There is a place in the far north-western corner of Nepal where the mountains still whisper secrets and the trails remain untamed. Rara Lake Trekking isn't just a hike; it’s a pilgrimage to the "Queen of Lakes." At 2,990m, Rara is the largest lake in Nepal—a shimmering sapphire mirror cradled by the rugged peaks of the Mugu district.
If you are a soul-seeker looking to trade crowded basecamps for untouched wilderness, this is where your heart belongs. Imagine walking through emerald alpine meadows and ancient forests of juniper and spruce, where the only sounds are the mountain breeze and the distant call of a Himalayan bird.
Your story begins with a flight into the clouds, landing in Jumla. From the very first step, you’ll feel the difference. This isn't a tourist highway; it’s a living, breathing landscape. You will pass through traditional villages where the Khasa culture remains as pure as it was centuries ago.
As you enter Rara National Park, you’ll realize that small things often hold the most magic. In this intimate 106 sq. km sanctuary, nature feels closer:
The Wild Neighbors: Keep your eyes peeled. You might catch a rare glimpse of a Musk Deer, a Himalayan Black Bear, or even the shy Leopard moving through the shadows.
A Sky Full of Wings: For bird lovers, Rara is a dream. With 214 species, including seasonal migrants in April and November, the air is constantly alive with color and song.
A Tapestry of Faces: You’ll be greeted by the warm smiles of the Gurung and Magar people in the valleys, transitioning into the ancient Tibetan-rooted cultures of the highlands.
Every season paints Rara in a different light:
Autumn (Sept–Nov): The air is crisp, the sky is a deep, endless blue, and the trails are dressed in wild alpine flowers.
Spring (March–May): Watch the world wake up as the rhododendrons bloom and the forest turns a thousand shades of green.
Winter (Dec–Feb): For the true adventurer, a snow-dusted Rara offers a silent, white-washed world of absolute peace.
We know that venturing into the remote Karnali region can feel daunting. That’s why we don’t just act as your guides—we act as your bridge to this hidden world.
At Encounters Nepal, we handle the complex logistics of the "Wild West" so you can focus on the experience. Our 13-day Rara Lake package is built on flexibility; we understand that some days you want to push your limits, and other days you just want to sit by the water’s edge and reflect. With us, you aren't just a client on a trail—you're a guest in our home, and we’re here to make sure your journey is as unforgettable as the lake itself.
Day 01: Welcome to Kathmandu! Arrive at TIA airport where we’ll meet you with a warm smile and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 02: City Spirits & Prep: A day of culture. Explore the ancient stupas of Kathmandu while we finalize your Rara permits.
Day 03: Journey to the West: A scenic flight takes us to Nepalgunj, the vibrant gateway to the wild west.
Day 04: Fly to Jumla & Trek to Chere Chaur (3,055m): After a short mountain flight, we lace up our boots and head into the pine-scented hills.
Day 05: Over the Jaljala Pass to Chalachaur: We cross our first high point (3,580m) and descend into peaceful alpine meadows.
Day 06: Walking through History - Sinja Valley: Reach the ancient capital of the Khasa Kingdom, where the Nepali language was born.
Day 07: The Ascent to Ghorosingha: Following the Hima River, we climb steadily through Ghatte Khola.l
Day 08: The First Glimpse of Rara: A steep climb to Chuchhemara Danda (4,039m) rewards you with the ultimate view—the sapphire waters of Rara Lake stretching out below.
Day 09: Living the Rara Dream: A full day of freedom. Boat on the crystal waters, hike to Murma Top, or simply sit by the shore with a book. This is your time to "unplug."
Day 10: Trek to Pina: We begin our return via a different route, passing through the police post and cozy lodges of Pina.
Day 11: The Pine Forests to Bumra: A beautiful day of descending through walnut groves and traditional Thakuri villages.
Day 12: Final Trek to Jumla: We close the loop, arriving back in Jumla for a celebratory final dinner with your trekking crew.
Day 13: Back to the Capital: Morning flights from Jumla to Nepalgunj and back to Kathmandu. Time for some last-minute souvenir shopping!