Rara Lake Trek

Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport. Our Staff member meets you and transfers you to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our guide will meet you at the hotel and provide a briefing about the upcoming trek, including the itinerary, safety information, and important preparations. He will also assist you with all the necessary trekking formalities and paperwork.

After the briefing, we will go on a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley, visiting famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, and Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. On this day, we will also arrange the TIMS card and other required permits for the trek.In the evening, you will have time to prepare your trekking gear and make the final arrangements for the journey ahead. Overnight at the hotel.

After an early breakfast in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft), we take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj (150 m / 492 ft), a busy gateway city in Nepal’s western lowlands. The flight takes around 55 to 60 minutes and offers wide aerial views as the Kathmandu Valley gradually fades into rolling mid-hills before opening up into the vast, flat plains of the Terai. On clear days, distant Himalayan peaks can still be seen above the cloud line.

Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, the climate changes noticeably, becoming warm and subtropical. After a short transfer to the hotel, the rest of the day is free to rest and prepare for the next stage of the journey. Nepalgunj is a lively border city with a mix of cultures and serves as an important hub for travel into far-western Nepal.

The evening is spent at leisure, allowing time to relax and adjust to the warmer lowland environment before continuing deeper into the mountain regions. Overnight stay at a Lodge in Nepalgunj.

After an early breakfast in Nepalgunj (150 m / 492 ft), we take a short scenic flight to Jumla (2,540 m / 8,330 ft), the main gateway to the remote Karnali region. The flight takes around 35 to 45 minutes and offers wide views as the flat Terai plains gradually transition into winding river valleys and rugged mid-hills before landing in the high mountain basin of western Nepal.

Upon arrival in Jumla, we begin our trek, passing through small settlements around Khalanga Bazaar, the main town of the district. The trail then gradually climbs through terraced farmland, traditional villages, and pine forest, following a steady uphill route into quieter highland terrain. Along the way, we pass local farming communities and scattered hillside hamlets that reflect the rural lifestyle of the region.

The trek takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Chere Chaur (3,050 m / 10,007 ft), a peaceful pasture area surrounded by forested hills. As we gain elevation, the air becomes cooler and the landscape more open. Upon arrival, we settle into a teahouse for an overnight stay.

Leaving Chere Chaur (3,050 m / 10,007 ft) after breakfast, we continue our trek toward Chalachaur, gradually ascending through open ridges and forested hills. The trail climbs steadily through remote highland terrain, with a mix of pine forest, alpine slopes, and open sections.

After several hours of ascent, we reach Jaljala La Pass (3,585 m / 11,762 ft), the highest point of the day. From the pass, there are wide views across the surrounding ridgelines and deep valleys of the Karnali region, with a strong sense of high-altitude wilderness.

From Jaljala La, the trail descends through forested slopes and seasonal grazing areas toward Chalachaur (2,980 m / 9,777 ft). The walk takes around 5 to 6 hours in total, ending at a quiet stopover settlement surrounded by forest, where we settle into a teahouse for the night.

After breakfast at Chalachaur (2,980 m / 9,777 ft), we continue our journey toward Sinja Valley (2,490 m / 8,167 ft), one of the most historically significant regions in western Nepal. The trail descends through pine and oak forests before gradually entering the fertile valley carved by the Sinja Khola, with occasional views of terraced hillsides and scattered rural settlements along the way.

The trek takes approximately 5 to 6 hours and follows a pleasant route through mixed woodland, cultivated farmland, and traditional village landscapes. As we lose elevation, the terrain becomes greener and more settled, offering a glimpse into the agricultural lifestyle that continues to shape daily life in the region.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Sinja Valley, the former capital of the ancient Khasa Kingdom and a place closely associated with the early development of the Nepali language. Surrounded by traditional villages and historic sites, the valley remains an important cultural landmark of the Karnali region. Upon arrival, we settle into a lteahouse for an overnight stay.

From Sinja Valley (2,490 m / 8,167 ft), we continue our trek toward Ghorosingha (3,050 m / 10,007 ft) after breakfast, following an eastward trail that runs alongside the Hima River, locally known as the Jaljala River. The path first crosses agricultural land and small rural settlements before gradually entering more forested and isolated terrain.

The trek takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. We pass through Laha village, one of the last inhabited points on this section of the route, after which the trail begins a steeper ascent through pine and mixed forest. Further ahead, the route follows the Ghatte Khola, a small mountain stream that runs through the hillside and accompanies the final climb toward Ghorosingha.

By late afternoon, we reach Ghorosingha, a small highland settlement and an important stop before entering the Rara region. An army post near the settlement acts as a key landmark for trekkers arriving in this area. Upon arrival, we settle into a teahouse for an overnight stay in the quiet forested surroundings of the upper Karnali hills.

Leaving Ghorosingha (3,050 m / 10,007 ft) after breakfast, we begin the final and most rewarding section of the journey toward Rara Lake. The trail first climbs steadily through pine and juniper forest, following the ridge line above the Karnali valleys. Early on, the route ascends toward the Chuchhemara Danda viewpoint area, where the landscape begins to open up with wide views of the surrounding hills.

From the higher ridge, the trail continues through forested slopes and alpine meadows inside Rara National Park. On clear days, the first distant glimpse of Rara Lake appears from the ridgeline before the descent begins toward the lake basin. Along the way, the route passes through Khatyar Khola valley sections and small forest clearings, with occasional seasonal grazing areas and wildlife habitats typical of the park.

The trek takes approximately 5 to 6 hours in total. As we descend toward the lake area, the forest gradually opens into a broad, peaceful basin surrounded by pine-covered hills. By late afternoon, we reach Rara Lake (2,990 m / 9,810 ft), the largest lake in Nepal, where we settle into a teahouse near the shoreline for an overnight stay.

Today is set aside for full exploration around Rara Lake (2,990 m / 9,810 ft), the largest and one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Nepal. The day is relaxed and flexible, allowing time to experience the lake at different moods, from calm morning reflections to the soft light of late afternoon.

After breakfast at the teahouse, we begin the hike toward Murma Top (3,700 m / 12,139 ft), one of the best viewpoints in the region. The trail gradually climbs through pine forest and open ridges above the lake, offering continuous changing perspectives of the valley below. The hike takes around 4 to 6 hours round trip depending on pace and time spent at viewpoints.

From the top, there are wide panoramic views of Rara National Park, with Rara Lake lying deep below surrounded by forested hills and distant snow-capped ranges on clear days. After spending time at the viewpoint, we descend back toward the lake area, walking through peaceful forest trails and open meadows.

The rest of the afternoon is free for relaxation by the lakeside, short walks around the shoreline, or simply enjoying the quiet atmosphere of Rara. Overnight stay at a teahouse near the lake.

After an early breakfast at Rara Lake (2,990 m / 9,810 ft), we begin our final walk of the trek toward Talcha Airport (2,735 m / 8,973 ft). The trail follows a gentle descent through Rara National Park, passing through pine forest, open clearings, and quiet hillside terrain with occasional views back toward the lake basin.

The trek takes approximately 2 to 3 hours at an easy pace. Along the way, the landscape gradually shifts from alpine forest to more settled surroundings near Talcha, with small local settlements and agricultural patches appearing as we approach the airstrip area.

Upon reaching Talcha Airport, we board a scenic flight back to Nepalgunj (150 m / 492 ft), leaving behind the high hills of Mugu and descending once again into the warm lowlands of western Nepal. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel for rest. Overnight stay in Nepalgunj.

After breakfast in Nepalgunj (150 m / 492 ft), we take a morning flight back to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft). The flight takes around 55 to 60 minutes and offers a final aerial perspective of Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from the flat Terai plains rising toward the mid-hills and eventually the Kathmandu Valley.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for rest, shopping, or exploring the city at your own pace. Overnight stay at a hotel.

After breakfast in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft), you will have free time depending on your flight schedule. If time allows, you may take a short walk around the hotel area or do some last-minute shopping in the city.

At the appropriate time, we transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your trip in Nepal, taking with you lasting memories of the hills, forests, and remote wilderness of western Nepal, including Rara Lake and Rara National Park.