1 | Introduction to Rara Lake
Rara Lake, which is the biggest lake of Nepal by area (10.8 km²) though not by volume, was also announced a Ramsar(wetland) site some years ago. This lake is admired for its beautiful sapphire-blue water and is surrounded by immaculate pine forest and snow-capped mountains.
2 | Where is Rara Lake on the Map of Nepal?
1.Karnali Province, Mugu District
2.Rara National Park, one of the conservation areas. Use these GPS coordinates (29.5236° N, 82.1244° E) to help you find the exact spot.
3 | Geographical Location & Access
The fastest way to get there, and the one that attracts most visitors to the lake, is to fly to Nepalgunj in about 50 minutes, and then to take a short flight to arrive at Talcha airport after roughly 40 minutes, followed by a three- to four-hour trek, travel by jeep, or even less by horse or mule to lake's west shore, all of which can be done in a single day and so it is the most frequently used travel schedule.
For those looking to do a land crossing, in place of a domestic flight, hikers can take a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj or Jumla and continue on a succession of jeep tracks supplemented with trekking; this option takes about three or four days over about 650 km. The nearest airport is Talcha Airport, also known as Rara Airport, or VNRR, located four kilometres directly east of the lake. For those
4 | Rara Lake Height & Surrounding Peaks
1. Lake altitude: 2,990 m / 9,810 ft above sea level
2. Backdrop:
1. Chuchemara Danda – 4,087 m / 13,409 ft
2. Murma Top – 3,630 m / 11,910 ft
3.Their snowy summits frequently mirror on the glassy water at dawn and dusk, an iconic photo moment.
5 | Why Visit Rara Lake?
1. Unspooled wilderness—A handful of people who go to Annapurna or Everest visit this place, so the trails remain nice and quiet.
2. Water is crystal clear and color changes. It seems like the lake can change its hue as many as five times in a single day.
3. Nature lovers will be interested in the Himalayan black bear, red panda, musk deer, and more than 200 birds such as the great crested grebe and common teal.
4. The Thakuri and Malla cultures are still practiced in the far-off areas of Rara, Murma, and Gamgadhi village.
5. Excellent times for trekking are in the spring, from March to May, and in the autumn, from September to November.
6 | Tips for Travellers
Permits & paperwork
Permit, Where to buy, Fee
Rara National Park Entry Nepal Tourism Board (Kathmandu) or on‑site checkpoint NPR 3,000 (foreigners), 1,500 (SAARC), 100 (Nepali)
Fees updated 2024; carry cash NPR.
Health & altitude
1. Mild Acute Mountain Sickness can still strike at 3,000 m – ascend gradually, hydrate and schedule a night in Talcha or Murma Top before rigorous hikes.
2. Carry Diamox if you have no prior experience with 3 km; consult your doctor first.
Packing checklist
Essentials Notes
1. Layered clothing, Daytime 5–20 °C, sub‑zero nights outside of summer
2. Waterproof jacket & pack cover, Sudden showers even in shoulder seasons
3 . Headlamp & extra batteries. Limited electricity in lodges
4. Water‑purification tablets/filter, reduce plastic waste
5 .Power bank / solar charger, Unreliable grid
6 .Permit copies & passport photos, Checkpoints en route
7 | Conclusion
Rara Lake sits high at 2,990 m inside Nepal's remotest national park, yet it is now just a couple of short domestic flights plus a scenic half‑day walk from Kathmandu. With mirror‑like water, dramatic alpine backdrops and far fewer trekkers, it remains one of the Himalaya's last hidden gems. Start planning now, secure your permits, and let the quiet majesty of western Nepal amaze you.
Ready to explore? Hop Nepal's local partners can arrange flights, guides and lodge reservations for a seamless Rara adventure.
