# Rara Lake Trek > The Rara Lake trek is an 11-day adventure to Rara Lake (2,990 m), the largest lake in Nepal, in the remote Karnali region of far-west Nepal. Fly via Nepalgunj to Jumla and walk through Thakuri villages, apple orchards, pine and juniper forest and high meadows to the deep blue lake, ringed by the peaks of Rara National Park, the smallest and one of the most beautiful national parks in Nepal.Few foreigners visit this corner of the country, which gives the trek a rare sense of discovery. It is graded moderate, with the highest point at Murma Top (3,710 m), and is best from April–June and September–November. Flights, permits, a licensed guide, porters and teahouse or homestay accommodation are included. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 11 days - **Difficulty:** Moderate - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** 3,710 m / 12,172 ft (Murma Top) - **Best season:** Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, teahouses and homestays - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$1,390 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/rara-lake-trek - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=rara-lake-trek ## Overview **Quick answer:** the Rara Lake trek takes about 11 days from Kathmandu, including flights to Nepalgunj and Jumla, reaches a maximum of 3,710 m at Murma Top, and costs from US$1,390 per person. Rara Lake is Nepal's largest lake (about 10.8 km²) and lies inside Rara National Park in Mugu district. Rara is called the "Queen of Lakes". Its water changes colour through the day from turquoise to deep sapphire, and in autumn the surrounding forest turns gold. Red pandas, Himalayan black bears and musk deer live in the park, and migrating birds visit the lake in winter. The trek from Jumla passes through villages where Hindu Thakuri and Chhetri culture has changed little over centuries. ### Rara Lake trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration11 days from Kathmandu (7 days of trekking)Maximum altitudeMurma Top, 3,710 mRara Lake2,990 m, about 10.8 km², up to 167 m deepGradeModerateFlightsKathmandu – Nepalgunj – Jumla; Talcha – Nepalgunj – KathmanduPermitRara National Park permitBest timeApril–June and September–NovemberCostFrom US$1,390 per person### Why trek to Rara Lake? - **Nepal's largest lake** in a pristine alpine setting. - **Remote far-west Nepal**, rarely visited by foreign trekkers. - **Murma Top** views over the lake to the Kanjiroba and Saipal ranges. - **Karnali culture**, from Jumla's red rice fields to Thakuri villages. - **Wildlife** of Rara National Park. ### How difficult is the Rara Lake trek? It is **moderate**, with 5–7 hours of walking a day and passes around 3,500 m. Lodges are basic and sometimes homestays, so an adventurous attitude helps. Flights in western Nepal are weather-dependent, and we build in flexibility. ### Best time for Rara Lake **September–November** gives clear skies and golden forests; **April–June** brings wildflowers and green meadows. Winter snow closes the passes, and the monsoon affects flights. ## Highlights - Rara Lake (2,990 m), the largest lake in Nepal - Murma Top (3,710 m) viewpoint over the lake - Rara National Park forest and wildlife - Remote Karnali villages and culture - Scenic flights across western Nepal ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) Meet our team at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Trek briefing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj (150 m) Afternoon flight to Nepalgunj in the western Terai. _Altitude: 150 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 3: Fly to Jumla (2,540 m), trek to Chere Chaur (3,060 m) Early flight to Jumla and a climb through pine forest to the meadows of Chere Chaur. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 3,060 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse or tent · Distance: 7 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Chalachaur (3,010 m) Cross meadows and forest with views of the Kanjiroba range. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,010 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse or homestay · Distance: 12 km_ ### Day 5: Trek to Sinja Valley (2,440 m) Descend to the Sinja valley, the old capital of the Khas kingdom. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 2,440 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse or homestay · Distance: 14 km_ ### Day 6: Trek to Ghorasain (2,930 m) Climb through villages and forest to Ghorasain. _Walking: 6 hours · Altitude: 2,930 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse or homestay · Distance: 14 km_ ### Day 7: Trek to Rara Lake (2,990 m) Cross the Ghurchi Lagna pass area and descend to the shores of Rara Lake. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,500 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge · Distance: 15 km_ ### Day 8: Explore Rara Lake and Murma Top (3,710 m) Hike to Murma Top for a panorama of the lake and mountains, and walk the lake shore. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,710 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge_ ### Day 9: Trek to Talcha airport (2,700 m) A short walk to Talcha airstrip. _Walking: 3 hours · Altitude: 2,700 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Lodge · Distance: 7 km_ ### Day 10: Fly to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu Fly from Talcha to Nepalgunj and connect to Kathmandu. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu Free time until your transfer to the airport. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in Kathmandu and 1 night in Nepalgunj with breakfast - Flights Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Jumla and Talcha – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu - Rara National Park permit - Teahouse, homestay or tented accommodation during the trek (7 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 4,000 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation If you can walk 15 km with a few hundred metres of climbing and do it again the next day, you are in good shape for this trek. Start training two to three months ahead, and break in your boots before you fly. ### Altitude sickness This trek reaches 3,710 m at Murma Top, with nights around 3,000 m. Symptoms of acute mountain sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and tell your guide about any symptoms. If symptoms get worse, descending is the most effective treatment. Talk to your doctor before the trip about whether altitude medication is right for you. ### Weather and temperatures Days are pleasant in spring and autumn; nights at Rara are cold, near freezing in October and below in November. Western Nepal is drier than the east. ### Domestic flights and baggage Jumla and Talcha flights use small aircraft with a baggage limit of about 10–15 kg. Weather delays are common, so keep one or two spare days. ### Permits The Rara National Park permit is included. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Take out cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara before you set off: there are very few ATMs on the trail, and the ones that exist often don't work. Lodges charge a little for hot showers, charging and Wi-Fi, so a power bank saves money. ### Drinking water Bring a refillable bottle and either purification tablets or a filter. Lodges also sell boiled water, which is cheaper and better for the trail than bottled water. ### Travel insurance Travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover trekking to 4,000 m, medical treatment and emergency helicopter evacuation. Please send us your policy details before departure. ### Visa Most visitors get a tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport, or apply online before they fly. Your passport needs six months' validity, and bring a few passport photos for trekking permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −10°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Water purification tablets - Snacks (limited shops) ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### Where is Rara Lake? In **Mugu district** in the Karnali Province of far-west Nepal, inside Rara National Park. ### Is Rara the largest lake in Nepal? Yes. Rara Lake covers about **10.8 km²** and is the largest lake in Nepal. ### How long is the Rara Lake trek? About **11 days** from Kathmandu, including flights and 7 days of trekking. ### How difficult is the Rara Lake trek? **Moderate**, with 5–7 hours of walking a day and a maximum of 3,710 m. ### How much does the Rara Lake trek cost? Our package costs **from US$1,390 per person**, including all domestic flights, permit, guide, porters and meals on the trek. ### How do I get to Rara Lake? Fly to Nepalgunj and Jumla and trek, or fly to Talcha airport near the lake. Rara can also be reached by a long road journey. ### What is the best time to visit Rara Lake? **September–November** and **April–June**. ### Do I need a permit for Rara? Yes, the **Rara National Park permit**, included. ### Are there teahouses on the Rara trek? Basic teahouses and homestays exist on most stages; tents may be used at Chere Chaur. ### Can I do Rara Lake without trekking? Yes, by flying to Talcha and walking about an hour to the lake; ask us for a short Rara tour. ### What wildlife is in Rara National Park? Red pandas, black bears, musk deer, Himalayan tahr and many birds. ### Is Rara Lake worth visiting? Yes, for travellers who want pristine nature and a remote side of Nepal few tourists see.