

- TRIP DURATION
- 13 Days
- MAX. ALTITUDE
- 3691 meters
- TRIP GRADE
- Moderate
- LODGING
- Hotel and Tea House
- BEST SEASON
- Autumn and Winter
- MEALS
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- COMMUNICATION
- Wi-Fi/ Local SIM Card
- PER DAY WALK
- 6 to 7 Hours
Rara Lake Trekking Nepal
Rara Lake is the largest and one of the highest glacial lakes in the pristine settings of the Mugu district of Nepal. It is often described as a mythical blue jewel, “Queen of Lakes”, for its natural scenery and mountain views. In the midst of this, the region offers a perfect destination for the Rara Lake Trek.
Rara Lake is situated in the far-western region of Nepal, in the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas and lush pine forests. This lake falls within the protected area, Rara National Park.
It is one of the most remote regions in Nepal. Though challenging, with rocky terrain, the Rara Lake Trek rewards its visitors with some of the most captivating views. The reflection of staggering peaks on the turquoise-blue lake is just magical.
Unlike popular trekking routes like the Everest Base Camp Trek route or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek route, Rara Lake trekking offers solitude, silence, and an untouched natural world. This mesmerising alpine lake on the remotest land of Nepal makes the most beautiful trekking route for the nature lover.
About Rara Lake
Rara Lake is not just Nepal’s largest lake but also one of the most iconic, stunning natural wonders. The lake is located far from human settlements and noise, surrounded by alpine meadows and dense pine forests. This trek offers a peaceful experience in its purest form.
Where is Rara Lake located?
Rara Lake lies in one of the remotest regions of Nepal, in the Mugu district. It is a part of the Karnali Province in the far-western region of Nepal. This heavenly piece of beauty is 300 km away from Kathmandu in the Mugu district.
As the lake is situated within Rara National Park, the trekkers might be able to spot some of the rare plant and animal species. Also, due to its remote location, trekkers can have the whole trail for themselves. However, they are advised to stick to the route and not disturb the natural ecosystem.
Height of Rara Lake
Rara Lake is situated at an elevation of 2990 meters (9810 ft) above sea level. Due to this elevation, the area experiences cool temperatures year-round. There is also the risk of altitude sickness. So, the trekkers are advised to acclimatise properly.
Area of Rara Lake
Rara is a beast with 10.8 sq. km (4.2 sq. miles) of total land and a depth of around 167 meters. It stretches approximately 5.1 km (3.2 miles) in length and 2.7 km (1.7 miles) in width.
The water of this lake is so pristine and blue, like it’s never been touched before, protected by the dense alpine forest nearby. Numerous small streams feed into the lake, while it drains into the Mugu Karnali River via the Nijar River.
Why Rara Lake Trekking?
Well, Nepal has many popular trekking routes that take you to the proximity of mountains and different glacier lakes in Nepal. Unfortunately, many such popular routes have now faced a huge upsurge in the number of incoming tourists, making them too crowded in the peak season.
However, Rara Lake Trekking is less visited and preserved in its rawest form. Also, the fact that you have multiple trekking routes or even flights to get to Rara Lake makes it exciting.
You can take a longer route to Rara Lake for more than 15 days or a shorter route of 6-7 days, depending on your choices.
Also, you get to witness the exceptional biodiversity of wild fauna, such as musk deer, red pandas, Himalayan black bears, etc., in the Rara National Park. Also, it is an excellent spot for bird watching and pony riding during the Rara Lake Trekking.
And just to add a cultural spark, the hospitality and the food of the Thakuri and Chhetri people in this region are amazing. With many Nepalese tourists also trekking on the route, you have some great opportunities to make friends here.
Rara Lake Trek Highlights
- Trek to the pristine blue Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest lake
- Explore Nepal’s remotest land and an untouched natural paradise
- Witness spectacular flora and fauna within Rara National Park
- Paradise for birdwatching and wildlife spotting
- View panoramas of mountain vistas like Api and Saipal without having to take the risk of altitude sickness.
- Visit Sinja Valley, Nepal’s historical capital of the Malla Dynasty
- Stay in the homes of Thakali and Chettri people
- Visit old monasteries and Temples in the villages of the far west
- Get to witness the life and landscape of Terai, Hill, and Mountain all at the same time
- Scenic mountain flight over the Himalayas and deep valleys to Jumla or Talcha
- Boating in the crystal-clear waters of Rara Lake

Typical Day in Rara Lake
Each day on the Rara Lake Trek Itinerary is memorable. You will wake early in the morning with the golden orange sun rising behind the magnificent mountains. It is just beautiful.
Then, once you freshen up, you are going to have a delicious breakfast. Maybe try some yak cheese, Tibetan bread, and yak milk tea or coffee.
Only at around 8 am will you start your trek. The trail passes through several remote villages, lush forests, pastures, and rivers. You will encounter locals, yaks, and herds of sheep.
After walking for a few hours, we will be stopping at some teahouses for a satisfying lunch. While you are enjoying lunch, do not forget to enjoy the view.
Again, we will continue trekking to Rara Lake. Once at Rara, you can spend the rest of the day walking along its shores, exploring nearby places, and capturing this beautiful scenery.
You can even rent a boat and go boating. Visiting Murma Top or just lying under the sun, listening to the symphony of birds and flowing water, is also a good option.
Evenings are usually spent around a warm fire, enjoying hearty meals and local stories.
Rara Lake Helicopter Tour
For those who want to experience the grandeur of Rara without having to trek for several days, a helicopter tour is a good option. It offers a unique perspective of the region and an aerial view of Rara. For those who are short on time, this option is also ideal.
You can choose to fly directly from Kathmandu or from Nepalgunj. The flight flies over picturesque local villages, verdant forests, rivers, and ultimately to Rara Lake.
Besides just capturing scenery through your camera lens, try to enjoy the moment physically. You can even have a luxury picnic beside the lake.
After spending a few hours, it’s time to return.
Rara Lake Jeep Tour
Apart from the popular Jumla Rara Lake Trek, the Rara Lake jeep tour is another popular option in Nepal.
The jeep tour to Rara is an adventurous option to explore the rugged, remote western part of Nepal. This tour generally starts from Nepalgunj or Surkhet.
The journey takes you through gravel roads, lush valleys, and local traditional Thakuri villages.
Depending on your departure location, this might take 6-10 days. If departing from Kathmandu, the tour passes through villages like Kohalpur, Surkhet, Kalikot, Manma, and finally Talcha.
From Talcha, you can choose to hike (around 3 3-hour hike). Or drive further up to the Rara National Park’s gate, up to Milichaur (about a 1-hour drive), which costs about NPR 3500 ($30) one way. You also have an option of horse riding to Rara Lake, which costs about NPR 1500 ($12) one way.
However, if you are driving up to Milichaur, you will still need to hike for an hour to reach the lake. So, we suggest hiking from Talcha for a more immersive experience.
Important Notes for Rara Lake Trek
Rara trekking region is among the few restricted areas of Nepal, and here are a few things you should know before trekking here.
- Must be in a group of at least two people. Solo trekking is not permitted in this region.
- You must book your trek with a licensed Nepalese trekking agency or at least hire a guide; independent trekking in the Rara region is not permitted.
- If you have to stay more than 10 days in the Rara region, you should extend the permit time.
Benefits of Booking Rara Lake Trek With Us
- Well-planned and managed itinerary, permits, transportation, accommodation and food.
- Himalayan Masters branded down jacket for the trek, along with trekking poles, sleeping bags, crampons, etc.
- Cap, water bottle, water purification tablet, t-shirt, etc., as a souvenir from our side.
- Assistance in buying or renting trekking gear.
- A certificate of trek completion will be awarded once you have completed the trek.
- Licensed, experienced local guide for the trek.
- Easy trek customisation is available according to your needs and fitness level.
- In case of emergency or even helicopter evacuation, prompt support and backup.
ITINERARY
Day 01 : Arrival in Kathmandu
Your Rara Trek Itinerary begins from Kathmandu (1400 m/4593 ft). You can either directly start your trekking journey from the airport with the Nepalgunj flight, or you can fly the next day too.
Once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, one of our staff members will be waiting at the airport to receive you. Then, we will drive you to your hotel.
Once you have freshened up and had some food, you can visit our Himalayan Masters office in Saat Ghumti, Thamel, for a briefing session. Or, if you have any last-minute shopping or preparation left, we will assist you to be ready for the Rara Lake Trekking.
If time allows, you can visit around Thamel, explore local markets, and visit one of the popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Meal : Dinner
Accommodation : Hotel
Walking / Driving : 30 mins drive
Day 02: Fly From Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Now our Rara Trek Itinerary officially begins.
We will first pick you up from your hotel lobby, or you can come to our office and drive to the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport. After about a 40-45 minute flight, we will reach Nepalgunj (150 m/492 ft).
Nepalgunj is among the biggest cities in the western south of Nepal with a close border to India. If you are already in India, you can join the trip from Nepalgunj.
As far as possible, we will take a morning flight of about 9 to 11 am. So, we will drive to the airport after breakfast and reach Nepalgunj for lunch.
Then, we have the whole day to explore Nepalgunj. We will visit some local temples and food stalls so that we can witness the life of the Terai people.
Meal : Breakfast
Accommodation : Hotel
Walking / Driving : 1 hour flight
Day 03: Fly From Nepalgunj to Jumla and trek to Chere Chaur
Now, this is another relaxing yet very exciting day of the Rara Lake Itinerary. From the crowded city of Nepalgunj, we fly all into the isolated land of the Himalayas in less than 20 minutes.
The morning flight to Jumla is a beautiful experience, with stunning views of hills and mountains.
This commercial centre of Mugu district, Jumla, is a starting point for our trek. As you are already at 2370 meters (7776 ft), make sure you acclimatise properly and drink enough water thereafter.
We will take some time to arrange our backpack, buy some snacks, and complete the remaining preparations. Now, the trek starts with a walk to Chere Chaur (3010 m/9875 ft). Chere Chaur is a beautiful hilltop, about 600 meters above Jumla.
The trek is about 5-6 hours. There are lots of ascending and descending involved during the trek, so make sure that you walk slowly and at the same pace.
In midday, we shall stop at a small market in Khalanga to enjoy our lunch. Then, we cross a few more villages before crashing at Chere Chaur for the night’s stay.
Note: If you take the Rara Lake Short trek and fly to Talcha, you will not visit these villages along the way.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 20 min flight/ 5-6 hours trek
Day 04: Trek to Chalachaur
This is also a relatively easy trekking day as we walk down the western trails. Today’s walk involves a little ascent in the tropical jungle of rhododendron, birch, and pine forests.
In midday, we climb Jaljala Pass at a height of 3,580 meters and witness the beautiful Kanjiroba Himal before us. Then we descend for a couple of hours to the grassland named Jaljala Chaur.
We will stop around Jaljala Pass or any teahouse on the route for lunch.
Now, we will be into the Rara Circuit trail; we will rest at Chalachaur (2980 m/9777 ft). It’s about 5-6 hours of total trek.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 5 to 6 hours
Day 05: Trek to Sinja Valley
The trek route from Chalachaur to Sinja Valley (2490 m/8169 ft) is also easy. Our destination for the 5th day of the Rara Lake Itinerary is a beautiful traditional valley of Sinja.
In the first section of the trek, we will be crossing and trekking along the Jaljala River. The grassland near the river basins is the best photogenic spot before we ascend further up towards Sinja.
Sinja used to be the capital of Khasa’s Malla kings in the 13th century. However, it is now a remote village inhabited by Thakali people.
Today, we will be trekking for about 6 hours. Along the route, we will stop in one of the teahouses near the river for lunch. Do not expect luxury, they are just basic teahouses offering local, simple foods. Dal Bhat is the best option we can suggest.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 5-6 hours
Day 06: Trek to Ghorosingha
Now, this is quite a long day, and we ought to leave Sinja quite early in the morning. From here, we follow a river path heading to the east, thus getting to Laha for lunch.
Today’s trek is about 5-6 hours long, featuring prayer flags and chortens along the route. After we had rejuvenated with an appetising lunch, we continued walking towards Ghorosingha (3050 m/10,007 ft).
We will spend the night in one of the teahouses in Ghorosingha, from where you can view distant ridges.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 5 to 6 hours
Day 07: Trek to Rara Lake
This is the most awaited day in our itinerary. After having breakfast, we will head towards Rara Lake through cedar and spruce forests, via villages like Majhghatta and Chhapri.
The trail ascends towards Chuchemara Danda in the first part of the trek. From the top and through the trees, we can get glimpses of the serene Rara Lake just before us.
Then the route descends gently into the Lake. After about 5-6 hours of trek, we can reach the lake. It’s gonna be a beautiful and cold night on the premises of the Rara Lake trekking route.
We are going to have lunch today en route.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation : Tea house
Walking / Driving : 6-7 hours
Day 08: Explore Rara
This is a beautiful day at Rara Lake. You wake up in the morning with the most spectacular view of a lake and the reflection of mountains in it. It’s a great time to hire a pony and take some beautiful pictures.
When the lake is not frozen, going boating could be a good idea. You might also be able to go boating in the right season. You can also hike to Murma Top for a closer view of the mountain. Or, if you are not up for a 5 to 6-hour Murma hike, then you can just relax in your guesthouse and explore the nearby areas.
It is a perfect spot for exploring migratory birds, and some rare wildlife species like musk deer and red pandas.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation : Tea House
Day 09: Trek to Pina (2440 m)
Now, it’s time to wave goodbye to Rara Lake and walk down to the lower altitude, back home.
Leaving the beautiful Rara Lake after breakfast in the morning, we hike through the tropical forest. After walking for about 3-4 hours, we will reach Gamgadhi, the administrative centre of Mugu District.
We are going to have our lunch in this small Magar village of Gamghadi, or at Balai village. Then, we walk in the forest of Jhyari Khola on the Rara Lake trekking route and finally reach Pina.
The trek lasts about 4-5 hours and concludes in the village of Pina. You can stay in a comfortable teahouse in Pina, at 2440 meters (8005 ft) elevation.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 4-5 hours
Day 10: Trek to Bumra
This is another challenging day of the Rara Lake Itinerary as we hike to Bumra (2850 m/9350 ft).
Firstly, we hike through the Ghurchi Langna Pass at an altitude of 3,480 meters. After hiking to the highest altitude of the trek, you will be greeted with colourful prayer flags and a view of the mesmerising Karnali River.
After taking some beautiful pictures here, we walk down to Bulbule, which is probably our lunch location for today. From here, we move to the South on Chautha and call it a day at the beautiful village in Bumra/Nauri Ghat of the Rara Lake trekking route.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 5-6 hours
Day 11: Trek to Jumla
Now, brace yourself for a final trekking day.
Firstly, we walk down from Bumra to cross suspension bridges and climb along the Hima River. After some descent, we can stop at the hot spring; a quick bath in a natural hot spring is going to be truly rejuvenating.
Only after midday, we walk via Danphe Lagna Pass and cross over 3691 meters (12,110 ft), the highest point in the trek. Then we walk down to Chere Chaur and retrace our path all the way to Jumla.
We can stop at Danphe Lagna for lunch before descending into Jumla Valley. Day 11 is a total of around 5-6 hours of trekking.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accommodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 5-6 hours
Day 12: Fly to Nepalgunj, Fly to Kathmandu
The trip is almost over, and you have successfully completed the circuit of Rara Lake.
We will try to book an early morning flight to Nepalgunj so that we have more time to explore Nepalgunj. We can also visit the Indian border and do some shopping, probably at a cheaper price.
However, our original plan is to fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. In the evening, you have some time for souvenir shopping. Most importantly, we shall all gather together for a farewell dinner and a final celebration, where you will also get a certificate on the completion of the Rara Lake trekking.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch
Accommodation : Hotel
Walking / Driving : 20mins+ 1 hours flight
Day 13: Final Departure
Now it’s time to head back to your home. We will provide a shuttle service and drop you off at the airport.
Moreover, if you have a few more days on your visa, you can spend exploring the Kathmandu Valley. You can even go on wildlife exploration at Chitwan National Park or Bardiya National Park.
Meal : Breakfas
useful info
Best Time to Visit Rara Lake
Rara Lake Trek is definitely possible throughout the year. Almost all of the trekking regions we visit are from 2,000 meters to 3,000 meters above sea level. This altitude has comfortable weather with the warmth of sunrays and the soft wind of the mountains.
However, we recommend trekking in autumn and spring the most. Autumn provides some of the best views of the Himalayas, while spring is full of colourful rhododendrons and wildflowers. The chances of snowfall and rainfall from March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn) are almost nil.
Rara Trek trekking can be done in monsoon and winter as well. The western region of Nepal receives comparatively less rainfall in the monsoon than other parts of Nepal. This means that if you are in Nepal from June to July, this can be a good trekking option.
Likewise, it can also be done in winter with little preparation and guidance. Areas above 5,000 meters are covered with snow, and it is quite risky. However, in comparison to other base camp treks of about 5,000 meters, travel to Rara Lake is a safer winter trek.

Rara Lake Tour Cost
Depending on the season, facilities provided during the trek, group size, and the cost of flight tickets, the Rara Lake Tour cost might change. Also, the duration, route taken, and mode of transportation, the trek cost can range between $1200 and $1700 per person.
If you are trekking with Himalayan Masters, you can complete the whole trek at just $1420 per person. This includes domestic flights, accommodation, food, guides, permits, and a few trekking gears.
For those preferring a jeep tour, which takes about 7 to 9 days, the price can range from $800 to $1,200, depending on group size and vehicle arrangements. A helicopter tour, ideal for those with limited time, can cost between $4,000 to $6,000, often shared among 4–5 people.
In addition to this standard cost, there are some additional hidden costs that you need to consider. You can expect to be spending about $20-$25 daily for snacks, additional services like hot water, Wi-Fi, electricity charging, etc., in the teahouses, tips, donations at monasteries, and so on.
If you need to buy or rent trekking gear, you can add its cost to your overall Rara Lake trek cost.
How Hard is Rara Lake Trek
Trekking to Rara Lake is considered a moderately difficult trek. Rara is considered a moderately difficult trek. Although the trek is long, you do not gain a lot of attitudes. The highest altitude during the trek is 3600 m, and the overall route is comfortable.
Obviously, you wouldn’t need any technical knowledge or previous experience of a high-altitude trek on the journey. However, you will be walking 5 to 6 hours each day, covering about 10 to 12 km. So, keeping yourself physically and mentally healthy will be important.
The main challenge is the remoteness of the area. There are limited facilities on the route. So, you will need to carry all your essentials like medicines and trekking gear.
Do engage in some good exercises and cardio while you are in your home country so that you can boost your energy.
Any newbie who hasn’t been to trek in all of their life can also easily accomplish the Rara Lake Short Trek. Proper planning and guidance from your guide ensure a successful, safe, and enjoyable trekking experience.
Weather of Rara Lake Trek
As it is not a high-altitude trek, the weather here varies significantly by season but is manageable. Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for trekking; monsoons face heavy rain, and winters are freezing cold.
Spring and autumn have some of the best trekking conditions, with clear skies, pleasing temperatures, and dry trails. The temperature during these seasons ranges from 10°C to 20°C during the daytime, whereas night temperature can drop below freezing.
While summer/monsoon can be a little warmer. In addition, monsoon is featured with downpours, making the trails muddy and wet. This further increases the Rara Lake trek difficulty. Despite the challenges, monsoons bring wildlife alive. Blooming vibrant rhododendrons makes the route really awesome.
In contrast, winters can be really challenging. The temperature can drop below -10°C. As the route can be covered with snow, navigation during this season is a big problem. However, if you would like to get a glimpse of snow-covered, glittering mountain peaks, winter trekking is also manageable.
Culture and Wildlife Experience During Rara Lake Trek
The trek to Rara Lake is not just a nature walk but a look through into the ethnic and cultural diversity of Nepal’s western hills. You will be walking through Thakuri, Magar, and Chhetri-dominated villages, each with its own dialect, festival, and tradition.
In Mugu and the surrounding Sinja Valley, you’ll also encounter remnants of the old Khas kingdom, which is claimed to be the origin of the Nepali language.
Cultural practices here are still unscathed by modernization. Stone houses, traditional attire, and ancient agriculture methods predominate everyday life. Tourists can experience local dances, listen to folk songs, and even join seasonal celebrations if timed properly.
The region is also home to diverse wildlife within Rara National Park. Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, goral, and various birds, including Danphe (Himalayan Monal), Nepal’s national bird, can be expected.
Rara’s surrounding forests are a combination of pine, cedar, spruce, and rhododendron, and they add ecological and aesthetic diversity.
Safety
Unlike other high altitude and camping treks like Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek or Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek, Rara Lake Trek is considered safe. When done with an expert guide, the trek becomes even more immersive.
However, there are some of the safety measures that you need to follow on the trail.
- Always trek with a certified guide or in a group.
- Carry essential medicines and a basic first aid kit.
- Keep someone informed about your route and expected return.
- Drink boiled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal issues.
- Be cautious on slippery trails, especially during monsoon.
- Stick to the route; do not stray from the standard trekking route.
- Do not disturb the natural habitat.
- In case of wildlife encounters, don’t be afraid or chase them. Let them pass by.
- Prepare for temperature fluctuations and limited mobile connectivity.
- Emergency evacuation via helicopter is available but expensive. Insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and evacuation is highly recommended.
- At all times, listen to your guide.
Permits for Trekking Rara Lake
Now, please note that you need three different kinds of permits for trekking in the Rara Region.
Rara Lake National Park Permit: This can be issued only at an entry point once you get into this region and costs NPR 3000 (about $25) per person for foreigners.
Mugu Restricted Area Permit: The restricted area permit is assigned for a few remote regions of Nepal to control the flow of tourist and track their move. You can get this permit from Kathmandu only, but you need to meet some special criteria. The cost for this permit is $90.
TIMS card: Ask your trekking agency if you still need a TIMS card, as most of the trekking regions have waved off TIMS cards recently. If needed, it costs about NRP 2000 ($17) and can only be issued from Kathmandu.
Rara Trekking Gear List
This is not a high-altitude trek, so the weather and terrain are not so extreme. However, as the trek traverses through some of the remotest regions of Nepal, it is better that you are well-stuffed.
First thing first, there is no hard and fast rule for what to pack and what not to for the trek. The packing list for Rara Trekking can vary based on your personal preferences and the season you are trekking.
However, it is important that you pack warm clothes for the trek. We suggest you follow the layering method. Pack a few pairs of comfortable, warm merino wool cloth for a base layer and an insulating fleece jacket for the mid-layer. Likewise, packing a down jacket and rain covers is wise.
Additionally, you must have a sturdy and waterproof hiking boot for the trek. We suggest you bring the hiking boots that you have been using but in good condition. Packing a casual show for the teahouse is helpful.
Similarly, we suggest packing trekking poles, a sleeping bag (rated -25°C), a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a headlamp, a power bank (with good battery backup), and so on. You must not miss your medications, first aid kit, toiletries, and other personal hygiene items.
Accommodation
You will have three different types of accommodation during the trip.
In the cities of Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, we will be staying in comfortable hotels. In the Jumla, you will get to stay in a decent guest house. You will have a comfortable room with all amenities and a private bathroom. Wi-Fi, charging, hot shower, and everything else is available.
However, beyond that, all accommodations are basic teahouses. Teahouses are small houses, mostly made of wood and stones. The locals themselves cook you some good food and provide you with a warm bed.
Most rooms in the teahouse have two or three single beds, blankets, and a common bathroom. You should pay extra for facilities like a hot shower and electricity because the cost of the room is less than $5, and nothing else is included in the trek to Rara Lake.
Food
Talking about food while you travel to Rara Lake, all kinds of food of your choice Are available in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj. You can pick from Indian, Chinese, Italian, Nepalese, and all kinds of cuisine. Meals in hotels are not included in the package, so you have the freedom to eat anything you choose.
In the trekking routes, you mostly get Nepalese Dal Bhat for dinner and lunch. This unlimited buffet of steamed rice, mixed vegetables, and pulse soup is delicious. Other lunch and dinner options are noodles, fried rice, Mo: Mo, Thukpa, etc.
Likewise, for breakfast, you have the option of Tibetan bread, tea/coffee, oats, egg items, porridge, fruits, pancakes, and more.
Local Food on Rara Lake Trekking
While you are on the route or in Nepal, we suggest you try local foods. Local food on the Rara Trek route is simple and fresh, offering a taste of the mountain lifestyle.
Dal Bhat is the most common and ideal food option on the route. However, do not forget to taste Dhindo (millet or maize porridge) and roti made out of buckwheat or barley flour.
Likewise, yak cheese and milk tea are also equally must-try foods here.
Though the menu is limited, the food is warm, filling, and perfect for high-altitude trekking.
Communication (Mobile Network, Data, Wi-Fi)
Due to its remote location, communication facilities in the Rara region are limited. Nepal Telecom (NTC) and NCELL are the major mobile network providers in Nepal. However, NTC works better than NCELL in most of the places.
For Wi-Fi, teahouses on the route provide the service for some additional charge. It may be slow or unreliable, especially at higher elevations. Remember to inform your family and emergency contacts about it so that they do not worry.
ATM and Money Exchange
The last ATM and money exchange service you can find on the route is at Nepalgunj or Surkhet. So, it is important that you carry enough Nepali Rupees in cash. Therefore, we suggest you withdraw enough cash from Kathmandu.
You can exchange money in Kathmandu at any money exchange centre around Thamel. A copy of your passport, Nepal visa, and a few copies of passport-sized photos are required.
Rara Lake Short Itinerary
If you are not looking forward to a 15-day trek to Rara Lake, then there is another short way to reach there. Rara is also reachable in 3 days from Kathmandu directly by plane.
The newly established Talcha airport is just a few hours away from Rara Lake, and you can easily reach it on a half-hour flight from Nepalgunj.
Here is the 3-day Rara Lake trek short Itinerary
1st Day: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and to Talcha, then start trekking to Rara Lake
2nd Day: Stay in Rara and trek back to Talcha
3rd Day: Fly Talcha to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Rara Lake Distance
Reaching Rara Lake involves long distances, a combination of flight, drive and trekking.
Jumla to Rara Lake Distance
From Jumla, the lake is about 30 km (19 miles) away. The trek from Jumla to Rara usually takes 3 to 5 days through scenic villages and forests.
Kathmandu to Rara Lake Distance
From Kathmandu, the most common route involves a flight to Nepalgunj (about 365 km / 227 miles), followed by another short flight to Jumla Airport, and then continue trekking to the lake.
If you’re travelling by road from Kathmandu, the distance ranges around 835 km (519 miles) depending on the route taken, and the journey can take a few days, often on unpaved, rugged terrain.
Pokhara to Rara Lake Distance
From Pokhara, the road distance to Rara Lake is slightly shorter—about 750 km (466 miles). It typically takes 2 to 3 days to reach the lake by jeep, passing through towns like Butwal, Kohalpur, and Surkhet. Alternatively, travellers can fly from Pokhara to Nepalgunj and follow the same air and trekking route as from Kathmandu.
Surkhet to Rara Lake Distance by Road
If you’re beginning your journey from Surkhet, the distance to Rara Lake is around 300 km to 330 km (186 miles to 205 miles) by road, which takes approximately 14 to 18 hours via places like Kalikot and Gamgadhi.
Nepalgunj to Rara Lake Distance by Road
From Nepalgunj, the road distance is around 346 km (215 miles), which can take 18 to 20 hours. However, many opt to take the 45-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla and hike to the lake, which significantly reduces travel time.
Butwal to Rara Lake Distance
Lastly, from Butwal, another major city in southern Nepal, the road distance is about 563 km (350 miles), taking roughly 2 to 3 days to complete.
Booking Procedure
Booking the Rara Lake Trek with Himalayan Masters is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do so.
- You can contact us through email ([email protected]), WhatsApp (+977-9823636377), or fill out an online form from our official website.
- Then, we will get in touch with you and provide you with all the details about the trek. If you have any trek customization requests or things, we need to know about you, like if you have any medical conditions or allergies. We will design the Rara Lake Trek Itinerary accordingly.
- After you are satisfied with the itinerary and everything, you can make the booking payment. It is usually $200 or 20% of your trek cost. The booking amount is for arranging all the logistics, permits, and accommodation.
Now, you can visit Nepal any time, pay the rest of the due amount, and set out on the most exciting journey in the Himalayas.
Required Documents for Booking the Trek
- A copy of your passport
- Nepal visa with at least 6 months of validity
- Travel Insurance details
- Two passport-sized photos
- Emergency contact information
FAQs
What is the Rara Lake trek price?
Rara Trek’s cost for foreigners comes somewhere between $ 1200 and $ 1700. Depending upon the season, facilities provided during the trek, group size, and the cost of flight tickets, the price may vary within the year.
What is Rara Lake's altitude?
How to get to Jumla from Kathmandu?
Does it snow at Rara Lake?
How deep is Rara Lake?
Why is Rara Lake often called the "Queen of Lakes" in Nepal?
Is camping allowed at Rara Lake?
What activities can I do at Rara Lake?
Is fishing allowed at Rara Lake?
Can I swim in Rara Lake?
Is it safe to visit Rara Lake?
Speak to an Expert





Sandip Dhungana
Nepal 🇳🇵
Whatsapp: +977-9823636377
Speak to an Expert





Sandip Dhungana
Nepal 🇳🇵
Whatsapp: +977-9823636377