18 daysExtreme6,189 mIsland Peak Climbing — 18 Days
From / person
$3,600
TrekModerate
Rara Lake Trek — 12 Days
12 days2,990 mFrom Nepalgunj (fly from Kathmandu)Best: Oct–Nov, Mar–May
Photo by Ashok J Kshetri on Pexels
01 / 08
Duration
12 days
From
$1,850/person
Max Altitude
2,990 m
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts
Nepalgunj (fly from Kathmandu)
Group Size
2–10 People
Stay
Tea House / Camp
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Best Season
Oct–Nov, Mar–May
4.9 NMA-licensed guides Secure Stripe checkout Reserve now, pay later
Trip Highlights
Rara Lake (2,990 m) — Nepal's largest and most pristine mountain lake
Far-western Nepal wilderness — one of the country's most remote trekking regions
Rara National Park — black bear, musk deer, red panda, and wild boar habitat
Chhara and Murma villages — authentic far-western Khas-Kshetri Nepali culture
Alpine meadows and pine forests with Himalayan views and zero crowds
Rare birds: Himalayan snowcock, cheer pheasant, and lammergeier overhead
Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Jumla domestic flights — remote region, logistically seamless
Fewer than 2,000 trekkers per year — Nepal's most exclusive major trek
Trek to Nepal's largest and most pristine lake in the remote far west — a jewel-like wilderness destination that rewards those willing to venture far beyond the standard trekking circuits.
Day-by-Day Itinerary(12 days)
Altitude Profile
Peak: 2,990 m · Day 3Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. Evening briefing covering the Rara National Park permit and the logistics of the double-flight approach through Nepalgunj. Rara Lake is Nepal's largest lake at 2,990 m — one of the country's least-visited natural treasures.
1,400 m–––Hotel
Rara Lake (2,990 m) is Nepal's largest lake — a pristine alpine body of water in the remote Karnali region of far-western Nepal, so clear that the surrounding pine and juniper forests and the distant Himalayan peaks are reflected in perfect detail across its 10.8 km² surface. This is Nepal's least-visited major trekking destination: fewer than 3,000 trekkers per year make the journey. The 12-day itinerary reaches the lake via Jumla (domestic flight from Kathmandu or Nepalgunj) through a landscape of oak and rhododendron forest utterly unlike the better-known eastern Himalaya.
The approach from Jumla crosses three significant passes — Gurchi Lagna (3,450 m), Chuchemara Danda (3,625 m) — through highland forests alive with Himalayan black bear, red panda, and over 200 bird species. Rara National Park protects the lake and its watershed; wildlife spotting en route is a genuine bonus of the itinerary. The lake itself is accessible from Rara village and the park headquarters — camping on the southern shore with the reflections at dawn and dusk is among the most peaceful experiences in Nepal.
Far-western Nepal has a distinct cultural character — the Khas, Brahmin, and Chhetri communities of the Karnali are related to but different from the highland Sherpa and Gurung cultures of the east. The region's remoteness has preserved a traditional lifestyle that is rare in the more accessible parts of Nepal.
Getting to Rara: The Logistics
The domestic flights to Jumla or Nepalgunj are included in this itinerary — without them, reaching Rara from Kathmandu would take 3–4 days each way by road. The mountain airstrips at Jumla (2,300 m) and Rara are weather-dependent; we build one day's weather contingency into the itinerary. The trek itself, once in the national park, is straightforward — no technical sections, no passes above 3,700 m — and is suitable for trekkers with general fitness and prior multi-day experience.
Best seasons: October–November and April–May. Access: Domestic flights to Jumla included. Max altitude: Chuchemara Danda 3,625 m.
What's Included
Included
- Government-registered English-speaking guide
- Porter (1 per 2 trekkers)
- Rara National Park entry permit
- TIMS card
- Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Jumla–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu domestic flights
- All teahouse and lodge accommodation
- 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Altitude illness kit and pulse oximeter
- All government taxes and service charges
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee ($30–$50 on arrival)
- Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation
- Meals not listed in daily itinerary
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Tips for guides and porters
- Beverages, hot showers, and battery charging at teahouses (payable direct)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Any costs arising from illness, injury, or early departure
Pickup
Pokhara or Kathmandu: where should we pick you up?
This trip begins in Kathmandu. If you are already in Pokhara, we can bring you across (Pokhara and Kathmandu are about 200 km apart: 25 minutes by plane or 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus).
Pickup in Kathmandu
Trip starts hereLanding in Kathmandu? We meet you at the airport or your hotel and get you to the start.
- Kathmandu international airport (on arrival)We quote
- Kathmandu domestic airportWe quote
- Kathmandu hotel pickupWe quote
- Kathmandu tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Pickup in Pokhara
Staying in Pokhara? We can bring you to Kathmandu for the start.
- Pokhara hotel pickupIncludes getting you to Kathmandu by tourist bus or flight. We confirm the price with you.We quote
- Pokhara airport pickupWe quote
- Pokhara tourist bus park pickupWe quote
Hotel in the city
- No hotel, I will book my own$0
- Kathmandu: tourist standard guest houseWe quote
- Kathmandu: 3-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Kathmandu: 4-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
- Kathmandu: 5-star hotel (bed & breakfast)We quote
Prices are per person and added to the trip price when you book. “We quote” means the price depends on your flight time and hotel, so our team confirms it with you before the trip. It is never added to your payment without asking.
Best Time to Go
Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Best season. Crystal-clear mountain reflections on Rara Lake, dry trails, pleasant temperatures. Far-western Nepal at its scenic peak.
Low: -5°C High: 15°C Possible above 3,500 m in November
Spring (Mar–May)
Rhododendron forests in full bloom on the approach trails. Good visibility, slightly warmer. Light trail traffic.
Low: -3°C High: 18°C None below 3,800 m
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cold but clear skies. Lake sometimes icy at edges. Not impossible but requires warm gear and flexible itinerary.
Low: -15°C High: 8°C Moderate above 2,800 m
Monsoon (Jun–Aug)
Rain reduces visibility but the lake stays scenic. Trails can be muddy. Less common but possible.
Low: 8°C High: 22°C None
Permits Required
TIMS Card
NPR 2,000 (about US$15)Required for all foreign trekkers in Nepal
Rara National Park Entry Permit
NPR 3,000 (about US$23)Required for entry into Rara National Park. Paid at the park entrance checkpoint.
All permits are arranged and included in your package price. Nothing to organise yourself.
What to Pack
Moisture-wicking base layers
Fleece mid-layer
Down jacket
Waterproof jacket and trousers
2 pairs trekking trousers
Merino wool socks (4 pairs)
Warm beanie and sun hat
Lightweight and warm gloves
Neck gaiter
A detailed packing list will be sent with your booking confirmation. Gear rental available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Frequently Asked Questions
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