Rara Lake is situated in the rugged terrain of western Nepal. It is also known for its pristine waters, surrounded by lush,-forest-filled areas and snow-capped peaks. The path through Kathmandu to the Himalayan gems presents its own set of great rewards and challenges.
Now, let's discover the secrets of making the Kathmandu to Rara journey unforgettable . Here is a brief description
How to reach Rara Lake by Trekking?
To embark on the Rara Lake trek, most travellers begin their journey from Kathmandu by taking a smooth flight to Nepalgunj, a hub located on the western side of Nepal. Through Nepalgunj, you can take the chosen flight to Jumla or even the famed Talcha Airport. Jumla serves as the starting point for the great Rara Lake trek , which takes around 5 to 8 days through the scenic and remote trails, passing through rural villages and alpine forests. For those with less time, a flight to Talcha Airport offers a shorter 2- to 3-hour hike, although this option is less dependent on favourable weather conditions.
Moreover, travellers can see the overland route through the city of Kathmandu to Surkhet, then through to Gamgadhi, Kalikot, and Talcha. The journey can take around 2 to 3 days by bus and jeep, but it is a great, budget-friendly option for those who want to explore the whole countryside. At Talcha, a small hike leads to the calm Rara Lake. Whichever route you take, Rara Lake offers a breathtaking trekking experience in one of Nepal's beautiful national parks.
How to reach Rara Lake trek from Kathmandu
Finally, reach the Lake by trekking through the city of Kathmandu. The great convenience is that you can first take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, which takes close to 1 hour. From Nepalgunj, you have two options: fly to Jumla or the famed Talcha Airport. If you fly to Jumla, you will start on the classic Rara Lake trekking route, which takes close to 7 days. This route passes through green, forested areas, rural villages, and scenic landscapes before reaching the Lake. Additionally, it also flies to Talcha, which is close to requiring a 3-hour flight. However, flights through less prone to weather issues.
Another acceptable option is to travel by road from Kathmandu to Rara Lake, which is more time-consuming but also budget-friendly. The journey takes around 2 to 3 days by jeep or bus, passing through major towns such as Surkhet, Kalikot, and Gamgadhi before reaching the state of Talcha. From there, it's a short trek to the Great Lake. This overland route enables you to experience the diverse geography and rural life of Nepal's western side. No matter which route you choose, Rara Lake rewards you with its peaceful beauty and calm atmosphere at the heart of Rara National Park.
Rara Lake itinerary from Kathmandu
- Day 1: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
- Day 2: Nepalgunj to Jumla
- Day 3: Jumla to Chere Chaur (3055 m)
- Day 4: Chere Chaur to Chalachaur (2,980m)
- Day 5: Chalachaur to Sinja Valley (2,490m)
- Day 6: Sinja Valley to Ghorosingha (3,050m)
- Day 7: Ghorosingha to Rara Lake (2,990m)
- Day 8: Explore Rara Lake and hike to Murma Top
- Day 9: Hike to Talcha Airport → Fly to Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
Day 1: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
This is the first day of the journey. Today, you will take a flight to Nepalgunj. It takes around 1 hour to reach Nepalgunj from the capital city. The overnight stay will be done at Nepalgunj.
Day 2: Nepalgunj to Jumla
You will take the morning flight to Jumla. The time duration is around 35 to 40 minutes. You will rest and explore the town of Jumla. Overnight accommodations will be provided at the local lodge in Jumla.
Day 3: Jumla to Chere Chaur (3055 m)
Your trek will begin in Jumla and take approximately 4 to 5 hours to walk through the forests and pass through small settlements. The camp or lodge will be at Chere Chaur.
Day 4: Chere Chaur to Chalachaur (2,980m)
The moderate trekking day will begin through the scenic landscape. It will take approximately 5 to 6 hours. Overnight will be done at Chalachaur.
Day 5: Chalachaur to Sinja Valley (2,490m)
Trek all through the Jaljala Pass and descend back to the historical Sinja Valley. There will be around 6 to 7 hours of walking. Overnight, we will be at the tea house and a homestay in Sinja Valley.
Day 6: Sinja Valley to Ghorosingha (3,050m)
On this day, it is a steady uphill trek with incredible views of calm rivers and pine forests. The walk will be around 5 to 6 hours. Overnight will be done at Ghorosingha.
Day 7: Ghorosingha to Rara Lake (2,990m)
It is a short but packed scenic trek. The journey takes place on foot and lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours. We will arrive at the fantastic and mesmerizing Lake Rara. Explore the lakeshore and stay overnight until closing.
Day 8: Explore Rara Lake and hike to Murma Top
Visit the viewpoints, such as Mount Murma, for incredible panoramic views. You could relax and take photographs as well as soak in the calm beauty. Overnight, we will be close to Rara Lake.
Day 9: Hike to Talcha Airport → Fly to Nepalgunj → Kathmandu
This is the last day; we will be taking a short flight to Chicohe Airport. Take the flight to Nepalgunj, and then you will be on your way to Kathmandu. This marks the end of your great trip.
How to reach Rara Lake by road
To reach Rara Lake via the road from Kathmandu, one must embark on a long but adventurous journey through western Nepal. The trip begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Surkhet, which takes approximately 13 to 15 hours through the Great Karnali Highway. Through Surkhet, the road passes through the mountainous regions of Dailekh and Kalikot and eventually leads to Gamgadhi, the main headquarters of the Mugu district. The streets are also rugged and narrow, making it a challenging yet scenic route that showcases the rural part of life and offers great, fantastic landscape scenes.
After reaching the state of Gamgadhi, you can take a drive or hike over the short distance to reach Talcha Airport, which is also close to Rara Lake. From Talcha, it's a 2- to 3-hour hike through forests and meadows to get to the pristine Rara Lake. Although this overland journey can also take 2 to 3 days, depending on the road and weather conditions, it is a cost-effective option that offers a deeper connection to Nepal's great, remote regions. This route is suitable for those who prefer less travel and want to explore the less-travelled path.
