Nepal15 days
Rara Lake Trek — 15 Days
Remote alpine lake circuit in Nepal's Karnali zone, combining high-altitude monasteries, ancient kingdoms, and Nepal's largest freshwater lake.
Rara Lake, Nepal's largest freshwater body at 3,010 meters, lies within Rara National Park—a 106-square-kilometer protected area in the remote Karnali zone, approximately 375 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. The 15-day trek approaches the lake from Jumla, traversing the Rara Lake Circuit through remote valleys, river gorges, and traditional villages while passing through archaeological sites of the ancient Khasa Kingdom and descending via hot springs and suspension bridges. The route combines moderate-to-challenging trekking terrain with tea-house accommodation on the trail and hotel stays in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Jumla. The journey includes domestic flights to and from the remote district and cultural orientation in Kathmandu before and after the trek itself.
Best time to go: Sept-Nov & Mar- May
Highlights
- Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa
- Domestic flights to Jumla (2,540 meters), gateway to Nepal's Karnali region
- Trek from Jumla through Khalanga Bazaar and villages to Chere Chaur (3,055 meters) over 4–5 hours
- Crossing Jaljala Pass (3,580 meters) on the western trail into the Rara Lake Circuit
- Sinja Valley—historical site of the ancient Khasa Kingdom (12th–14th centuries), with excavated palaces and temples
- Trek alongside mountain streams and forests to Ghorosingha (3,050 meters)
- Ascent along Chuchhemara Danda with views of Himalayan peaks and Rara Lake approach
- Rara Lake (3,010 meters)—Nepal's largest freshwater lake, framed by Chuchemara Peak to the south and Ruma Kand and Malika Kand peaks to the north
- Boating on Rara Lake to observe alpine aquatic life
- Descent through Gamgadhi, headquarters of remote Mugu District, to Pina Village (2,440 meters)
- Crossing Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3,480 meters) and Danphe Lagna Pass (3,691 meters) during descent
- Hot spring near Jumla for muscle recovery on final trekking days
- Two suspension bridge crossings over the Hima River
- Return via domestic flights to Kathmandu with farewell dinner
Day by day
1Arrival in KathmanduTribhuvan International Airport · hotel · local operator's office
Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative meets travelers and transfers them to their hotel. After check-in, time allows for rest or a brief visit to the local operator's office. A welcome dinner introduces Nepalese cuisine and trip orientation.
2Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek PreparationKathmandu Durbar Square · Swayambhunath Temple · Pashupatinath Temple · Boudhanath Stupa · hotel
The day covers Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square displays architecture and art from the Malla dynasty (12th–18th centuries). Swayambhunath Temple, known for its resident monkey population, sits on a forested hilltop. Pashupatinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands on the banks of the Bagmati River. Boudhanath Stupa, one of South Asia's largest Buddhist stupas, occupies a position on the ancient trade route to Tibet. Evening returns to the hotel for rest and final trek preparations.
3Fly to NepalgunjNepalgunj · Kathmandu
A one-hour flight departs Kathmandu for Nepalgunj (150 meters), a town in Western Nepal near the Nepal-India border. The town serves as gateway to remote districts including Simikot and Humla. Time permits exploration of the local market, a nearby mini-zoo, and surrounding villages. Overnight accommodation in Nepalgunj.
4Fly to JumlaJumla · Nepalgunj
An early morning flight from Nepalgunj crosses from the Terai plains to the hilly Jumla region (2,540 meters), one of Nepal's most remote districts. Jumla sits at the base of the Sisne Himalaya and serves as the entry point for trekkers accessing the Karnali region. Overnight in Jumla.
5Trek from Jumla to Chere ChaurJumla · Chere Chaur · Khalanga Bazaar
The trek begins with a 4–5-hour ascent from Jumla following the Jugad Khola stream. The route passes through Khalanga Bazaar, a small marketplace serving nearby villages, and continues through several settlements and a temple. Terrain is mixed uphill and level sections. Overnight at Chere Chaur (3,055 meters).
6Trek from Chere Chaur to Chala Chaur via Jaljala PassChere Chaur to Chala Chaur via Jaljala Pass · Jaljala Pass · Chalachaur
The western trail from Chere Chaur climbs gradually to Jaljala Pass (3,580 meters). After crossing, the route follows relatively flat terrain to Jaljala Chaur, then ascends steeply while entering the Rara Lake Circuit proper. The final section leads to Chalachaur (2,980 meters) over 5–6 hours. Overnight at Chalachaur.
7Trek from Chere Chaur to Sinja ValleyChere Chaur to Sinja Valley · Sinja Valley
An uphill trek of 5–6 hours traverses multiple villages while following the Jaljala Khola stream into Sinja Valley (2,490 meters). Sinja holds historical significance as the ancient capital of the Khasa Kingdom, which ruled the region during the 12th–14th centuries. Excavations led by Cambridge University's Department of Archaeology have uncovered palace, temple, and settlement remains. Overnight in Sinja Valley.
8Trek from Sinja to GhorosinghaSinja · Ghorosingha · Laha Village
The route departs Sinja on an uphill trail following the Hima River. After steep climbing, terrain eases until reaching Laha Village. A second steep section climbs alongside the Ghatte Khola stream to Ghorosingha (3,050 meters) over 5–6 hours. Overnight at Ghorosingha.
9Trek from Ghorosingha to Rara LakeRara Lake · Chuchhemara Danda · Murma
A steep ascent follows a trail alongside Chuchhemara Danda, offering views of Himalayan peaks, Rara Lake, and the vegetation of Rara National Park. The route passes through Khatyar Khola Camp and villages including Murma, where terrain becomes easier. The final approach moves through Chapri Village, where the Rara National Park Headquarters is located. Total time 5–6 hours. Overnight at Rara Lake (3,010 meters).
10Rara Lake ExplorationRara Lake
A full day at Rara Lake (3,010 meters), Nepal's largest freshwater lake and historically known as Mahendra Taal after the late King Mahendra. Boating on the azure water allows observation of alpine fish species and surrounding peaks: Chuchemara Peak to the south and Ruma Kand and Malika Kand peaks framing the northern shoreline. Overnight at Rara Lake.
11Trek from Rara Lake to PinaRara Lake · Pina · Gamgadhi · Pina Village
A relatively straight 5–6-hour trek descends from Rara Lake to Gamgadhi (2,440 meters), headquarters of remote Mugu District. From Gamgadhi, a steep descent leads to Pina Village (2,440 meters). Overnight at Pina.
12Trek from Pina to Bumra via Ghurchi Lagna PassPina · Bumra · Ghurchi Lagna Pass
Leaving Pina, the route descends and crosses Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3,480 meters). Continued descent passes through several villages before arriving at Bumra (2,850 meters), also known as Nauri Ghat, over 5–6 hours. Overnight at Bumra.
13Trek from Bumra to JumlaBumra to Jumla · Jumla · Hima River · hot spring · Danphe Lagna Pass
The 5–6-hour descent includes crossing two suspension bridges over the Hima River and walking downhill. After several hours, a hot spring permits rest and muscle recovery. Beyond the spring, the trek crosses Danphe Lagna Pass (3,691 meters). Upon reaching Cherechaur, the return to Jumla (2,540 meters) follows the same route taken on Day 5. Overnight in Jumla.
14Fly to KathmanduKathmandu · Jumla · Nepalgunj
An early morning flight departs Jumla for Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. After arrival, travelers freshen up and rest. In the evening, a farewell dinner celebrates the completion of the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.
15Departure from KathmanduTribhuvan International Airport
A Temple Tiger Treks representative escorts you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight departure, ensuring a smooth transition home.
Where you go
- 1Tribhuvan International Airport
- 2Pashupatinath Temple
- 3Nepalgunj
- 4Kathmandu
- 5Nepalgunj
- 6Kathmandu
- 7Nepalgunj
- 8Tribhuvan International Airport
Included
- Traditional welcome on arrival at the airport of a flower garland
- 03 nights twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu on bed & breakfast basis
- 01 night twin sharing accommodation at the Nepalgunj on bed & breakfast basis
- 10 nights / 11 days trek to Rara Lake as specified in the above itinerary on full board (includes breakfast, lunch & dinner) with the overnights at the local tea house lodges on the trekking trail.
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu as per itinerary
- Service of English Speaking Trek Guide
- Porter we will provide you one Porter and maximum weight carried by 1 porter is 25Kg
- All the surface transfers as specified in the above itinerary with A/C Private vehicle
- Rara National Park Permit and TIMS Card Permit Fee
- Accommodation, meals, transportation and allowance of Trek Guide and Porter
- Domestic airfare Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
- Domestic airfare Nepalgunj – Jumla – Nepalgunj
- Domestic Airfare of Trek Guide
- Guests will bid farewell by placing of the Khada (Traditional Tibetan Scarf) on Departure
- All the applicable Government Taxes
Not included
- International Airfares, Airport tax, Visa fees etc.
- Sightseeing Tour in Nepalgunj
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
- Expenses of personal nature such as alcoholic, non-alcoholic beverages, telephone & laundry bills, camera fees etc.
- Extra baggage allowance Tipping
- Any kinds of insurances and any incidentals / extra cost arise during the entire trip due to force majeure and are beyond the control of Venture Travel.
- Any other services which is not specified in the COST INCLUDES section as stated above
Activities: TREKING, HIKING