Rara Lake Trekking Nepal

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 the sun’s rays 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 altitude. 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 trekking in 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 the 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 make 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 modernisation. Stone houses, traditional attire, and ancient agriculture methods predominate in 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 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 movement. 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 waived 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 things 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 clothes 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 sturdy and waterproof hiking boots 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 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 are available.

However, beyond that, all accommodations are basic teahouses. Teahouses are small houses, mostly made of wood and stone. 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 places.

For Wi-Fi, teahouses on the route provide the service for an 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 from Talcha to Nepalgunj and from 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 continuing 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 on 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 customisation 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