17 Days Jumla & Rara Lake Trek

  • Duration 17
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Adventurous
  • Starts at
  • Ends at
  • Meals Full Board During Trek
  • Accommodation 3-star & Tea House
  • Max. Altitude
  • Activity
  • Group Type
  • Group Size 1-15(Customize your Trip on Request)
  • Best Season

17 Days Jumla & Rara Lake Trek Overview

Embark on an incredible 17-day journey with our Jumla & Rara Lake Trek, an adventurous expedition to Nepal’s largest and most enchanting lake. Discover the serene beauty of Rara National Park, experience diverse wildlife, and immerse yourself in the remote charm of Western Nepal.

Trip Overview: The Majestic Rara Lake

The Rara Lake Trek is a unique opportunity to witness the pristine wilderness of Nepal. Rara Lake, known as “Mahendra Daha” (King Mahendra’s Lake), is situated within the Rara National Park at an altitude of 2,980 meters (9,837 feet). Its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings create a sanctuary for abundant wildlife and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The park boasts approximately 1,074 species of plants, including dense pine and juniper forests, and 214 species of birds, adding a musical backdrop to the quiet environment. Keep an eye out for diverse mammals like black bears, leopards, black panthers, deer, red pandas, and wild boars. This trek is an immersive experience in nature’s untouched beauty.

Starting from the scenic town of Jumla in Western Nepal, your journey will unfold through magnificent remote countryside, traditional farm villages, and serene valleys. You’ll witness fabulous scenery of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and distant views of the Dolpo area, culminating your adventure in Nepalgunj.

Trek Highlights & Features:

  • Duration: 17 Days
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Grade: Adventurous (suitable for fit trekkers)
  • Max. Altitude: Rara Lake at 2,980m (9,837 ft) and higher passes in the itinerary.
  • Activity: High-Altitude Trekking, Nature Exploration
  • Group Size: 1-15 participants (customize your private trip on request)
  • Best Season: Autumn (Sept. to Nov.) and Spring (March to May)
  • Explore Rara National Park, Nepal’s largest lake.
  • Encounter diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species and wild animals.
  • Trek through magnificent remote countryside and traditional villages.
  • Witness stunning Himalayan views and landscapes of the Dolpo area.

Accommodation & Dining: Essential Comforts

Your Rara Lake trekking experience includes comfortable stays throughout. You’ll enjoy 3-star hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj and Kathmandu (3 nights), and cozy teahouse stays during the trek (11 nights). All accommodations are on a twin-sharing basis, with single supplements available upon request for an additional cost. While most lower elevation regions offer rooms with attached washrooms, facilities may vary at higher altitudes. Mountain Expedition Nepal strives to ensure your comfort at all times.

For Meals, we provide full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek. In Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, only breakfast is included, along with a special welcome and farewell dinner. Our menus feature a blend of Nepalese, Tibetan, Indian, and Continental dishes to cater to diverse tastes.

Can You Accomplish This Trek? Fitness & Preparation

The Rara Lake trek is considered a moderate and spectacular trip, suitable for trekkers who can comfortably walk at least 6-7 hours a day with a light backpack. No specific technical skills are required, but good basic physical health is essential. We highly recommend starting a regular jogging and exercise regimen at least one month before your trek to build stamina. Please inform Mountain Expedition Nepal of any pre-existing medical conditions.

Best Time to Travel to Rara Lake

The ideal times for the Jumla & Rara Lake Trek are during Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May). These seasons offer stable weather, clear skies, and excellent conditions for trekking and wildlife viewing. If your schedule falls outside these periods, please contact us for customized trip arrangements.

Day to Day Itinerary
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Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan Intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, evening you’ll meet and transfer for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurants in the heart of Kathmandu and briefing about your trip and overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast the day will start to our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley; including visits to the pilgrimage sites of Hindus Pashupatinath temple, the world biggest Bouddhanath Stupa, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with temple, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess) in central Kathmandu. Evening pre-trip discussion and introduce with our fellow trekking staff for your adventure trip.

As per the flight schedule for Nepalgunj we transfer to the domestic airport for one and half hour scenic flight to Nepalgung. At Nepalgunj we will have time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town, which is situated on the southern Nepal border with India, and stay overnight in this transit city.

After a pleasant overnight at Nepalgunj, early morning transfer to airport for the 45-minute flight to Jumla over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. On arriving at Jumla our trekking staffs will receive you, who have walked all the way from Nepalgunj with the camping gear and food supply. Jumla town is in a delightful valley and here are the highest limits of paddy cultivation, growing red rice. The town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali zone and Jumla district.

After breakfast we start our trek by following the north bank of the Tila Khola river and then turn north following the Chaudhabise Khola passing through fields and pine forests. We will ascent up the Padmara valley. Our trail keeps following the river until we arrive at the small village of Uthugaon, where we will have a good campsite close to the school on the opposite site of the river.

After breakfast we follow the trail through the narrow canyon to the village of Padmara. Our path then climbs to the Khali Lagna pass at 3550m/11644ft through a deep forest of pines, spurches and firs. Shortly after this pass both routes come together and the trail then descends gently through mixed forest of spruces, birches and rhododendrons to arrive at our campsite at Danphe Lagna.

After breakfast our trails descend steep passing through fir, birch, and walnut and bamboo forests. After crossing a bridge we follow the river downstream before starting a serious climb passing some water-driven mills to Kabra. Here is a huge overhanging rock, which is the source of silajit, a mineral that is believed to have “healing” properties. Our steep climb continues for a while and then levels out before Bhara village. After this village we then descend to the Chauro Khola river to the village of Chautha.

After breakfast we continues follow the stream uphill to Bhulbule, the Rara National Park entrance station at 3130m/10266ft. Our path continues climbing gently to Ghurchi Lagna pass 3450m/11316ft which is covered with chortens (round stone Buddhist monuments) and prayer flags. From the pass the route descends gently at first before dropping down precipitously through spruce forests. We camp at the small settlement of Dhotu village.

Today is a short and pleasant trek with fine views to the north. We traverse a steep north-facing slope from Dhotu, and cross a series of fields down to a small stream. After crossing the bridge, we climb up to the Thakuri village of Jhyari. From Jhyari, we climb steadily up through cedar forest to a huge meadow atop a 3050m/10004ft ridge with great overhead views of Rara Lake. We will follow the trail along to the northern side of the Lake, where the park headquarters and the camping ground are situated.

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.

After explore the Rara Lake the trail will follow the Khatyar Khola river. We will keep following this river slowly descending before we climb out following a small trail surrounded by pine, spruce and rhododendron forests. We follow our path dropping into the Ghatta valley heading towards the small settlement of Gorusingha where there are several excellent campsites.

Our route keeps heading down the Ghatta valley from Gorusingha following the Sinja Khola river downwards to Sinja. From the 12th to 14th century, Sinja was the capital of the Malla dynasty that ruled western Nepal. The ruins of the old palace can be seen across the river. There is an interesting temple here dedicated to Bhagwati, the goddess of justice who rides atop a tiger.

Today the trail crosses the Sinja Khola on a wooden cantilever 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 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.

Keep climbing through forest to yet another meadow, just below the ridge at 3510m/11512ft, then a pleasant descent to Jumla.

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, few hours for refreshment in the comfort of the Hotel at Nepalgunj. We then connect with flight back to Kathmandu and receive and transfer to your hotel.

It’s also spare day in case of bad weather in Jumla. This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure at your own or can be extends 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.

Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you’ll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Customize Trip
Cost Includes
  • Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (3 nights).
  • Guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms (11 nights).
  • All standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner).
  • Local English-speaking trekking guide having licensed. An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (6 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek. Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
  • National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking.
  • Free T shirt, bag and Hat.
  • Official expenses.
  • Welcome dinner with cultural program as listed in the itinerary.
  • Day guided city tour
  • All Domestic flights and airport tax as listed in the itinerary.
  • Private transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek as applicable
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes
Cost Excludes
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu. Depending on your budget, it may cost about USD 15 to USD 20 per person.
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory!), which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation
  • International airfare and airport departure tax
  • Nepal entry visa – You can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 25 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 40 and 100 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)
  • Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks.
  • Personal trekking equipment (click on the Equipment tab).
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver (tipping is expected).
  • Any others expenses that are not mentioned in the ‘Price Includes’ section.
  • Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
  • Cost arising out of landslides, road blockade, and rescue of any form, cancellation of flight or reasons beyond our control
  • World heritage entrance Fees.
Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.
Useful Info

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. If you have some query please directly E-mail us at info@mountainexpeditionnepal.com any time. Your happiness is our success.

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