Rara Lake Trek
"Nepal's Largest Lake. Nepal's Quietest Trail."
Trek Gallery
Your Journey to Rara Lake
Follow every step of the Rara Lake Trek — from Kathmandu to Departure. Click on any waypoint to see detailed information.
3,480m
Highest Point
Pina
130 km
Total Distance
Estimated trail distance
9
Key Waypoints
Villages, camps & peaks
+2,080m
Elevation Gain
From Kathmandu
💡 Tip: Click on any waypoint on the map to see detailed information about that stop
Trek Overview
The Rara Lake Trek leads to Nepal's largest lake, tucked away in the remote far-western Karnali region, a part of the country almost entirely bypassed by the standard trekking circuits. While Everest, Annapurna, and even Manaslu see thousands of trekkers a season, fewer than 1,000 people visit Rara each year, making this one of the most genuinely untouched trekking experiences left in Nepal. The journey itself is part of the appeal. After flying from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and on to Jumla, you'll trek through a landscape unlike anywhere else on Nepal's popular routes rolling pine and juniper forests, remote Chhetri and Thakuri villages, wide open meadows, and quiet mountain passes, all without another trekking group in sight. The trail passes through the historic Sinja Valley, birthplace of the Nepali language, before arriving at Rara Lake itself: a vast, still expanse of turquoise water ringed by forested ridges at 2,990m, inside Rara National Park. This isn't a trek built around a single dramatic summit push, it's built around solitude, untouched wilderness, and a rare glimpse into a part of Nepal that development and mass tourism haven't reached. For trekkers who've done the classic routes and want something genuinely off the map, Rara Lake delivers exactly that.
Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport and meet our representative. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Attend a trek briefing with your guide.
Altitude
1,400m
Distance
N/A
Meals
Welcome Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel
What's Included
Included
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (before and after the trek)
- Tea house / homestay accommodation during the trek
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during trekking
- All ground transportation as per the itinerary
- Airport or tourist bus station transfers
- Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Rara National Park entry permit
- Trekking map and trip completion certificate
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal visa fee ($50 for 30 days)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Personal expenses (laundry, phone, hot showers, charging)
- Tips for guides and porters (recommended)
- Alcoholic and bottled beverages
- Any costs arising from unforeseen circumstances
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Extra nights in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj beyond the itinerary
- Costs from flight delays due to weather (common on the Jumla route)
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
You'll spend nights in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj in comfortable hotels before and after the trek. On the trail itself, accommodation is more basic than on Nepal's popular routes, a mix of simple teahouses and local homestays run by Karnali families, since this region sees far fewer trekkers and has less developed tourist infrastructure. Rooms are twin-share with a bed and blanket. Hot showers and Wi-Fi are rare to nonexistent along most of the route, and electricity may be limited to a few hours in the evening.
Meals
All meals during the trek are included. Breakfast typically consists of porridge, eggs, and flatbread. Lunches and dinners feature dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), local vegetables, noodles, and simple soups. Vegetarian options are always available. Because this route is far more remote than Nepal's main trekking regions, menu variety is noticeably simpler throughout, this is very much a trek where meals are hearty and local rather than varied.
Difficulty & Fitness
Requirements
- Ability to walk 4–7 hours per day on hilly, forested terrain
- Comfortable hiking up and down moderate trails
- No serious heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions
- No previous hiking experience required, though helpful
- Comfort with basic, remote facilities and flexible itinerary
Training Tips
- Start cardio training 3–4 weeks before the trek
- Include regular hiking with a light backpack
- Practice stair climbing (up and down)
- Strengthen leg muscles with squats and lunges
Packing List
- Moisture-wicking base layers (3–4)
- Waterproof outer shell jacket
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Warm socks (4–5 pairs)
- Insulating fleece/down jacket
- Trekking pants (2 pairs)
- Gloves (liner + insulated)
- Comfortable camp clothes
Best Time to Trek
March - May (Spring)
Pros
- Clear mountain views and pleasant trekking conditions
- Wildflowers and rhododendrons blooming along the lower trail
- Warmer temperatures at Rara Lake itself
- Good visibility for the passes
Cons
- Occasional late-season snow lingers at higher passes
- Flight delays to Jumla possible in early spring
Safety & Altitude Awareness
Safety Measures
- All guides are certified by Nepal Mountaineering Association
- Guides carry first aid kits and pulse oximeters
- Regular health checks throughout the trek
- 1:6 guide-to-trekker ratio (maximum)
Altitude Sickness
- This is a comparatively low-altitude trek, but mild AMS symptoms can occur above 3,000m, particularly at Ghurchi Lagna and Danphe Lagna passes
- Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping
- Prevention: proper hydration (4 liters/day recommended), steady pace, frequent breaks
- No dedicated acclimatization day is required given the trek's moderate altitude profile
Emergency Protocol
- 24/7 emergency contact support from Kathmandu office
- Helicopter evacuation can be arranged, though response times are longer given the route's remoteness
- Portable first-aid kit carried by your guide
- Rescue coverage must be included in your insurance
- Nearest medical facilities: basic health post in Jumla, with full medical care only available back in Nepalgunj or Kathmandu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for Your Adventure?
Join trekkers from around the world on this life-changing journey.
$1,450
per person
12 Days
adventure
4.7
0 reviews
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