Rara Lake Trek: Nepal's Quiet Blue Jewel
- Duration
- 9 days
- Max altitude
- 3,710 m
- Difficulty
-
Moderate
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Spring (Mar–May)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $1,380.00
Overview
Rara is the largest lake in Nepal and one of the least visited places in the country. Most trekkers have never heard of it, which is exactly why it is so good. The water is a deep, clear blue, ringed by spruce and pine, with snow on the ridges above in spring and autumn.
You fly to Nepalgunj and then to the small airstrip at Talcha, and walk in through Jhyari and Murma over two gentle days. At the lake you stay two nights so you can walk the shore, climb to Murma Top for the view and just sit. Local families run the lodges and cook from what they grow.
The trek is private, led by a government-licensed guide, and works for first-time trekkers with a little fitness. Domestic travellers love it as a cool, calm escape, and international guests get a Nepal that still feels like itself.
Trip highlights
- Nepal's largest lake, almost without crowds
- Two nights at the lake for the shore walk and Murma Top view
- Pine and rhododendron forest, Thakuri and Chhetri villages
- Scenic flights Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Talcha
Day by day
The itinerary
-
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,400 m Hotel Notincluded
Airport pickup and a hotel transfer. Trek briefing in the evening.
-
Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj 150 m Hotel B
A flight of about an hour to the warm southern plains. Afternoon walk through the town and an early night.
-
Day 3: Fly to Talcha, walk to Jhyari 2,400 m 3-4 hrs Lodge B/L/D
A short mountain flight to Talcha, then a walk through forest to Jhyari.
-
Day 4: Walk to Rara Lake 2,990 m 5-6 hrs Lodge B/L/D
A climb through pine forest to the first view of the lake, then down to the shore.
-
Day 5: Murma Top and the lake shore 3,710 m 5-6 hrs Lodge B/L/D
Climb to Murma Top at 3,710 m for the view over the lake, then walk the shore in the afternoon.
-
Day 6: A full day at the lake 2,990 m Lodge B/L/D
Row on the lake, visit the village of Rara Gaun or just sit on the shore. Rest day before the return.
-
Day 7: Walk to Jhyari 2,400 m 4-5 hrs Lodge B/L/D
Retrace your steps through the forest, mostly downhill.
-
Day 8: Walk to Talcha, fly to Nepalgunj 150 m 2-3 hrs Hotel B/L
A short walk to the airstrip and the flight out.
-
Day 9: Fly to Kathmandu and depart 1,400 m B
Morning flight to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel or airport.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $1,680.00 | Comfortfrom $1,932.00 |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load |
| Transfers | Shared | Private |
What's included
Included
- Included: Airport pickup and drop in Kathmandu
- Included: Flights Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Talcha, return, including your guide's ticket
- Included: Hotel in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj with breakfast
- Included: Lodge accommodation on the trek, twin room
- Included: All meals on the trek
- Included: A government-licensed English-speaking guide and a porter for each two guests
- Included: Rara National Park entry permit and local permits
- Included: All government taxes and our service charge
Not included
- Not included: International airfare and the Nepal entry visa
- Not included: Travel insurance
- Not included: Meals in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj not listed
- Not included: Drinks, including bottled water and alcohol
- Not included: Tips for the guide and porter
- Not included: Extra costs from flight delays or weather, which are common in the far west
- Not included: Anything not listed under what is included
Know before you go
Suitability & requirements
Flights to Talcha depend on weather and can shift by a day, so keep a spare day in your schedule. Lodges are simple but warm and clean. Nights at the lake can be near freezing from November to March. The best months are April to May and October to November.
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller | $1,680.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 travellers | $1,380.00 | $300.00 |
| 4 to 6 travellers | $1,290.00 | $390.00 |
| 7 or more | $1,220.00 | $460.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
Traveller reviews
What travellers say
Why book with us
Every trail, one licensed team
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