Rara lake trek

Major Attractions of Rara Lake Trek

• Rara Lake – The Jewel of Nepal

At an altitude of 2,990 meters above sea level, Rara Lake is the largest and deepest freshwater lake in Nepal. The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks, making a breathtaking view. The colors of the lake change every now and then with shifting sunlight, making the scenario literally mesmeric throughout the day. Surrounded by lush pine and juniper forests, it is peaceful and serene, hence a perfect retreat for nature lovers.

• Rara National Park and Wild Life Diversity

The trek goes through one of Nepal’s most protected national parks, the Rara National Park, where a lot of wild lives can be seen. The various rare and endangered species to be viewed include the red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and the slippery snow leopard. More than 200 species of birds can be traced in the park, so this is a dream land for viewers of birds. Thick forests of pine, spruce, and rhododendron carry an ecosystem, further beautifying the natural trek.

• Remote and Less Touristic Trails

Less crowded and untouched by crowds, the Rara Lake presents a stark contrast to other trekking areas of Nepal. It provides for real off-the-beaten-track adventures as the trails go along the most isolated villages and virgin forests through truly picturesque landscapes. True wild beauty in its prime seclusion can be outlined amidst all the serenity of nature during this trek. The entire route is way far from mass tourism commercialisation impacts, being a purely trekker’s trek.

• Boating and Scenic Reflections on Rara Lake

Boating in the crystal clear waters of Rara Lake is surely one of the most pleasing and rewarding experiences. Actually, the stillness of this lake perfectly reflects its surroundings-the mountains and the forests. Moving on its crystal clear waters with the shades of nature throughout is a lifetime experience that one always remembers and enjoys. Indeed, hardly anyone gets an opportunity to perceive the beauty of this lake from a different perspective.

• Local Culture and Traditional Villages

This track cuts through quaint villages belonging to indigenous peoples, namely the Thakuri and Malla. Their ways of life have been left untouched for centuries to manifest the rich cultural heritage that has formed part of Nepal since time immemorial. The locals are very interactive, hospitable, and expressive about their culture and traditions. Thus, the journey becomes an enriching cultural experience rather than only a nature-based adventure.

The Best Season of Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake Trek, the best season, is regarded as in the autumn-September to November-months when normally the weather remains stable with crystal clear skies and breathtakingly beautiful mountain scenery added with colourful forests. This also makes the temperature mild and dry trails, due to which the season is believed to be much comfortable for the trek.

Another spring season, from March to May, is considered very fine for visiting with its blooming rhododendrons and green landscapes. The temperatures are congenial, with crystal clear skies giving great mountain views. Chances of wildlife sighting are there since it becomes more active in these seasons along the trail.

The summer and monsoon seasons from June to August come with copious rainfall, hence the trails get muddy and slippery. But as the rain showers bless this destination, it magically gets converted into a rich-green paradise. This is for those who do not like very crowded routes but can trek perfectly smoothly in wet weather.

Winter: It is the coldest season that snows out the trails, freezing with temperatures. Underneath the snow, the lake and mountains around it look fantastic; however, this makes trekking really tough. It’s an ideal time only for the advanced trekkers who are fully equipped with gear meant for winter.

Route of Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake Trek initially starts with flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to the nearest flight area, namely Talcha Airport, in proximity to Rara Lake. Beginning from Talcha, it usually moves northwest and finally enters the Rara National Park through gentle settlements, intense forests, and landscapes. Further, this route drops downhill to a pretty village named Murma through which anyone would love the brilliant view of undulated hills all over.

The trek reaches the magnificent Rara Lake, the biggest and deepest freshwater lake of Nepal, continuing through peaceful pine and rhododendron forests. Get ample time for exploration of this pristine beauty and changing hues on the water; enjoy the reflections of snow-capped mountains upon the calm waters. It starts tracing back a path to Talcha for the flight to Nepalgunj, followed by onward to Kathmandu to finish the adventure.

Typical Day in Rara Lake Trek

The normal scenario of every day of Rara Lake Trek involves getting up early in the morning and having a warm breakfast. Continue trekking, it usually counts for about 5 to 7 hours of walking each day. Several inclinations and descensions can be done on moderately trafficked trails through plush forests, meadows, and villages that at times allow trekkers the chance to absorb nature and the culture. It’s worth taking frequent short breaks to rest and capture breathtaking scenery on camera.

Lunchtime is taken either at a local teahouse or at some beautiful viewpoint rest point on the trail for replenishment of energy. The afternoon continues upward, further trekking in order to achieve the next destination. In the late afternoon, it reaches campsites or teahouses for rest, village exploration, or simply gazing out in nature. Normally, dinner time is at 6.00-7.00 p.m., and all kinds of local and international cuisines are freshly prepared. As the evenings are utilized by trekkers for sharing experiences, stargazing, and the serenity of nature, the trekkers go to their beds pretty early for the next day’s journey.

Difficulties of Trekking in Rara Lake Trek

Grading Rara Lake Trek is considered a moderate trek, which any trekker can manage with their basic level of fitness. The altitude of 2,990 meters approximately makes it minimize the chance of serious altitude sickness. However, proper acclimatization, hydration, and a steady pace are very important to avoid any discomfort.

These include steep sections of the trails, rugged terrain, and hence require a lot of endurance and stamina. Weather conditions might also be quite unpredictable, cold in the mornings and nights. Even though there are teahouses along the route, the facilities are very basic, with not much variety as far as food is concerned. It is better to carry some extra snacks and other essentials with you.

It is always good to travel with an experienced guide or group, as some places have erratic communication networks. Rara Lake Trek offers an lifetime adventure to those who love beautiful scenery combined with tranquil surroundings and cultural experiences.

Guide and Porter

Rara Lake Trek is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature and escape the pressures of everyday life. Whether you’re traveling with colleagues, friends, family, or as a solo female trekker, this trek is a great choice for those with moderate fitness levels. Please note that according to local regulations, foreign visitors are required to have a guide and porter during the trek.

At our company, we are proud to offer highly qualified and experienced guides and porters who are fluent in English. Our team is renowned for their kindness and professionalism, ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience. We can also arrange for a translator, if necessary, to facilitate clear communication and enhance your cultural immersion.

Our comprehensive …-day trekking package is designed specifically for group treks. As each porter can carry up to 25 kg, efficient packing is essential. We provide porters to assist with carrying warm clothing and personal belongings, and the number of guides and porters we assign depends on the size of your group. Our priority is to ensure that you have the necessary support for a successful and memorable trek.

The number of guides and porters we provide will depend on the size of the group as follows:

Number of Trekkers Numbers of Guide Numbers of Porter

In summary, our Rara Lake Trek package offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion in the Himalayas. Our friendly and experienced team is dedicated to ensuring that you have an unforgettable adventure, and we look forward to providing you with an enriching and safe trekking experience.

Acclimatization during the Rara Lake Trek

The Rara Lake Trek is a moderately graded trek in Nepal, with an altitude of about 3,010 meters above sea level. Although it is not that high compared to other high-altitude treks, acclimatization remains important to avoid altitude sickness. Trekkers from lower elevations may feel mild symptoms like headache and dizziness.

Rest days at strategic locations, such as Chautha and Rara Lake, have been included in the itinerary for proper acclimatization with gradual ascent. These stops give time for the trekkers to get accustomed with the altitude while taking in the great landscapes. Similarly, short hikes to nearby viewpoints further help in acclimatization by gradually increasing exposure to higher altitudes.

Guides ensure trekkers drink plenty of water, herbal tea, and soup to keep them hydrated. The trek is planned in such a way that altitude gain is very gradual, which means trekkers can enjoy the journey both safely and comfortably.

Rara Lake Trekking Permit

Rara Lake Trek lies in Rara National Park, and for this, it requires:

Rara National Park Entry Permit: The permit costs 3,000 NPR for foreign trekkers and 1,500 NPR for SAARC nationals. It can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the park entrance.

TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System): This is required for tracking safety, a TIMS card costs 20 USD for foreign trekkers, available from the Nepal Tourism Board.

Unlike Upper Dolpo, Rara Lake is not a restricted area and independent trekking is allowed here. It means trekkers can do this trek without a guide. However, hiring a guide enhances the experience and ensures safety.

Accommodation and Food on Rara Lake Trek

Accommodation: Kathmandu and Nepalgunj: good hotels in both cities. The rest, if during a trek, will be basic teahouses or home-stays. Some villages are not built on the touristic infrastructure plan, and therefore accommodations must be found on the campgrounds.

Food: Basic Nepali dal bhat comprising rice, lentils, and vegetables, with some Tibetan-influenced delicacies and some simple Western options. The cultural taste of dried yak cheese and millet roti adds to the traditional local delicacies. The meals are hygienically prepared to keep up the energy throughout the trek.

The warm reception by the locals enables trekkers to get completely submerged in the rich culture and food habits of the place.

Drinking Water

Clean drinking water is provided but limited in remote areas. To protect the environment, plastic water bottles are not encouraged. Trekkers can carry a reusable bottle and fill it up at teahouses where boiled or purified water is available.
Water purification tablets, a portable water filter, or a Steripen can be brought along to ensure safe drinking water throughout the trek.

Travel Insurance

Rara Lake Trek, though it does not go to extreme altitude, takes an insurance policy for unexpected incidents that may arise like medical access or helicopter rescue along with cancelation of trip.

Trekkers are found to be insured for their movement, covering for expenses related to medical service access or emergency rescue. Some of the recommendations include Travelex, Mondial Assistance, and Insure My Trip. A copy of the insurance certificate is better kept for safety.

Electricity and Communication on Rara Lake Trek

Electricity and internet services are available in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, but the network is unreliable throughout the route of trekking. Recently, villages have depended on solar power, and there could be some surcharge to charge an electric device.

A power bank should be carried for charging the essentials. A mobile network may not be reliable in remote areas and in such cases, a satellite phone can be used in case of any emergency situation.

ATM and Money Exchange

It does have ATMs and foreign currency exchange facilities, but there is no banking en route during Rara Lake trekking. One should have sufficient Nepalese rupees for food, water, and other expenses while trekking.

For a hassle-free experience, exchange your currency either in Kathmandu or in Nepalgunj before the actual trek. For traveling in such a remote area of Nepal yet breathtakingly beautiful, proper financial planning is vital.