| Duration: | 17 Day(s) - 16 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Trekking |
This trek through the remote wilderness of western Nepal offers a superb experience of nature and a visit to Rara Lake, Nepal's Largest Lake at 3062 meters. Beginning the trek from the mountain airstrip of Jumla after flying from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, the trail passes through green countryside which provides unusual glimpses of a culture and scenery quite different from that found elsewhere in Nepal and which eventually culminates to the Rara Lake National Park.
This beautiful high altitude lake is surrounded by alpine meadows and forests of pine, juniper and spruce, whilst in the background you can view the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The entire route is 'off the beaten track' which involves the crossing of Ghurchi Lagna pass at 3450m on the way to Rara Lake and a few ridges at around 3000 meters when hiking on the way back.
The great high mountains scenery enchants and fascinate as always. Like most of Nepal, Rara National Park is a naturalist's dream. In this trek, animals like the gaur, serow, musk deer, yellow-throated martin and a wide variety of birds such as the impedance pheasant, Kalij and dove are ever present. Any physically fit person can do this moderate trek anytime in March to May and October to early December. Itinerary, given below, can be customized according to your needs and length of stay.
TRIP FACTS:
DETAIL ITINERARY:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1350 m:
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport transfer to your hotel. Short briefing will follow concerning the necessary formalities and your trekking itinerary. Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby sanctuaries or resting.
Day 02: Half day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley:
Half day sightseeing around UNESCO Bhaktapur, Kathmandu where your guide will escort you on a tour of Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There is time to explore the city's many places of interest on your own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalized. In the evening sample a delicious traditional Nepali dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj:
Fly to Nepalgung, a small town near the Indian border in the Terai region of Nepal, and stay overnight in this transit city.
Day 04: Nepalgunj to Jumla 2370 m:
Fly to North from Nepalgunj crossing several hilly regions. If weather permits, you can see the good views of snow-capped mountains to the east and west. Jumla town is in a delightful valley and here are the highest limits of paddy cultivation, growing red rice. The town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali zone and Jumla district. Pine forest.
Day 05: Jumla to Uthugaon 2530 m:
We start our trek by following the north bank of the Tila Khola River and then turn north following the Chaudhabise Khola passing through fields and pine forests. We will ascent up the Padmara valley. Our trail keeps following the river until we arrive at the small village of Uthugaon, where we will have a good campsite close to the school on the opposite site of the river .This is one of the short days of our trip. So, we will walk about 5 hours to reach the destination.
Day 06: Uthugaon to Danphe Lagna 3500 m:
After our breakfast we will follow the trail through this narrow canyon to the village of Padmara at 2900 m. Our path then climbs to the Khali Lagna pass at 3550 m through a deep forest of pines, spruces and firs. Shortly after this pass both routes come together and the trail then descends gently through mixed forest of spruces, birches and rhododendrons to arrive at our campsite at Danphe Lagna. Here the colorful national bird of Nepal (the Himalayan monal, or impeyan peasant) has been spotted many times at the edge of our campsite .Today also we will walk around 5 hours a day.
Day 07: Danphe Lagna to Chautha 2770 m:
The trails descend gently alongside the stream to two bhattis (teashops) at Tharamara (3280m) and the descending more steep passing through fir, birch, and walnut and bamboo forests. After crossing a bridge at 2680 meter we follow the river downstream before starting a serious climb passing some water-driven mills to Kabra. Here is a huge overhanging rock which is the source of silajit, a mineral which is believed to have healing properties. It is exported to India and it is believed by people that there is hardly any curable disease which cannot be controlled or cured with the aid of silajit Our steep climb continues for a while and then levels out before Bhara (classic Tibetan style village). After this village we then descend to the Chauro Khola River to the village of Chautha. We will be walking around 6 hours today to reach Lagna Chautha from Danphe Lagna.
Day 08: Chautha to Dhotu 2380 m:
Our trail continues to follow the stream uphill to Bhulbule, the Rara National Park entrance station at 3130 meter. Our path continues climbing gently to Ghurchi Lagna pass (3450m) which is covered with an assortment of chortens (round stone Buddhist monuments) and prayer flags. From the pass the route descends gently at first before dropping down precipitously through spruce forests. The path levels at about 2900 meter and continues more or less level to the small settlement of Dhotu where our camp of the day will be. This day is also the day of 6 hours to walk.
Day 09: Dhotu to Rara Lake 2980 m:
It is a short, pleasant trek with fine views to the north. From Dhotu, we traverse a steep north facing slope and cross a series of fields down to a small stream. Crossing the bridge, we climb up to the Thakuri village of Jhyari (2630m). From Jhyari, we climb steadily up through cedar forest to a huge meadow atop a 3050 meter ridge with great overhead views of Rara Lake. We will follow the trail along to the northern side of the Lake, where the park headquarters and the camping ground are situated. We will be spending our night here and we have to walk about 5 hour to reach to Rara Lake from Dhotu.
Day 10: Explore and rest at around Rara Lake 2980 m:
Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal. It is almost 13 km around the lake and a day devoted to walk around is well spent. Designated a national park in 1975, this region offers remoteness and a wilderness experience unlike any other region of Nepal, where birds, flowers and wildlife thrive. Among the mammals in this region are Himalayan bears, serows, gorals, musk deer, red pandas and both rhesus and languor monkeys. The 170 meter deep lake is a habitat for otters and an important resting place for migrating water fowl.
Day 11: Rara Lake to Gorusingha 3190 m:
From the bridge at the western end of Rara Lake the trail will follow the Khatyar Khola River. We will keep following this river slowly descending before we climb out following a small trail surrounded by pine, spruce and rhododendron forests. We follow our path dropping into the Ghatta valley heading towards the small settlement of Gorusingha where there are sdveral excellent campsites. Today, it will be 5 hours of walking day.
Day 12: Gorusingha to Sinja 2440 m:
The route keeps heading down the Ghatta valley from Gorusingha following the Sinja Khola River downwards to Sinja. From the 12th to 14th century, Sinja was the capital of the Malla eynasty that ruled western Nepal. The ruins of the old palace can be seen across the river. There is an interesting temple dedicated to Bhagwati, the goddess of justice who rides atop a tiger .05 hours is the time to reach here.
Day 13: Sinja to Jaljala Chaur 3270 m:
From Sinja, the trail crosses the Sinja Khola on a wooden cantilever bridge. After passing a few small villages, the trail crosses back and forth across the river on a series of quaint log bridges. Most of the trek is through forest of pine, birch and oak and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a steep climb to Jaljala Chaur, a gigantic meadow full of horses. 06 hours are the time to reach here from Sinja.
Day 14: Jaljala Chaur to Jumla 2370:
Keep climbing through forest to yet another meadow, just below the ridge at 3510m, and then we will be walking Pleasant places descending to Jumla where our trekking ends.
Day 15: Jumla to Nepalgunj:
Fly to Nepalgunj from jumla and view wonderful mountainous scenarios if weather permits.
Day 16: Nepalgunj to Kathmandu:
Catch morning flight to arrive at Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel and continue remaining sightseeing or go for shopping or/and rest at Hotel. Tonight typical Nepali dinner with culture show will be served. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 17: Final Departure:
Thank you for joining Explore Tourism & Aaradhana Travel Nepal!!!.
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