Jumla Rara Lake Trek

Trip Overview

Trip Facts

Total Duration 18 days
Trip Grade Moderate
Max Altitude 4000m.
Start From Jumla
End From Jumla
Min Size 2pax
Max Size 10pax
Trip Mode Camping
Accommodation Tent
Best Season: Mid Sep-Dec and March to May

Trip Highlights

Magnificent Scenery: The trek offers breathtaking views of the serene Rara Lake, surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains.
Cultural Experience: The route passes through traditional villages, providing a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality of the remote communities.
Wildlife Diversity: Rara National Park, is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the red panda and musk deer.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Trekking: As a less crowded trekking destination, it provides a peaceful and authentic adventure away from the popular trekking routes in Nepal.
Historical and Spiritual Significance: The trek includes visits to ancient historical sites and temples, offering insights into the region’s rich history and spiritual heritage.

A Scenic Adventure to Nepal’s Largest Lake
Discover the untouched wilderness and vibrant cultural heritage on the Jumla Rara Lake Trek, a hidden gem in Nepal’s remote Karnali region. This trek offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and stunning landscapes. Ideal for trekkers seeking a moderately challenging adventure off the beaten path, the Jumla Rara Lake Trek allows you to steep yourself in nature and forge connections with local communities. Because its unique scenery and diverse cultures make this trek a standout among Nepal’s trekking routes.

The Brief Rara Lake Trek Itinerary
The Rara Lake trek starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Surkhet, followed by a scenic adventurous road journey to Jumla. From here, the trek takes you through serene pine, Rhododendron, spruce, and juniper forests within the Rara National Park. The main highlight of the Rara Trek is the stunning Rara Lake, the largest lake in Nepal and the “queen of far-west Nepal.” Surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks and green hills, the lake offers mesmerizing views that captivate every visitor.

After exploring Rara Lake and its picturesque surroundings, trek through breathtaking meadows, traditional villages of far-western Nepal, and lush forests. Cross the 3,445m Ghurchi Lagna and 3,690m Danphe Lagna passes before reaching Jumla. Along the journey, soak in the majestic mountain views, marvel at the stunning landscapes, and gain a deeper insight into the local culture and traditions.

Rich in Flora and Fauna
Rara National Park established in 1976, is home of diverse flora and fauna. As you trek, you might encounter the Himalayan black bear, musk deer, goral, Himalayan Thar, and wild boar. Bird watchers will find this trek particularly rewarding, especially during November and April when numerous bird species migrate through the area.

Cultural Encounters and Scenic Natural Wonders
Blossom Expeditions planned the Jumla Rara Lake Trekking itinerary carefully to provide a complete circuit experience from Jumla to Rara Lake and back. The route passes through traditional villages like Cherechaur, Sinja, and Bhota, offering a glimpse into the authentic village life of far-west Nepal. The return journey takes you through Jhyari, Bhulbhule, and Chautha, each village providing its own unique charm and hospitality.

Best Time to Trek to Rara Lake
Although the Jumla Rara Lake Trek is open year-round, the best time to start on this journey is from September to May. Among these months, autumn (September–November) and spring (March-May) are considered the most suitable seasons. During this time, the temperature is moderate, and the weather is relatively clear, making the trek more comfortable. These months provide ideal conditions for exploring and experiencing the natural and cultural beauty of the region.

Autumn (September–November): Autumn arrives after the long monsoon season, bringing an end to continuous rainfall and humid weather. This time of year offers pleasant trekking conditions, with fresh air, clear blue skies, and stunning majestic mountain views. The landscapes are vibrant and full of natural beauty, making the trek both exciting and memorable.

Winter (December–February): Although winter trekking to Rara Lake can be challenging due to cold temperatures and occasional snowfall, it remains doable with proper gear since the trek does not involve crossing high mountain passes and valleys. In the winter season, the average temperature is a minimum of -6°C at night and a maximum of 13°C at the highest point of the trek. This season rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, stunning landscapes, and a peaceful trekking experience in the foothills of the Himalayas with fewer crowds.

Spring (March-May): Spring is another excellent season for the Jumla Rara Lake Trek. As the cold recedes, the arrival of migratory birds/wildlife and blooming wildflowers, including rhododendrons, enhances the trekking experience. This is also the farming season in the hilly regions of Nepal, offering trekkers a chance to witness local agricultural practices and rural lifestyle along the trail

Perfect for All Trekkers
Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned Himalayan trekkers, the Rara Lake Trek offers something special. The trail is considered an off-the-beaten-path and a less crowded area, ensuring a peaceful and engaging trekking experience. The trek is moderately challenging, making it accessible for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness.

Blossom Expeditions offers a complete package for the Jumla Rara Lake Trek, ensuring you enjoy this unique wilderness adventure in Nepal.

Rara Lake Trek Video

Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Days	Programs
01	Arrival in Kathmandu
02	Preparation and Sightseeing Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Darbar Square, Pashupatinath Tempel and Boudhanath Stupa.
03	Fly to Surkhet and Drive to Manma (1750m) An hours fly and 6-7 hours drive
04	Drive to Jumla (2540m) and Trek to Chere Chaur (3030m.) Drive 3-4 hours drive and Trek 2-3 hours
05	Trek to Chala Chaur (2940m.) 6-7hours
06	Chala Chaur to Sinja Valley (2490m.) 4-5 hours
07	Trek to Goru Singhe (3290m.) 6-7 hours
08	Trek to Rara Lake (2960m.) 6-7 hours
09	Day hike to Murma Top Viewpoint (3670m) 5-6 hours
10	Exploration Day
11	Trek to Jhari (2440m.) 3-4 hours
12	Trek to Chautha (2770m.) 5-6 hours
13	Trek to Khali Chaur (3530m.)
14	Trek to Jumla (2540m) via Daphe pass (3691m) 4-5 hours
15	Drive to Surkhet 10-11 hours
16	Fly to Kathmandu
17	Free Day
18	Departure to Home

Note: The flight between Nepalgunj and Jumla is often inconvenient, with over 70% of scheduled flights getting canceled based on our past experience. Therefore, we plan to drive from Surkhet to Jumla and back.

Open to flying?
If you prefer to fly, we can adjust the itinerary to include a Nepalgunj-Jumla flight, but please be aware of potential cancellations.

Trip Gallery

Trip Highlights

Magnificent Scenery: The trek offers breathtaking views of the serene Rara Lake, surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains.
Cultural Experience: The route passes through traditional villages, providing a unique opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality of the remote communities.
Wildlife Diversity: Rara National Park, is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the red panda and musk deer.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Trekking: As a less crowded trekking destination, it provides a peaceful and authentic adventure away from the popular trekking routes in Nepal.
Historical and Spiritual Significance: The trek includes visits to ancient historical sites and temples, offering insights into the region's rich history and spiritual heritage.