Rara Lake Trek

Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, use the afternoon to rest and acclimatize to the time difference. In the evening, you'll have a brief meeting with your guide to discuss the trek ahead and check your equipment

Today is for cultural immersion before the trek. A guided tour will take you to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and the great Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath. The afternoon is free for final preparations, like renting any missing gear or buying last-minute snacks for the trail.

A one-hour morning flight takes you southwest to Nepalgunj, a bustling subtropical city near the Indian border. The change in climate and culture is immediate. You'll transfer to a hotel and can explore the local market in the evening, noting this is your last access to major urban amenities.
 

An early 20-minute flight on a smaller aircraft brings you into the Himalayan foothills at Jumla (2,540m). After meeting the porters, your trek begins with a steady ascent alongside the Jugad River, passing through pine forests and small villages to reach the grassy meadows of Chere Chaur for your first night on the trail.

The trail climbs through fragrant rhododendron and oak forests towards the Jaljala Pass area. The walking involves several ascents and descents across ridges. You'll enjoy glimpses of the Kanjiroba Himal to the northeast before descending to the serene pastureland of Chalachaur.

Today's walk is a long descent following the Jaljala stream downstream. You'll leave the high pastures and enter the culturally rich Sinja Valley, the medieval capital of the Khasa Kingdom. The lower altitude and historic atmosphere make for a pleasant stop.

The trail turns north, climbing steadily out of the Sinja Valley alongside the Hima River. You'll cross a suspension bridge and pass through the village of Laha. The day involves regaining the altitude you lost yesterday, finishing at Ghorosingha, nestled in a forest clearing.

The final approach to the lake begins with a climb to Chuchhemara Danda ridge, a premier viewpoint offering your first, breathtaking panorama of Rara Lake cradled below. From here, it's a joyful descent through bamboo and birch forests, past Murma village, to the shores of the lake itself.

This day is dedicated to absorbing the beauty of Rara. Options include a gentle hike around the lake's perimeter, a visit to the park headquarters, or the more strenuous climb to Murma Top (approx. 3,690m) for an unparalleled aerial view. The changing light on the water throughout the day is mesmerizing.
 

Bidding farewell to the lake, you'll trek back along a different, slightly higher route. You'll contour along ridges with expansive views before descending back to Ghorosingha. This path offers new perspectives on the landscape you walked through two days prior.

Retracing your steps for part of the day, you'll descend back into the Sinja Valley. The walk is mostly downhill, following the river course. Arriving back in Sinja offers a chance to relax and further explore this historic area.

This is a challenging day as you begin the return journey to Jumla. The trail leaves Sinja and makes a long, sustained climb back up to the high pastures near Jaljala. You'll regain significant altitude, so a steady pace is key.

After a short trek from Jaljala to Jumla airstrip, you'll board the twin-flight journey back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. Weather in the mountains can affect flight schedules, which is why we have a buffer day built into the itinerary. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel.

Your adventure concludes today. You will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure flight, taking with you memories of Nepal's remote western wilderness.