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Rara Lake Tour

  • Activities

    Boating, nature walks, wildlife spotting

  • Transportation

    Domestic flights and private vehicle transfers

  • Group Size

    4-12 People

  • Trip Duration

    6 Days / 5 Nights

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Rara Lake Tour

Description

Nepal's loveliest natural attraction and "Queen of Lakes" is appropriately named. Deep in Nepal's remote Karnali Province, western Nepal, sparkling fresh-water lake Rara rests at an inspiring 2,990 meters altitude and therefore is Nepal's highest great lake. The lake spans 10.8 square kilometers of Nepal's smallest and most unique national park, Rara National Park. Rara Lake is exceptional for its virgin beauty and tranquility. A break from Nepal's number one tourist destination, Rara is a lesser-known heaven where lakes of water glimmer like mirrors against snow-white ranges of mountains and forests of old claim ownership of the landscape. The lake's blue depths provide a striking contrast against alpine meadows, green patches of pine cover, and rolling hills to paint a postcard-pretty picture around the clock. The journey to Rara Lake is itself a journey of rotational sensational domestic flights and country driving within the country, cutting through country towns and varied landscapes. Unreachability has blessedly conserved the natural surroundings and pristine culture of the area, and it is exactly the destination for travelers who love to discover pristine things off the beaten tourist track. Our 5-night, 6-day Rara Lake tour is a package that gives you the whole experience of this fascinating destination. Every day, from the moment you leave Kathmandu until the final one amidst such beautiful scenery at the lake, there is newness, breathtaking beauty, and memories for eternity.

Highlights of Rara Lake Tour 

•Pristine Alpine Lake Experience: Float above the crystal surface of Nepal's biggest lake as snow-white tops and verdant forests produce delicate reflections on the lake waters.

 •Rara National Park Wildlife: Watch rare Himalayan wildlife like red pandas, musk deer, leopards, etc.

 •More than 200 species of birds are in the country's smallest yet biologically dense park.

 • Murma Top Viewpoint: Summit trek at 3,690 meters for a bird's eye view of Rara Lake, hills, and stunning Kanjirowa and Saipal ranges.

 • Traditional Village Culture: Experience traditional village culture at a very close distance by trekking through villages whose people live life as per centuries-old traditions and are in harmony with nature.

 • Scenic Domestic Flights: Discover the Himalayas with thrilling bird's eye views on domestic flights, which bring you near your destination in half the time and effort. 

• Peaceful Nature Walks: Take leisure strolls along the serene walking trails in the pine forest and lake, ideal for families of all generations and with plenty of photography opportunities. 

Why Choose Rara Lake for Your Next Adventure?

Rara Lake is unique for all sorts of travelers. Nature lovers can experience the untouched nature and a bit of wildlife, and the photographers have their ground to click fine landscapes. Distant from the traveling crowd, the lake receives hardly a handful of tourists, and thus you can have some moments of solitude and get closer to nature as if it were becoming rare in this age. The place is also perfect for those who love Nepali culture and rural life. Rara Lake villages are village-based, and one gets to experience the real Nepali hill culture. If adventure, recreation, or cultural experience is what one is seeking, then Rara Lake is an off-the-tourist-trail experience.

Your adventure to Rara Lake begins with an early morning flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj that takes you from the town jungle to the brink of western Nepal. The 1.5-hour flight provides comfortable vistas of central hills and the beginning of the western horizon. You would experience the climatic as well as cultural contrast the minute you arrive at Nepalgunj because this Terai town is light years ahead of Kathmandu. Spend the day walking through Nepalgunj bazaars and soaking up the plains and hill culture. A border trade town between India and Nepal, one gets a great combination of culture, which you get to imbibe in terms of food, language, and people's culture here. Walk through local temples and amongst local people who will familiarize you with the way of life of Western Nepalese. You can unwind in the night with some of the village Terai food, a respite from the usual dal bhat you've been consuming. Rural Nepalgunj rural valley flats are sun worthy, and some leisurely walking around town to acclimate you to the hectic days ahead in decent accommodation.

Start with an exciting 45-minute Nepalgunj to Talcha Airport flight, one of the most central and highest airports in Nepal. The runway itself is a spectacle as scenery below you shifts from flat Terai to rolling hills and then to the gorgeous Himalayas at last. You are now at an altitude of 2,950 meters at Talcha Airport, and by now, you are already in the mountain air. Reach by a 3-hour easy trek from Talcha Airport through scenic pine and juniper forest on the trek. The trek goes through general villages where you see people are busy in daily life, cattle grazing, and ploughing in step-patterned terraced lands. Landscape changes with a rise in altitude, and alpine meadows and rhododendron forest come into view on the trek. Your first glimpse of Rara Lake is magical as the paths to the trailhead give you the sky-blue lake bordered by mountains in their snowy whites. Camp there or continue to your lodge on its banks, where you pass the evening with gentle lapping of water sounds and sunset as the mountains turn honey-colored in the fading light.

Wake up to the rise of the sun at Rara Lake with feeble reflections of the surrounding hills on its waters ruffled by the morning light. Breakfast and set out for a serene boat ride over the waters of the crystal-clear lake, so transparent that you can see them deep down below on the water. Boating is serene and soothing, and you have sufficient time to soak in the lake's natural beauty of the lake. The day's cultural highlight is a tour of villages inhabited by the indigenous for centuries. Observe how they live, how they've adapted to the high-altitude climate and seasonal rhythms. The people are very friendly and will recount stories about how they're in harmony with nature and the lake. Spend the day meandering through nature at your own pace along the beach, stopping to take in the scenery from overlooking and snapping photos of color changing views. The park is home to an appalling quantity of wildlife, so be sure to keep an eye out for Himalayan tahr, wild boar, and birds of any type. Take a night hike looking up, as the remote setting has some of the darkest, most crystal-clear night skies you'll ever be able to enjoy.

Early morning starts, following a strenuous but worthwhile trek to Murma Top, the nearest high point to Rara Lake at 3,690m. The 4–5-hour circuit trek treats you to different ecosystems, from forest on the lakeshore to alpine meadow way up high. The trek sees shifting views as you go up, with the lake becoming more and more resplendently beautiful as you climb.

 Murma Top provides the best view of your whole trek. The 360-degree view plunges away to Rara Lake below, the Kanjirowa and Saipal ranges, and out to hundreds more mountains to the edge of the horizon. From here, the view sees the actual size and grandeur of the Himalayas, with great sweeping valleys, ancient forests, and traditional villages intertwined in a tapestry of man and nature. Murma Top is culturally important to the villagers, who revere it. Notice how human beings are religiously linked to nature, and nature has influenced their religion and culture, too. The gradient leading down to the lake provides space for alternative angles and photographs, and the entire day is photographers' heaven.

Your final morning at Rara Lake is an emotional one with a farewell to this heaven. Your final walk around the lake shores, some final memories, and the clicks of pristine nature. The early sun rays on the lake in the morning are serene and peaceful, showing fresh moods and colors, perfect for contemplation on your wonderful journey to this Nepalese frontier village. The return trip of 3 hours from Talcha Airport is also the back journey through the villages and woodlands, but this time in the morning, the entire scene is refreshed. Even if there is time available to say goodbye to any of the locals met, and even purchase some of the village handicrafts as a memento. The 3-hour trek provides ample time to enjoy all the scenery and natural views that have been so profoundly enjoyed. There is cultural immersion in the day's way of things as an individual moves through villages, encountering morning chaos such as children off to school, farmers tending their fields, and families out to labor for the day. The flight back to Nepalgunj gives you your final bird's eye view of the landscape of Rara Lake, so that you see the landscape in one more way and are struck by the inaccessibility of the land that you recently saw.

Your final day begins with the morning flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu, the culmination of your Rara Lake trekking circuit. The flight route provides you with a bird's-eye view of Nepal's diverse topography, from the higher mountain zone that you've been traversing through the mid-hills to and over the Kathmandu Valley. It leaves you in wonder at Nepal's dramatic geographical diversity in a relatively small country. The return journey to Kathmandu is with a touch of sensations - one of satisfaction at having managed to do something meaningful, and perhaps a touch of still bittersweet for missing the serene backdrops of Rara Lake once more. That contrast between the city road mayhem and that of the lake is only to heighten what is so unique about Rara Lake and why it's such a unique experience. Spend your final day reliving everything you've accomplished, sorting out your photos, and shopping for souvenirs in Kathmandu. The memories of crystal-clear waters, snow-capped peaks, friendly local people, and pristine wilderness will stay with you long after you return home, inspiring future adventures in Nepal's incredible landscapes.

Inclusion

    • Internal flights: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Talcha – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
    • Private airport transfers to/from all airports
    • Complete accommodation during the tour (hotels in Nepalgunj, lodges or camping at Rara Lake)
    • All meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
    • English-speaking guide throughout the tour
    • Rara Lake boat ride
    • All required park fees and permits
    • Basic first aid kit and emergency rescue service

Exclusion

    • International flights to and from Nepal
    • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
    • Alcoholic beverages, snacks, souvenirs, and personal expenses
    • Tips for guides and support staff
    • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu before or after the tour
    • Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Best Time to Visit Rara Lake

Autumn (September to November) – Ideal Season

Autumn is considered the best time to visit Rara Lake due to its perfect weather conditions. The skies are typically clear, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and mirror-like reflections on the lake's surface. As this is Nepal's peak tourist season, travel infrastructure and services are at their best, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Spring (March to May) – Colorful & Scenic

Spring offers pleasant weather, longer days, and blooming rhododendrons that transform the hills into a vibrant tapestry. The extended daylight hours allow for better acclimatization and deeper exploration of nature. Photography is especially rewarding, with colorful blossoms and bright mountain skylines. Occasional spring showers add to the serene ambiance.

Winter (December to February) – For the Adventurous

Winter at Rara Lake is cold and quiet, best suited for adventure seekers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The lake may partially freeze, creating a magical white winter landscape. Tourist crowds are nearly absent, offering peaceful solitude. However, local flights are often affected by weather conditions, and hotel facilities may be limited or unavailable.

Summer (June to August) – Lush but Unpredictable

Summer coincides with the monsoon, though Rara lies in a rain shadow and receives relatively less rainfall. The region becomes lush and green, though visibility may be limited by dense clouds. Domestic flights are prone to delays or cancellations due to weather. While not ideal for all travelers, those seeking quiet greenery might still enjoy it.

Packing List for Rara Lake Trip
Essential Clothing Items

 • Cold clothing: Thermal top, fleece, down jacket for cold nights 

• Rain clothing: Rain jacket, rain pants, waterproof trekking boots

 • Trekking clothing: Trekking pants for comfort, moisture-wicking tees, trekking socks to keep warm

 • Accessories: Insulating hat, sun hat, insulating gloves, gaiter neck, sunglasses

 • Casual clothes: Travel clothes and Nepalgunj clothes • Undergarments: Spare socks and undergarments for the duration of the trip Important Gear and Equipment

 • Photography: Spare rearview camera battery, memory cards, portable battery pack 

• Navigation: Spare batteries for the headlamp or torch • Hydration: Water bottle and water purification tablets 

• Personal care: Sunscreen (SPF 30+), lip balm, personal toiletries, wet wipes

 • Comfort items: Sleeping bag liner, travel pillow, personal snacks

 Required Documents 

• Identification: 6 months' validity passport

 • Insurance: Travel insurance policy documents 

• Permits: TIMS card and park permits (usually arranged by the tour company)

 • Money: Sufficient Nepali rupees cash for personal expenses 

• Medicine: Emergency contacts, medical information

 Health and Safety Items 

• Medicines: Altitude sickness tablets, personal medication

 • First aid: Painkillers, diarrhea tablets, general first aid kit

 • Hygiene: Personal hygiene items, toilet paper, hand sanitizer

 • Protection: Water purification tablets, insect spray

Essential Tips for Visiting Rara Lake

Health and Safety Tips 

• Altitude acclimatization: Drink plenty of water and no liquor to prevent altitude sickness 

• Physical condition: Begin light exercises weeks before your trip to develop endurance

 • Medical precautions: Take the advice of your doctor on the use of altitude sickness medication

 • Emergency preparation: Keep the emergency numbers and evacuation policy handy 

Cultural and Social Guidelines

 • Dress appropriately: Dress properly when going to villages and holy sites 

• Respect for customs: Ask permission first before photographing locals

 • Basic sentences: Basic Nepali greeting sentences will be appreciated by the locals 

• Gifts: Small local gifts are acceptable, but not necessary

 Practical Travel Advice

 • Money issues: Carry adequate money as there are no card points or ATMs

• Acclimatization to the climate: Plan to reschedule because of undue flight dela

 • Communication: Poor network coverage of mobile telephones; thus, advanced arrangements with members of your family

 • Shopping: Buy essentials at Nepalgunj or Kathmandu before you visit the lake 

Environmental Responsibility 

• Leave No Trace: Bury all your trash with you and collect anything you come across.

 • Water conservation: Be judicious in using water, since water is a rare resource in the rural villages 

• Wildlife respect: Keep a distance from the wildlife and do not feed them

 • Trail respect: Walk along the right trails so that nature will not be harmed

Cultural Significance and Local Traditions
 Spiritual Importance of Rara Lake

 Rara Lake has religious significance to the local people who have lived in the surrounding villages for centuries. Locals regard it as holy and that it is spiritually and healthily charged. Shamans and local spiritual figures conduct their rituals on the shore of the lake from time to time, usually on a full moon night. Trees in the area are also holy for locals, and some trees and plots of land are holy as religious altars that must be respected by wayfarers.

 Traditional Festivals and Celebrations

 • Seasonal festivals: Natives celebrate seasonal change with song and dance

 • Lake rituals: Prayers and rituals are performed particularly to pray for good weather conditions and to respect the lake

 • Harvest festival: Harvest festivals of the autumn harvest season, during the autumn months, welcome people to participate in local festivities

 • Religious festivals: Buddhist and Hindu festivals are celebrated with unique local traditions

 Local Communities and Lifestyle 

The residents of the Rara Lake ecosystem have lived their rural existence for generations. They derive their livelihood from livestock, agriculture, and seasonal transhumant herding. Presently, they are engaged in tourism, livestock, and agriculture. The tourists, by being part of it, will experience the challenges and the beauty of being able to inhabit such a habitat.

Planning Your Rara Lake Adventure

Rara Lake offers the best combination of nature, culture, and adventure that makes it the most sought-after destination for all types of travelers. The 6-day trip is nicely planned with ample time to see all that one can in the area at one's own pace. Whether one is a photographer, nature lover, culture lover, or just a person who wishes to get immersed in unspoiled natural beauty, Rara Lake offers an experience of a lifetime. The flight and road travel during the journey are combined such that the journey from either of these means of transport to Rara Lake can be completed without losing the adventure and seclusion for which Rara Lake is renowned. The small group size ensures personalized attention and the flexibility to adjust the itinerary based on group interests and weather conditions.

Conclusion

Rara Lake represents the perfect escape from the busy world, offering pristine natural beauty that few places on Earth can match. On this 6-day trekking holiday, you will be led off the beaten track to experience one of Nepal's best-kept secrets, where towering mountains are reflected in sparkling lakes and vibrant traditional cultures are in harmony with the scenery. This is not a trek, this is a holiday escapade never to be forgotten, to reconnect with nature. The combination of bird's eye perspective, gentle ambles, cultural breaks, and leisurely hours spent at the lake is a quintessential medium experience perfectly embedded in any type of traveler. Whether it is a novice photography buff, a nature buff, a culture buff, or just a laid-back holiday maker, Rara Lake contains them all and then some, all rolled into one good experience. The trek to the Rara Lake is also encompassed in the trek and lake itself, which takes you through various landscapes and villages that exist to confirm Nepal's completely different diversity. You will be exposed to various cultures and landscapes along the route of one trek, from the tropical heat of the Terai to the alpine highlands of the lake. Your journey to Rara Lake will not only pay you back with stunning images and memories for a lifetime, but with an enhanced appreciation for Nepal's pristine beauty and the need to preserve such pure landscapes for future generations. This is not a holiday – this is something which will change you and will leave you pining for still more of Nepal's off-the-tourist-track secrets and maybe one day come back to view again the tranquil shores of the "Queen of Lakes."

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