in Nepal for shorter trips, such as visits to national parks, rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and more. We are always ready to help you plan for these if you would require them.
By Ralf Lotys (Sicherlich) (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
What's included
Hotel
Accommodation during trek local home/lodge
Accommodation during trek local home/lodge
Hotel
Home stay trek with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Home stay trek with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Hotel
Three nights' accommodation at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu with all meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Three nights' accommodation at 3 star hotel in Kathmandu with all meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Flight
Kathmandu/Nepalganj/Jumla and Jumla/Nepalganj/Kathmandu airfare (subject to change if any increment in airfare)
Kathmandu/Nepalganj/Jumla and Jumla/Nepalganj/Kathmandu airfare (subject to change if any increment in airfare)
Transport
Special traditional welcome on arrival at International airport
Special traditional welcome on arrival at International airport
Transport
Airport transfers and escort
Airport transfers and escort
Guide Fee
English speaking local expert guide, porters etc.
English speaking local expert guide, porters etc.
Entry Fee
Rara National park fees
Rara National park fees
Entry Fee
Special trek Permits
Special trek Permits
Sightseeing
All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with entry fees.
All guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with entry fees.
What's not included
Flight
International flight
International flight
Guide Fee
Your insurance
Your insurance
Other Expenses
Any other expenses due to political,act of nature or any other reason whichare beyond control of Travel Devisers or its associated agents
Any other expenses due to political,act of nature or any other reason whichare beyond control of Travel Devisers or its associated agents
Other Expenses
Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
Other Expenses
Extra baggage charges
Extra baggage charges
Other Expenses
All the personal expenses as tips, bar bills, laundry and beverage
All the personal expenses as tips, bar bills, laundry and beverage