Rara Lake Trekking

Detail Itinerary

Day 01Arrival In Kathmandu(1,350 m) and Transfer to Hotel. Overnight at HotelUpon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, our representative from Himkala Adventure greets you and transfers to hotel at Thamel. You could take rest or walk around Thamel in your leisure. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 02Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley and Trek Preparation. O/N at Hotel After breakfast, we begin our day tour around 9 am heading towards Swoyambhu, the monkey temple. It is 3 km far from Thamel and situated in the conical shaped hill. This is lovingly called the monkeys temple because there are about 460 monkeys in the hill wandering here and there. This is the place mostly influenced by the Bajrayana followers, often visited by the Newar people of Kathmandu and the visitors from out of Valley. After this, we descend down to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where we can differentiate two different architectures in the same place i.e. one is old one from the early 18th century and the other one is the neoclassical. There are many Hindu temples and courtyards to be visited. One of them is the Nasal Chowk, was famous for the King’s coronation. We move from here to Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath then return back to hotel and brief you about the Rara Lake trekking. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 03Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, 45 minutes. O.N at Hotel We drive from hotel to the domestic terminal and fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. It is 45 minutes easy flight to the western part of Nepal. After we land at Nepalgunj airport, we go to hotel at Nepalgunj. Overnight at Nepalgunj

Day 04Fly to Jumla (2,370 m) and trek to Danphe Langa (3,130 m), 6 hrs. O/N at Tented Camp We fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla which is one of the Nepal’s remote airstrips. It is 900 m long and it has easy approach. This is the gateway of northwest trek. The flight takes 35 minutes to Jumla. We can reach to Jumla Bazaar after 10 minutes walk. After having breakfast, we follow the trail to Rara through the north bank of Tila Khola then turn up the other small stream. When we follow the trail through the river, the Jumla Valley disappears behind the ridge. We pass the rice fields and pine forest and ascend to Padmara Valley. This is steep and the canyon is found very narrow with vertical cliff. Ultimately we arrive at the last village of Padmara and continue the trek till Danphe Langa. Overnight at Danphe Langa

Day 05Trek from Daphne Langa to Chautha (2,770 m), 6 hrs. O/N at Tented Camp After breakfast, we descend steeply passing through birch, for and bamboo forests. We cross the bridge and follow the river stream before starting the steep way passing some water driven mills to Kabra. We can see the massive over hanging rock which is considered the Silajit, the healing properties. Our steep climbing keeps on going passing through marijuana fields and over a ridge into a side valley. We continue climbing up for a while and turn into a big valley then descend down to the village of Chautha. Overnight at Chautha

Day 06Trek from Chautha to Dhotu (2,380 m), 5 hrs. O/N at Tented Camp After breakfast, the rocky trail follows the stream uphill to Bhulbhule at an elevation of 3,130 m where we entry our permit for the Rara National Park. We continue to walk to the treeless meadow, gently climbing up passing chortens and prayer flags to Gurchi Lagna Pass, 3,450 m from the sea level. From there; we descend gently on a wide path to a hut then drops down a rough trail through spruce forest. We follow the trail to Rara Lake passing through pine forest and descend to Jyari Khola which leads to Dhotu. Overnight at Dhotu

Day 07Trek from Dhotu to Rara Lake (3,040 m), 6 hrs. O/N at Tented Camp After breakfast, we begin our trek to the north facing slope of Dhotu, cross a stream and climb up to Thakuri Village of Jhyari. We climb up through cedar forest to a huge meadow atop with the hypnotizing view of Rara Lake. We walk around the lake and descend on the northern side of the lake to set the camp for tonight. Overnight at Rara Lake

Day 08Exploration at Rara Lake. O/N at Tented Camp Today, we have the great day to explore the lake and view the periphery of it. The lake has covered about 13 km and walking around with the view of remnants of villages from the past will be memorable. The animals like otter and the fish in the lake in such height is remarkable. We can climb to the wooden tower behind the post office. We can also visit the National Park Headquarters. Overnight at Rara Lake

Day 09Trek from Rara Lake to Ghorasingha (3,190 m), 5 hrs. O/N at Tented Camp After breakfast, we begin our trek from the western end of Rara Lake crossing the bridge to the Nisha Khola and the trail ascends to Murma. We descend gradually to the river, cross the bridge. After a while, we again cross the stream and head straight up the hill through pine, spruce and rhododendron forest. The trail becomes less steep and we cross the meadows to the ridge. The trail goes round to the huge valley to the crest of the Gurchi Mara. Now, we follow the main trail and drop Ghatta Valley and finally reach to Ghorasingha, Overnight at Ghorasingha

Day 10Trek from Ghorasingha to Sinja (2,440 m), 6 hrs. O/N at tented Camp After breakfast, we head down to Ghatta Valley from Ghorasingha and follow the Sinja Khola downstream to Sinja. We walk down to the productive valley with alluvial soil where we find Brahmin, Chhetris settlement. Sinja was the capital of Malla dynasty in the western Nepal from 12th to 14th Century. There is still the old Malla Durbar and Tripura Sundari Temple. Overnight at Sinja

Day 11Trek from Sinja to Jaljala (3,270 m), 6 hrs. O/N at Tented Camp After breakfast, we cross the bridge over Sinja Khola and follow the trail up to the Dhobi Khola. After passing many bridges, scattered houses and corn fields, across the river, we arrive at Chala Chaur, and then we climb steeply to Jaljala, a lush meadow with many horses. Overnight at Jaljala

Day 12Trek from Jaljala to Jumla (2,370 m), 5 hrs. O/N at Tented Camp After breakfast, we climb through the forest to another pastureland just below the ridge and descend to a few houses of Chauri Khola. We cross a stream, reach to the valley, and cross another ridge to meet the trail at Chere. From here, we descend to Jumla. Overnight at Jumla

Day 13Fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj, then to Kathmandu. O/N at Hotel We have completed the Rara Trek and fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj. It is 35 minutes flight then we will connect to the second flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. We will be transferred to hotel and take rest for the day. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 14Leisure day at Kathmandu, farewell dinner in the evening You could relax the day with complete rest or strolling around the local market around Thamel. You could buy some dainty gifts to your family members, relatives and the friends. We can arrange the day tour on your request, if you would like to utilize your time around Kathmandu Valley in some new places. We have organized the dinner in the Nepalese restaurant with typical Nepalese Cultural Show. Overnight at Kathmandu

Day 15Departure to the International Airport We depart you 3 hours before your scheduled flight in the Tribhuvan International Airport. Your trip ends with indelible moments of the Rara Lake trekking and flying back to your sweet home or the next destination. With our warm gratitude that you joined Himkala Adventure, we say bye and leave you in the departure entrance. We wish you have nice journey ahead. Namaste!!!

Photos of Rara Lake Trekking

Trip FAQ

Himkala Adventure would like to quench the thirst of all necessary questions answers about Rara Lake Trekking for all curious travelers/trekkers in the world. As you are entirely from different geographical location, you could better to know everything about the treks from the beginning i.e. airport pick up till your departure like airport picks up, drops off, accommodation in city, in the trek, guide and porters, safety for the trekking, food and accommodation and some other things that you might face on the way. Hope our endeavor listing these questions answers will help you self informed.

This is simply the outlines of the services we offer but it may differ as per your requirement, number of trekkers. What we go through our conversation, we will manage the means of transportation, hotels in the city, accommodation in the trekking, numbers of porters etc. This is general idea about Rara Lake Trekking before your trip and you become clearer about the trek. Please feel free to contact us to get more information about the trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal.

1) How is Rara Lake Trekking in Nepal?

Rara Lake is a popular destination with a very rough route in Western Nepal for trekkers. The glimpses of culture and scenery on the way is quiet different from the rest of Nepal. Situated 3,040 m high from the sea level we can find the lake surrounded by Rara National Park with pine, spruce and juniper forest. The view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks enhance the attraction of trekkers. The trek begins with flight to Jumla (over an hour flight from Kathmandu) or from nearer Nepalgunj.

Logistically it is not an easy trek; it is hard to get to and from, and it is an organizational challenge, requiring informed guides and porters However, once we overcome the obstacles, the rewards are legion: few if any other trekkers, incomparable natural splendor, "untouched" villages, blissful and tranquil place beyond imagination.

2) What physical fitness do I need to book this trip?

Every trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal require the certain level of physical and mental fitness.So, we advise you to be in good physical shape and able to feel comfortable while hiking up and down 7 to 12 miles per day on a trail carrying a day pack of about 10 pounds. Three things could make you confident enough for any trek you would like to do: aerobic, strength and mental.

Aerobic conditioning is important primarily because you will be trekking in thinner air, up to 40% less than at sea level. With good aerobic conditioning, you will be able to better metabolize whatever oxygen is available to you. You should plan on doing at least one hour of aerobic 3 /4 times per week for 1 month or more before your arrival in Nepal. Walking, jogging, cycling, hiking on valley floor to ridge line ascents with day back are some of the excellent forms of exercise, so long as you are strengthening leg muscles and building stamina. Speed is not the essence; stamina, confidence and continuity are.

3) How do I find Himkala Adventure for my pick up at the airport?

Our representative from Himkala Adventure will display a small board of company or your name on the sheet of paper outside the airport terminal. You will be driven to the hotel by our tourist vehicle.

4) What sort of accommodation do I get in Kathmandu?

Normally we provide standard rooms with twin sharing accommodations at three star or similar category hotels in Kathmandu including breakfast. Accommodation in these cities can be upgraded as per your request. But some of our packages are sold without accommodation in the city.

5) How is camping trek during Rara Lake Trekking?

Camping trek to Rara Lake is fully organized and supported, with a team of guides, cooks, and porters to accompany you. Our porters carry all the trekking gear, food, fuel and personal belongings. Our cooks prepare hot meals. Trekkers need only carry a small bag as required for the day. At night, tents for dining, sleeping and ablutions tents are provided and set up, also mattresses and down-filled sleeping bags, tables and seating.

In a typical camping trek, we start the day around 6 a.m. with a cup of hot tea. You are then provided with a bowl of warm water for washing. Then trekkers enjoy breakfast before leaving camp. The trek begins around 7.30 - 8 a.m.Trekkers can set their pace for pausing and sightseeing and the walk to the lunch spot will normally take 3 hours. On arrival, you are served hot lunch. In the afternoon, after walking for another 3 to 4 hours, you arrive at the next camp around 5 p.m. Tea & snacks are served while our staff readies the camp. Dinner time is around 6/7 p.m. in the dining tent, lit with lanterns and comfortably furnished. The food is healthy, wholesome and hygienically prepared.

6) What mode of transportation do I use?

We will provide the private transportation for Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and drop and sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. We use transportation as based on our cost inclusion section. The transportation varies depending on your requirements at the time of booking the trip.

7) What is the best season for this trekking?

The best season for Rara Lake Trekking is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December). These are the perfect time of the year for the breathtaking views of Himalayas with clear and sunny days. But the weather in the mountains is unpredictable.

8) What is the weather and temperature like during the trekking?

The climate in Nepal varies from place to place which can be categorized in different four main seasons. The main seasons in Nepal are spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November) & winter (December to February). The best season to travel in Nepal is autumn (September, October & November) & spring (March, April & May). Weather in the mountains is unpredictable. But the day temperature in Rara Lake Trekking is comfortable.

9) Who will be guiding me during this trip?

We provide the professional government license holder English speaking trekking guides for our entire trekking trip. We can also provide French, Spanish, Japanese, German or Italian speaking guides as per your preference with extra payment but not guaranteed.  All guides will be Nepali people who are carefully selected on the basis of their appropriate experience, leadership skills and personality. They are all trained from Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management, certified and approved by the Tourism Department of Nepal government.  We provide a different city tour guide to guide you in UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. They are the professional license holder guide specialized in culture, history, geography, iconography, archeology and religion with good command over English. Tour guides are specialized in city tour and trekking guides are more in the hiking and trekking in the Himalayas.

10) What sort of experience do your guides have?

Our entire city tour guides have bachelors to Master Degree academic education along with many months tour guiding training from Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management, Rabi Bhawan, Kathmandu, Nepal. They are fluent in spoken languages and informative about the sites in many aspects. They are quite experienced and dedicated to their job and responsibilities.

Our entire trekking guides have minimum Intermediate to Master Degree academic education with trekking guide training from Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management, Rabi Bhawan, Kathmandu, Nepal. Many of them are from villages. As they are local, they know more about the routes, necessary precaution to be taken and so on. They have spent many years exploring many parts of the country. They are trained in first aid and able to handle any situation easily. They speak good English and make you know about the places you visit.

11) May I charge my electronic devices during Rara Lake Trekking?

This is fully camping trek, so we may not be nearby any settlements. You could better manange extra battery or any other alternatives.

12) What is the social and environmental responsibility of Himkala Adventure for this trip?

The situation of environment in Nepal is in considerable stage due to so many factors caused by global warming, human activities, and adverse effects of natural incidents. Nepal is in between two giant countries like China and Nepal. The ozone layer is depleting and the atmosphere is getting heated. So, its direct effect is to the Himalayas that the snow is melting day by day and the sea level is rising. It is due to population growth, people are clearing the forest and the soil is being eroded. As a part of society, and our trekking related activities are directly concerned with the social and environmental things. We are very conscious not litter in the open spaces, to manage garbage properly and make local people aware in this campaign. We are working together with other companies and taking these issues seriously.

13) What is the minimum number requirement for this trip?

We operate individual trip to the group joining trips for Rara Lake Trekking. If you want to do any private trip we are ready to organize for solo traveler as well with some additional charges.

14) Are there communication or internet services during Rara Lake Trekking?

We highly recommend taking local SIM card for call and internet services during trekking. Local SIM cards are easily available in many stores and at airport as well. You need to provide two copies of your photographs and your passport copy to get local SIM CARDS of NCELL & NTC (only these two companies provide telephone services in Nepal

15) May I add extra days in trekking?

We are ready to operate your holidays as per your interest and requirements. You can spend extra days on your loving or favorable places or even can make it shorter. We will always do our best to manage your hotel bookings, flight booking and everything.

16) What happens in case of emergency?

Himkala Adventure has prepared for any emergency situation and knows how to handle it. Our guides are trained in first aid and can deal with most of the basic ailments that occur during the trek. Every client should have his own insurance before coming to Nepal for the case of emergency.

17) Do I need to have insurance for this trip?

We request you to have a travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss, medical problem & emergency helicopter evacuation from high altitude places before coming Nepal. Choose a policy to cover your emergency high altitude helicopter evacuation with all medical insurances for trekking in high altitude in the Himalayas of Nepal.  Your travel insurance is always needed before going in any high altitude trekking.  Please check your travel insurance policy which doesn’t exclude mountaineering or alpinism.  Although you will not be engaging in these activities in your trekking, you might have problem convincing the insurance company of this fact.  Rescue insurance need to cover an emergency helicopter evacuation or a charted flight from remote mountain trails of Nepal as well as international medical evacuation. A helicopter evacuation might cost US$ 2500 to US$10000 depending on the places.  So that travel insurance to cover all above is must to travel in the high Himalayas of Nepal

18) What type of shoes should I wear during Rara Lake Trekking?

You could better have carefully chosen hiking boots with extra laces and camp shoes, which should be kind of strong, well-made but light boots for Rara Lake Trekking. Shoes and boots are best to buy before arriving in Nepal. We advise you to wear your new shoes for sometime before trek so that you could feel well habituated on the newer trail for your feet.

19) Can I use credit cards in Rara Lake Trekking?

Of course not, you can use only in the cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara but not in Rara Lake Trekking route. When you are out of city, all you need is cash, better to have small notes. Please change the currency in local Nepali rupees before you go to the mountains.

20) Do I need to tip my guide and porter? How much would that be?

Tipping is not mandatory, neither it is right to ask by anyone but it is a way of showing gratitude after taking service. The level of tip also shows how satisfy you are from the team that you had been during your tour/trek.However, we recommend you to spend minimum 10% of your total trip cost for tipping entire local staffs, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.

 

Trip Note

Cost:

The cost of trip varies according to the number of travelers in the group, the category of the Hotel, mode of the transportation and any kind of changes (if there is). So, if you would let us know all of these above mentioned things, then we could quote you the exact price.

Essential Documents:

You are requested to send the following documents after you confirm or book the trip with Himkala Adventure:

A copy of your passport and travel/health insurance documents with contact details, three passport size photos.

It is advised to maintain a separate photocopy of all important documents including traveler’s cheques, bank/ATM card, contact numbers, international flight tickets, and emergency contact numbers.

Weather:

The main trekking season in Nepal is from October to December and March to May. The day temperature for walking to Rara Lake Trekking is comfortable. The sky is clear although there is snow and rainfall occasionally. It is about 10 degree centigrade at the height of 3,600 m and increasingly lower, the higher we go. 

Extreme Weather and Airport Closures:

Weather conditions in the Himalayas are unpredictable. Flights can be cancelled or delayed due to bad weather. Flights to and from Kathmandu/Nepalgunj/Jumla may be cancelled or delayed due to bad weather, some technical problems or some unseen circumstances. There is no other alternative except having patience for the good weather or have some optional trip around or chartering helicopters. You will be accommodated at your joining hotel at your own expense.

Nepal Strikes:

There is much more progress in the political scenario in Nepal and we assure you that travelling in Nepal is safe. But there may be Bandha (wide transport strikes) at a very short notice. The shuttle bus is in operation by Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Tourist Police in conjunction with the Himalayan Rescue Association from domestic and international terminal to the various hotels in Kathmandu. The service costs 300 rupees per person.

Itinerary Disclaimer:

Himkala has thoughtfully designed all the itineraries but our itineraries are updated for the betterment on the basis of our past travelers’ comments and our own research. In case you find changes in the itinerary you printed and the upgraded one does not affect your trip. Please note that some changes may occur in our itineraries due to bad weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes.

Physical Rating:

Your trip will be meaningful if you could find yourself fit and fine. You will be walking up to 3,040 m from the sea level. As the geographical region varies, there is a temperature variation as well. So, we advise you to undertake regular physical exercise, jogging, hiking, riding, ascending and descending the long stairs etc.

Group Size:

Himkala Adventure organizes solo to group travelers. Our group trips are designed for sharing accommodation and there is no single supplement. Single travelers share with the same gender from twin to multi-share in an accommodation. You are requested to have mutual understanding in between the fellow travelers who have joined from the different parts of the world. Please remember that you have great responsibilities in the group. If you are requested to be at a particular place at a certain time, make sure that you have been there at a time. It is much more pleasing sharing experiences and traveling together.

Accommodation and Meals:

Accommodation and Foods in the Himalayan region of Nepal cannot be compared with any developed countries in the world. We know that you might not have experienced such things before but you should take it easy. Accommodations at local lodges are simple but clean and comfortable. The food is plain. Toilets and washing facilities are shared and rudimentary. In high altitude regions, there are very few tea houses and one has to be happy to share in simple dormitories without electricity, without running water. Hot shower means a  bucket of hot water upon our request.

Money Matters:

Please note that most establishments in Asia will not accept foreign currency notes that are old, torn or faded and they can be very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks. Please ensure that you have new, clean notes.

The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee (NPR). ATMs can be found only in major cities of Nepal like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan, Bhaktapur etc. The government of Nepal has banned the import, export and use of 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes in Nepal. You make sure that you won’t carry these notes upon arrival in Nepal, otherwise they are confiscated and you may be fined.

Please make sure that the foreign currency notes that you have are new and clean notes because old, torn or faded foreign currency notes in Nepal are very difficult to exchange or extra fees added when exchanging at banks.

While travelers cheques have security advantages exchanging them can be a lengthy process, commissions can be high (up to 10%) and they can be difficult to change in rural areas, on weekends and public holidays. If you choose to bring travelers’ cheques, make sure they are a major brand and major currency.

Tipping:

Tipping is not mandatory. It is not anyone’s right asking for tips but if you are happy with the service, you could tip the staffs. It is entirely a personal preference. Tipping could be significant to them who took take great care of you in your traveling period. Himkala recommends that you could tip any intended recipient by any member of the group than collected and passed on by the group leader.

Note: Please do not tip with coins or dirty and ripped notes. This is culturally taken as an insult.

Local Dress in Nepal:

Nudity is a sensitive issue in Nepal. Women should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless tops in public places where this might be seen as inappropriate. Remove shoes before entering certain holy places. Non-Hindus are not permitted in some temples.

Feedback:

Your feedback will be the great guidance to meet our target and to bring improvement in our service. What and how have you experienced with Himkala Adventure and our staff? Please write, we will read it carefully. One cannot see his/her shortcomings that are lying with them. Someone should point it out. We are always eager to hear from you.