Jumla Rara Lake Trek

17 days

Duration

Moderate

Trip Level

Min 2 person

Group Size

Year round

Dates

Jumla Rara Lake Trek is the epic; a famous Rara lake lies in Nepal’s Mugu district and admits the ecologically serene surrounding of the smallest national park of Nepal. The most significant lake in Nepal, Rara, is the queen lake and a popular trekking destination. The trail follows an off-the-beaten-track but with less traffic and incorporates a dramatic display of snow-capped mountains’ exquisite views.

It passes through lush green forests such as juniper, oak, cypress, pine, and spruce forests. The entire manifest Rara lake drains into the Nijar Khola and finally arrives in Mugu Karnali. The Rara National Park is small, but it incorporates 2o different species of animals, including the endangered red panda. Furthermore, 214 species of birds and various floras are the attraction of the trek. The Rara lake lies at an altitude of 3062 meters from sea level. The turquoise blue, clear, and immense lake gives the serenity unlike anywhere else.

The route we follow

The highest point of the Jumla Rara Lake Trek is the Chuchemara Danda, at 4087 meters. It is a million journey that starts with a flight to Jumla, followed by trekking into Chala Chaur, Sinja valley, and Bitan. Finally, the Rara national park border is accompanied by passage through scenic mountain views, terraced landscapes, and temples. It is heaven for those with a flair for observing the beauty of nature. For better ideas, one should take a further hike to the vintage viewpoint of the Chuchemara Danda. It showcases magnificent views of the blue Rara, surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks.

The return trek follows the route from the lake to make a bit circuit. Here is the Rara Lake Trek map with its GPS coordinates. It helps to figure out a daily plan for trekking. Generally, it passes through charming villages and forests to Jumla. Moreover, you may also like to extend the journey to the mysterious Dolpo even more towards Upper Mustang, which is much more rewarding.

Jumla Rara Lake Trek: Highlights

Fascinating blend of religious practices with Buddhist and Hindu practices borrowing from the ancient Bonpo religion

A small national park in the area but immensely enriched in flora and fauna

Spectacular setting of Rara Lake beneath snow-capped Himalaya, but a lifetime experience

Admirable, pristine forests, alpine meadows, and a paradise for bird watchers

Rara Lake Trek short itinerary

Days	Itinerary	Altitude in Meters	Timing
1.	Arrival in Kathmandu	1350
2.	Free day & trek preparation
3.	Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj	150
4.	Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla	2370	0h40
5.	Jumla to Uthugaon	2530	5h00
6.	Uthugoan to Danphe Lagna	3500	5h30
7.	Danphe Lagna to Chautha	2770	6h30
8.	Chautha to Dhotu	2380	6h00
9.	Dhotu to Rara Lake	2980	5h00
10.	Exploration day at Rara Lake
11.	Rara Lake to Goru Singa	3190	6h00
12.	Goru Singa to Sinja	2280	6h30
13.	Sinja to Jaljala Chaur	3270	7h00
14.	Jaljala Chaur to Jumla		5h00
15.	Fly from Jumla to Kathmandu with a short break at Nepalgunj
16.	Free day in Kathmandu
17.	Final departure

The Jumla Rara lake trek concludes all year round. The best time for the tour is in the summer season when the flowers are in full bloom. Besides that, from September to December or from February to May also seems rewarding. The Jumla Rara lake trek requires no acclimatization whatsoever and is a moderate to strenuous hike recommended for everyone with an excellent physique.

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m).

You will welcome at the airport by our representative and transfer to hotel.

Day 2: Free day in Kathmandu.

During the free day in Kathmandu you may have a chance to visit the heritage site of Kathmandu valley. Followed by pre-departure meeting in the evening conduct by a guide and will provide brief information regarding the trek about team introduction and formation, equipment and nature of trek.

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.

As per the flight schedule; approximately, one-hour superb airstrip to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. It is crossing the whole range of the western part of the Himalayas like Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. Comparatively, it is warmer than Kathmandu and Nepalgunj is lies near the Indian border.

Day 4: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2370 m)

In the early morning, we have to be at the airport as we take the flight to Jumla which takes 45 minutes splendid flight by traversing the Churen Himal. We meet our crew member in Jumla who have walked there a week early.

Day 5: Jumla – Uthugaon (2530 m) 5h00 walk.

This is the first day of adventure, normally late start due to checking all takes time. After breakfast we start our trek along the north bank of the Tila Khola River and then turn north; follow another stream named Chaudhabise Khola through beautiful terrace fields and pine forests. We climb up to the valley. The trail keeps on continue to the River as we arrive at the small village of Uthugoan.

Day 6: Uthugaon – Danphe Lagna (3500 m), 5h00 walk.

As we have breakfast, the trail leads us through the small valley of Pas Mara then climbs up to the Khali Pass with an elevation of 3550 meters through the dense forests of pines, firs, and spruces. Gently descend through forests as we arrive at Danphe Lagna.

Day 7: Danphe Lagna – Chautha (2770 m) 6h00 walk.

After breakfast, the trails lead you to walk down in beginning through the dense forests as we met a small stream then cross a bridge follow the downstream before starting a steep climb. There are huge overhanging rocks that believe to find silajeet a kind of mineral used to healing continue to climb up as we arrive Bhara village then descend till a stream named Chauro Khola of the village of Chautha.

Day 8: Chautha – Dhotu (2380 m) 6h00 walk

After breakfast, we climb uphill to Bhulbule walk along the stream, the entrance of Rara National Park and continue climbing up to Gurchi Lagna Pass with an elevation of 3450 meters then descending to Dhotu village by crossing the dense forest of spruce.

Day 9: Dhotu – Rara Lake (2980 m) 5h00 walk

A short day walks but very pleasant trek. As usual, we climb up to the north offering fine views; passing through the beautiful rice terrace downhill to a stream and cross a bridge as we climb up to a village named Jyari, gradually climb up to a huge meadow with an elevation at 3050 meters as we reach top approaching first scenery of Rara Lake. Further, continue walk that leads you to the Rara Lake.

Day 10: Explore day at Rara

Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal. It is almost 13 km around the lake and a day devoted to walking around is well spent. Rara is designated a national park in 1975 and this region offers remoteness and a wilderness experience unlike any other region of Nepal, where birds, flowers, and wildlife thrive. Among the mammals in this region are Himalayan bears, Serows, Gorals, Musk Deer, Red Pandas and both Rhesus and Langur Monkeys. The 180-meter deep lake is a habitat for otters and an important resting place for migrating waterfowl.

Day 11: Rara Lake – Gorusingha (3190 m) 6h00 walk

After exploring the Rara Lake, the trail leads you through the Khatyar Khola River and slowly descending as we climb a small trail. We follow the trail that gradually descending to Ghatta valley towards the small settlement of Gorusinga.

Day 12: Gorusinga – Sinja (2440 m) 6h00 walk

The trail keeps on down through the Ghatta valley along the Sinja Khola downstream to Sinja. Sinja is a historic place, the capital of Malla Dynasty in 12th to 14th century.

Day 13: Sinja – Jaljala Chaur (3270 m) 7h00 walk

Today, the trail goes along the Sinja Khola and cross a wooden plank bridge. After passing a few small villages, the trail crosses back and forth across the river on a series of quaint log bridges. Most of the trek is through a forest of pine, birch and oak and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a steep climb to Jaljala Chaur, a gigantic meadow full of horses.

Day 14: Jaljala chaur – Jumla (2370 m), 4h00 walk

Keep climbing through forest to yet another meadow, just below the ridge at 3510 meters then a pleasant descent to Jumla.

Day 15: Fly from Jumla to Kathmandu with the brief stop at Nepalgunj

Early morning 30 minutes sweeping wonderful flight to Nepalgunj over the Himalayan foothills, overlooking stunning views of the snow-capped peaks. On arrival at Nepalgunj depending upon the connecting flight schedule to Kathmandu. If it’s in the afternoon we will have time, a few hours for refreshment in the comfort of the Hotel at Nepalgunj. We then connect with a flight back to Kathmandu and received and transfer to your hotel.

Day 16: Leisure at Kathmandu

It’s also spare day in case of bad weather in Jumla. This pleasant day you may have a full day at leisure at your own or can extend your extra trip with us on additional cost or time to explore the Thamel for last day shopping and evening company will meet you for the farewell dinner.

Day 17: Final departure.

You will transfer to the airport 3 hours before the scheduled flight.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Kathmandu International Airport

DEPARTURE TIME

Please, report at least 3 hours before the flight.

INCLUDED

All domestic flight, Hotel/Airport transfer

Accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast

All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks

All necessary documentation and permits

All ground transportation (as per mention in itinerary)

Professional guide and porters

A First Aid Kits

Applicable Government Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

International Airfare

Nepal Visa fee (advice to take accurate amount)

Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast)

Personal Expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters

Travel Insurance

Guide and Porter gratuity

Prices are quoted and payable only in (US$ dollars). All published rate on our website set as low as possible. The Prices may vary at any time due to currency fluctuation, fuel prices, and unforeseen economic circumstances. But, we guarantee our prices which already signed up for your tour. Please consult us for a custom quote.

Is the water at Rara Lake Trek safe to drink?

No, you are not allowed to drink water from the direct tap or streams on the Rara Lake. But you can also use a purifier or SteriPen. It is expensive to buy water (maybe ten times the cost of purchasing water in Kathmandu).

Am I going to be sick on my trek at altitude?

Be conscious. This trek will be over 3500 m in elevation. The possibilities of having an altitude illness usually begin at this altitude. But to prevent this, we have planned the itinerary to give you time to acclimatize as much as possible.

How can I conquer the altitude sickness?

There’s nobody who’s going to suffer from altitude sickness. The younger and fitter people do not experience high altitude illnesses when they feel older and less fit. It’s not related to fitness or age. Speak to your private practitioner. Prescription medicines are available to help avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness. But go gently and listen to the body and be mindful of any changes and listen to your guide if he thinks that you have symptoms (which might not be apparent).

What happens if an emergency evacuation is required while I am trekking?

We will be able to collect your travel insurance policies and details before your trip. In case of emergency, we will be able to coordinate with your insurance company and helicopters company for emergency evacuation.

What about simple medication during the trek?

There is no doubt only be a First aid. We take a first-aid kit on every trip. We always advise you to make your own. Here’s a checklist of items you can bring, recommended. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal; however, we suggest that you keep this checklist if necessary.