Jumla Rara Lake Trek Tour

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 3,062 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 at the Rara Lake National Park.

This beautiful high-altitude lake is surrounded by alpine meadows and forests of pine, juniper, and spruce, while in the background, you can view the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The entire route is ‘off the beaten track,’ and involves crossing Ghurchi Lagna Pass at 3,450 m on the way to Rara Lake and a few ridges at around 3,000 m while hiking on the return route.

The great high mountain scenery enchants and fascinates as always. Like most of Nepal, Rara National Park is a naturalist's dream. On this trek, animals such as the gaur, serow, musk deer, yellow-throated marten, and a wide variety of birds, such as the impeyan pheasant, kalij pheasant, and doves, are commonly seen.

Any physically fit person can do this moderate trek anytime from March to May and October to early December. The itinerary given below can be customized according to your needs and length of stay.

TRIP FACTS:

Country: Nepal
Duration: 17 days
Area: Dolpo Region
Activities: Trekking
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Max. Altitude: 3,500 m
Seasons: March, May – September, November

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, transfer to your hotel. A short briefing will follow concerning the necessary formalities and your trekking itinerary. Depending on your arrival time, you may spend some free time visiting nearby sites or resting.

Day 02: Half-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley

Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour around UNESCO-listed Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, where your guide will escort you to Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions. There is time to explore on your own or 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 Nepalgunj, 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 north from Nepalgunj, crossing several hilly regions. If the weather permits, you can see excellent views of snow-capped mountains to the east and west. Jumla town, located in a delightful valley, is known for the highest limits of paddy cultivation, growing red rice. It is the administrative headquarters of the Karnali zone and Jumla district.

Day 05: Jumla to Uthugaon (2530 m)

We start our trek by following the north bank of the Tila Khola River, then turn north following the Chaudhabise Khola, passing through fields and pine forests. We ascend gradually into the Padmara Valley. The trail continues along the river until we arrive at the small village of Uthugaon, where we have a good campsite near the school on the opposite side of the river. This is a short trekking day of about 5 hours.

Day 06: Uthugaon to Danphe Lagna (3500 m)

After breakfast, we follow the trail through a narrow canyon to the village of Padmara at 2,900 m. The path climbs to the Khali Lagna Pass at 3,550 m through deep forests of pine, spruce, and fir. Shortly after the pass, the trails join and then descend gently through mixed forests of spruce, birch, and rhododendron to our campsite at Danphe Lagna. The colorful national bird of Nepal—the Himalayan monal—has often been sighted near our campsite. Today’s walk is approximately 5 hours.

Day 07: Danphe Lagna to Chautha (2770 m)

The trail descends gently alongside a stream to two teahouses at Tharamara (3,280 m), and further descends steeply through forests of fir, birch, walnut, and bamboo. After crossing a bridge at 2,680 m, the trail follows the river briefly before ascending past water mills to Kabra, known for its overhanging rock rich in shilajit, believed to have healing properties. After passing Bhara, a classic Tibetan-style village, we descend to the Chauro Khola River and the village of Chautha. Today’s trek takes about 6 hours.

Day 08: Chautha to Dhotu (2380 m)

The trail follows the stream uphill to Bhulbhule, the entrance station of Rara National Park at 3,130 m. The path climbs gently to Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3,450 m), adorned with chortens and prayer flags. From the pass, the trail descends steeply through spruce forests before leveling out around 2,900 m, eventually reaching the small settlement of Dhotu. Today’s walk is about 6 hours.

Day 09: Dhotu to Rara Lake (2980 m)

This is a short and pleasant trek with excellent views to the north. The trail passes through fields and cedar forests before reaching a beautiful meadow with magnificent views of Rara Lake. We continue to the northern side of the lake, where the park headquarters and campsite are located. Walking time is about 5 hours.

Day 10: Explore and Rest around Rara Lake (2980 m)

Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal. Walking the 13 km trail around the lake is rewarding. Designated a national park in 1975, the region offers a remote wilderness experience with rich flora and fauna. Animals found here include Himalayan bears, gorals, musk deer, red pandas, and both rhesus and langur monkeys. The 170-meter-deep lake is home to otters and is an important stop for migrating waterfowl.

Day 11: Rara Lake to Gorusingha (3190 m)

From the western bridge at Rara Lake, the trail follows the Khatyar Khola River. We descend gradually before climbing through forests of pine, spruce, and rhododendron. The trail then drops into the Ghatta Valley toward the small settlement of Gorusingha, home to several good campsites. About 5 hours walking.

Day 12: Gorusingha to Sinja (2440 m)

The route continues down the Ghatta Valley following the Sinja Khola River. From the 12th to 14th century, Sinja was the capital of the Malla Dynasty of western Nepal. Ruins of the old palace can still be seen across the river. A temple dedicated to Bhagwati, the goddess of justice, is also located here. Walking time: 5 hours.

Day 13: Sinja to Jaljala Chaur (3270 m)

From Sinja, the trail crosses the Sinja Khola on a wooden cantilever bridge. Passing several villages, the trail crosses the river multiple times on log bridges, moving through forests of pine, birch, and oak, and fields of barley and corn. A steep climb leads to Jaljala Chaur, a vast meadow filled with grazing horses. Walking time: 6 hours.

Day 14: Jaljala Chaur to Jumla (2370 m)

Continue climbing through forests to another meadow just below a ridge at 3,510 m, then descend pleasantly to Jumla, where the trek ends.

Day 15: Jumla to Nepalgunj

Fly to Nepalgunj from Jumla, enjoying beautiful mountain views if the weather is clear.

Day 16: Nepalgunj to Kathmandu

Catch a morning flight to Kathmandu, then transfer to your hotel. Spend the remaining time sightseeing, shopping, or resting. In the evening, enjoy a typical Nepali dinner with a cultural show. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 17: Final Departure

Thank you for joining Explore Tourism & Aaradhana Travel Nepal!

PRICE INCLUSIONS:

Accommodation:

3 nights hotel in Kathmandu

2 nights in Nepalgunj

11 days Camping/Tea house

Transportation:

Airport pick-up and drop-off

Half-day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley

Domestic flights: Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu

Nepalgunj to Jumla and return

Jomsom to Pokhara

Pokhara to Kathmandu

Trekking:

All meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner with tea/coffee)

Accommodation in teahouses/camping

Sleeping bag/camping equipment

Down jackets

Special trekking permits

English-speaking guide

Porter

All necessities for Nepali staff (meals, accommodation, equipment, salary, insurance, etc.)

Meals:

16 breakfasts

14 lunches

15 dinners

PRICE EXCLUSIONS:

Any bar bills (mineral water, Coke, beer, etc.)

Personal clothing

Personal expenses

Emergency rescue charges

Any unforeseen expenses