Rara Lake is the largest and most famous lake in the Mugu district of Nepal's Karnali area, surrounded by stunning mountains and green trees. The lake is 2,972 meters above sea level.
Rara Lake can be reached after a three-hour trek west from the district headquarters in Gamgadhi. Rara Lake has an area of 10.8 square kilometres, a maximum length of 5 kilometres, a width of 3.2 kilometres, and a depth of 167 meters.
Image Source: Global Adventure Trekking
Caption: Rara Lake
Rara Lake's beauty cannot be captured in a single season. Rara Lake is covered in snow during the winter, and it is covered in blooms from the end of the month of May to the first week of July.
Rara Lake changes colour several times per day. Sometimes it's blue, sometimes it's purple, sometimes it's Cymric, and sometimes it's Gray. It changes colour four or five times daily, depending on the weather. The shadows of the Shinje and Kanjirowa mountains blend nicely with the changing hues of this lake. And a beautiful lake, which resembles a fairy in heaven, attracts travellers.
Rara Lake is bordered by peaks such as Chuchemara Takura (4,090m) to the south, Rum Kandh (6,732m) to the north, and Malika Kandh (3,445m) to the east. They have enhanced Rara Lake's beautiful appeal.
History Surrounding Rara Lake
Rara Lake is well-known for its association with the late King Mahendra. He is supposed to have visited this lake in 2020 B.S. by walking from Jumla. He then calls all of the local attractions.
After being charmed by the beauty of this lake, he dedicated several poems to Rara Lake. As a result, this lake became well-known worldwide after his visit.
Image Source: Radiant Treks
Caption: Rara Lake in Winter
Then, in 2032, this region was designated as a wetland area by establishing a park (Rara National Park). Similarly, at the time, the two villages of Chapra and Rara on the banks of Rara Lake were resettled in Nepalganj.
Durga BhanjanGulma of the Nepal Army began to look after the national Park about three years after it was established. Because this lake is associated with King Mahendra, it is also known as Mahendra Lake. It is also stated that King Mahendra named this lake 'Apsara' after falling in love with it.
Major Tourist Attractions Around Rara Lake
There are several things and places to visit around Rara Lake. They are:
#1. Rara National Park
Rara Lake is located within the Rara National Park. The National Park is one of the reasons for the beauty of this lake since the various flora, fauna, and species found in this area have added to its attractiveness.
Image Source: Tiger Encounter
Caption: Rara National Park
There are 51 species of mammals in this Himalayan National Park, including the Himalayan black bear, thar, ghoral, ratuwa deer, habre, Musk Deer, and others. The Park is home to 272 bird species, including monals, coots, scarecrows, and various varieties of ducks, pheasants, and common teal.
Rara Lake and the Park's surrounding woodland region have become suitable habitats for various local and migratory species. Three native Asala fish species can be found here.
#2. Murmatap
Murmatap, located at an elevation of more than 3200 meters above sea level, is the best sight near Rara Lake. From this vantage point, Rara Lake, Nepal's largest lake, may be seen in the shape of a bowl.
Murmatap, which has attracted many internal and external tourists, can be visited by more than a half-dozen districts in the far western and mid-western zones.
#3. Bird Watching
Rara Lake is teeming with migratory birds. Birds from Siberia, Tibet, Europe, and India flock to Lake Rara to cool down, and Rara today contains over 300 bird species.
Twenty of the 49 bird species that visit Rara still enjoy the waters of Rara, while more than 300 are found alone in Rara National Park. Tourist activities in Rara have increased due to the introduction of foreign birds.
#4. Natural Beauty
From the month of Jestha to the month of Ashwin, Rara Lake, which changes shape throughout the day, resembles a fairy of paradise decked with numerous flowers. Another unique aspect of Rara Lake is the presence of Asala (Himalayan) fish, found nowhere else in the world.
Image Source: Rara Traveller Home
Caption: Rara Lake covered in Snow
Murmatap on the west can be reached after a three-hour trek from Raratal. One can obtain a panoramic view of Saipal Mountain and stunning vistas of Rara Lake from here.
The lake provides panoramic views of the Sisne and Kanjirova mountains and the 'Asala' fish species, which is found nowhere else.
How Can You Reach Rara Lake?
Rara Lake can be reached by air as well as land. If you prefer to go by private vehicle overland, your adventure will stop once you get to Sallaghari, which is closer to the lake. Many people enjoy riding their motorcycles to discover the beauty of this lake.
Air travel from Nepalgunj to Talcha (Mugu) is the most common and convenient option for Rara because it saves time and provides comfort. The number of individuals taking local buses to Rara has recently surged.
Many private travel companies have now launched regular and low-cost Rara holiday packages. No matter which mode of transportation you prefer, you must walk for 2-3 hours because driving inside the park is prohibited, which provides a distinct type of fun and experience.
When Should You Visit Rara Lake?
Although Rara Lake is open all year, autumn (September, October, and November) and spring (March, April, and May) are considered the finest times to visit.
Because of the blossoming flowers, the lake's surrounding areas become vivid during these seasons. Similarly, the weather and temperature of this lake fall below zero degrees in winter; nonetheless, travellers still trek here during this time to explore the snow-covered Rara.
FAQ Related To Rara Lake Trek
How challenging is the hike to Rara Lake?
The Rara Lake short trip is relatively easy, and the Rara Lake trekking path can be readily completed by novice and intermediate-level trekkers.
How much does the Rara Lake trip cost?
The hike will cost you anywhere between $1,454 and $2,060, depending on the quality of your guide and the level of comfort you choose.
What is the elevation of Rara Lake?
The highest lake in Nepal is 5,351 meters (17,556 feet). However, because of the trek length, one will have enough time to adjust to the shifting altitude.