Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake Trek

●●●●● 4.9 · 60+ TripAdvisor reviews

Trek Nepal's largest lake via Jumla, the ancient Khasa Kingdom capital at Sinja Valley and three mountain passes on a 15-day circuit with two full days at the water.

Duration 15 Days
Difficulty Challenging What does this mean?
Max Altitude 3,691m (Danphe Lagna Pass) 12,110ft
Best Season Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Group Size min. 2 pax
USD per person On Request Get a Quote

On The Trail

What It Really Looks Like
14 photos
Tourist enjoying rickshaw ride in Kathmandu durbar square in Nepal tour
Nepalgunj Airport Terminal
Horse grazing in Chere Chaur
Jaljale trek
Beautiful green sinja valley
Beautiful Rara Lake
Top view of Rara lake
Serene Rara Lake
Gamgadhi Village view
Danphe lagna pass
Snow white jumla village
Kathmandu cultural tour bouddhanath stupa
Stroll around kathmandu square
See off at TIA Kathmandu
Trip Overview

Rara Lake Trek: What to Expect

15 days · 3,691m (Danphe Lagna Pass)

Two Full Days at Rara Lake

Two Full Days at Rara Lake

Sinja Valley Ruins

12th to 14th century Khasa Malla Kingdom capital directly on the trail route

Three Mountain Passes

Jaljala at 3,580m, Ghurchi Lagna at 3,480m and Danphe Lagna at 3,691m on the return

No Restricted Permit Needed

Only Rara National Park permit and TIMS required, both handled before departure

The Rara Lake Trek is a 15-day teahouse circuit from Jumla through three mountain passes, the ancient Khasa Malla capital of Sinja Valley and two full days at Nepal’s largest freshwater lake. You fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj then a 30-minute Twin Otter to Jumla at 2,370m, walk 10 days through terrain that receives a fraction of Everest or Annapurna traffic, spend two nights at Rara Lake, and fly back the same way. The maximum altitude is 3,691m at Danphe Lagna Pass on Day 12, substantially lower than the Everest or Manaslu circuits, but three consecutive pass crossings on tired legs and the remoteness of the Mugu District trail make this a genuinely demanding circuit.

The Sinja Valley detour on Day 5 is not a side trip. It sits directly on the trail between Jaljala Pass and Ghorosingha. Sinja was the capital of the Khasa Malla Kingdom from roughly the 12th to 14th centuries, a dynasty that controlled much of western Nepal, parts of Tibet and northern India. The ruins of the old palace are visible from the trail across the Sinja Khola river. Cambridge University’s archaeology department has conducted excavations here. The valley is also cited as the birthplace of the Khas language, the direct ancestor of modern Nepali. Most trekkers describe it as the most historically significant stop of the entire route.

Two full days at Rara Lake are built into the itinerary. The first for the optional Chuchemara Hill hike to 4,090m, which gives an aerial view of the full 10.8 sq km lake. The second as both a rest day and a weather buffer. Morning cloud is common at Rara and one poor weather day does not cost you the best views. The farewell night is in Jumla before the return flights. Day 14 in Kathmandu is a built-in buffer for Jumla flight delays, which are common. Do not book an international departure on Day 15 without at least one extra night in Kathmandu as a margin. Read our Altitude Sickness guide and Travel Insurance guide before booking.

The Full Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

15 days · Guided by local experts

Altitude Profile
0m 1,000m 2,000m 3,000m 4,000m
4,090m
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8 D9 D10 D11 D12 D13 D14 D15
Highest point: 3,691m (Danphe Lagna Pass)
Tap a day for details

Arrive in Kathmandu

Airport → Hotel
1,400m 4,593ft

Your guide meets you at Tribhuvan Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. The evening briefing covers the full 15-day circuit, gear check, permit documents and the Jumla flight logistics for Days 2 and 3. Jumla flights connect through Nepalgunj and are weather dependent so your guide will review the current forecast and contingency plan tonight. Withdraw all cash in Kathmandu as ATMs in Jumla are unreliable and there are no banking facilities from Day 4 onward.

Day Stat Transfer day
Stay Hotel, Thamel
Tourist enjoying rickshaw ride in Kathmandu durbar square in Nepal tour

A one-hour scheduled flight to Nepalgunj, the main hub of western Nepal’s Terai belt. Nepalgunj sits at 150m and is warm, humid and noticeably different from Kathmandu in culture and feel with a mix of Nepali, Tharu and Muslim communities visible in the bazaar. The afternoon is free to visit Bageshwori Temple or the India border market a 20-minute walk away. Charge every device fully tonight as reliable electricity ends here for most of the circuit.

Day Stat 1hr flight · 500km
Meals Breakfast
Stay Hotel, Nepalgunj
Nepalgunj Airport Terminal

An early 30-minute Twin Otter flight to Jumla at 2,370m, the highest airport in Nepal on regular scheduled service. Stock up on snacks at Jumla’s Khalanga Bazaar before the trail begins as options become very limited beyond this point. The trek climbs immediately from the airport through terraced fields and pine forest along the Jugad Khola gaining 685m to the broad highland plateau of Chere Chaur. The ascent is the first serious effort of the circuit and sets the tone for the days ahead.

Day Stat 30min flight · 12km walk · 5-6hr · +685m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Chere Chaur
Horse grazing in Chere Chaur

The first major high point of the circuit. The trail climbs west from Chere Chaur through dense rhododendron, birch and pine forest before emerging onto open ridge at Jaljala Pass at 3,580m. The Kanjiroba Himal range with its highest peak at 6,883m is visible to the north on clear mornings. The descent drops to the wide grassland of Jaljala Chaur at 3,420m where the circuit trail officially begins and the return route via Danphe Lagna forks right. A long descent through forest follows into the Jaljala Khola valley to Chalachaur.

Day Stat 6-7hr walk · 15km · +525m then -600m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Chalachaur
Jaljale trek

The trail follows the Jaljala Khola downstream through traditional villages crossing the river on log and suspension bridges and passing stone fields etched with Malla dynasty inscriptions. Kanaksundari village has a 300-year-old Bhagwati temple directly on the trail worth a short stop. Sinja Valley opens at the end of the day, a flat river plain at 2,490m that served as the capital of the Khasa Malla Kingdom from the 12th to 14th centuries. The ruins of the old palace are visible from the trail across the Sinja Khola. Cambridge University has conducted archaeological excavations here and the valley is cited as the birthplace of the Khas language, the direct ancestor of modern Nepali.

Day Stat 5-6hr walk · 12km · -490m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Sinja Valley
Beautiful green sinja valley

Leaving Sinja the trail climbs east following the Hima River through pine and birch forest before a steep ascent to Laha village, a good lunch stop with basic teahouse facilities. The afternoon continues through Gani settlement before the final push to Ghorosingha at 3,050m on a high ridge with views of the surrounding hills. This is the last significant stop before the approach to Rara begins tomorrow. A sleeping bag rated to -5C minimum is essential from tonight as temperatures drop noticeably at this elevation.

Day Stat 6-7hr walk · 14km · +560m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Ghorosingha

The approach to Rara climbs steeply through cedar and pine forest via the Chuchemara Danda ridge where the lake first appears through the trees around 3 to 4 hours into the day. Most trekkers stop here longer than planned. The descent via Murma village leads to the lake shore and Chhapri, the Rara National Park headquarters. Rara at 2,990m covers 10.8 sq km and the water shifts between deep blue and green depending on cloud and light. After six days on trail the teahouses here feel genuinely luxurious by comparison.

Day Stat 5-6hr walk · 10km · +160m then -220m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Rara Lake
Beautiful Rara Lake

A full day with no fixed route. The main excursion is the hike to Chuchemara Hill at 4,090m, a 3 to 4 hour round trip on a steep but straightforward trail delivering an aerial view of the full 10.8 sq km lake with the Kanjiroba and Saipal Himal ranges as backdrop. A complete shoreline walk takes 3 to 4 hours at a relaxed pace through forest, meadow and rocky outcrops. Boat rides on the lake can be arranged locally. Wildlife active at the forest edge in early morning includes musk deer, Himalayan monal and in rare cases red panda.

Day Stat Rest day · 0-8km optional · Chuchemara 3-4hr round trip
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Rara Lake
Top view of Rara lake
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A second full day at the lake built in for two reasons. Morning cloud is common at Rara and a poor weather window on Day 8 does not cost you the best views. The second day also functions as genuine rest after six consecutive days of trail before the return circuit begins. Revisit Chuchemara at a different time of day for different light on the water, walk sections of shore missed yesterday, or simply sit by the lake. Wildlife observation is most productive at the forest edge in the first hour after sunrise and in the hour before dark.

Day Stat Rest day · Optional shoreline walks
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Rara Lake
Serene Rara Lake

The return begins. The trail heads west from the lake descending to Gamgadhi at 2,100m, the administrative headquarters of Mugu District with a small bazaar and government offices. Stock up on any supplies here as options become limited south of Gamgadhi. From Gamgadhi the trail follows the Jhyari Khola south through pine and cedar forest passing through traditional Magar villages to Pina at 2,440m. One of the easier days on the circuit by distance and terrain, useful for legs that have now covered over 80km from Jumla.

Day Stat 4-5hr walk · 12km · -550m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Pina
Gamgadhi Village view

The return circuit’s first serious day. The trail climbs south through forest to Bhulbule at 3,130m, the Rara National Park exit checkpoint where permits are verified for the last time. The ascent continues to Ghurchi Lagna Pass at 3,480m marked with chortens and prayer flags with views of the Karnali River valley far below and snow peaks bordering Tibet to the north. A long descent through spruce forest drops to Bumra at 2,850m. Cold nights are guaranteed at this elevation and the sleeping bag earns its place again tonight.

Day Stat 6-7hr walk · 16km · +1,040m then -630m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Bumra
Danphe lagna pass

The hardest day on the return and the highest point of the entire circuit. The trail crosses two suspension bridges over the Hima River then climbs an unrelenting gradient through birch forest to the natural hot springs, a well-earned rest stop before the final push. The hot springs sit roughly 1.5 to 2 hours below Danphe Lagna Pass at 3,691m, named for the danphe Himalayan monal that frequents the surrounding forest. From the pass the descent drops to Chere Chaur rejoining the Day 3 approach trail and continues into Jumla. The final stretch from Chere Chaur to Jumla takes 2 to 3 hours on a well-worn path.

Day Stat 6-7hr walk · 18km · +841m then -1,321m
Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Stay Teahouse, Jumla
Snow white jumla village

The morning Twin Otter from Jumla to Nepalgunj takes 30 minutes and follows a scenic low-level route over the Karnali highlands. Cloud typically builds over Jumla by mid-morning so the early slot is critical. MountainKick books the earliest available departure. The connection to Kathmandu takes one hour with arrival by early to mid afternoon. MountainKick arranges a farewell dinner this evening with a traditional Nepali meal. Do not book an international departure tomorrow as Day 14 is your flight delay buffer.

Day Stat 30min flight · 1hr flight
Meals Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Stay Hotel, Thamel
Kathmandu cultural tour bouddhanath stupa

A built-in buffer day for Jumla flight delays, which are common on the Twin Otter route. If flights ran on schedule this is free time in Kathmandu. Boudhanath Stupa is a 20-minute taxi from Thamel and worth the visit. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is 45 minutes by road and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Asia. Pashupatinath Temple is 30 minutes from Thamel. Use the afternoon for last-minute shopping in Thamel or simply rest before tomorrow’s international departure.

Day Stat Rest day
Meals Breakfast
Stay Hotel, Thamel
Stroll around kathmandu square

Your guide transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately 3 hours before your international departure. If your flight departs late the morning is free for a final walk through Thamel. Fifteen days, three mountain passes, the ancient ruins of Sinja Valley and two full days at Nepal’s largest lake. Safe travels.

Day Stat Transfer day
Meals Breakfast
See off at TIA Kathmandu
See off at TIA Kathmandu
Visualise The Route

3D Route Map

See the exact terrain, elevation, and waypoints of this trek before you go.

3D satellite terrain with interactive route
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Click and drag to rotate Scroll to zoom Click markers for trail details
Drag to rotate Pinch to zoom Tap markers for trail details
What's Covered

Includes & Excludes

Everything in your package, and what to budget for separately.

What's Included 14
  • Airport and hotel transfers Private vehicle throughout, all Kathmandu pickups and drop-offs
  • 3-star hotel in Kathmandu, twin-sharing with breakfast Days 1, 13 and 14, same hotel throughout
  • Air-conditioned hotel in Nepalgunj, twin-sharing with breakfast Days 2 and 13 transit nights. Air conditioning essential as Nepalgunj reaches 35C in spring and summer.
  • Domestic flights Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Jumla and return All four domestic flights included, round trip both directions
  • All meals on trek Days 3 to 12 at teahouses.
  • All teahouse accommodation on twin-sharing basis 11 nights on trail from Chere Chaur to Jumla return
  • Licensed guide for the full 15 days NTB-certified, English speaking, experienced on the Jumla circuit
  • Porter service 1 porter per 2 trekkers, 20kg load limit, full medical insurance
  • Rara National Park entry permit Arranged in Kathmandu before departure, checked at Bhulbule on Day 11
  • TIMS card Trekkers Information Management System card
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu Traditional Nepali food, final evening
  • MountainKick duffel bag Yours to keep
  • Oximeter and first aid kit Carried by guide throughout the trek
  • All government taxes and official fees Nothing added at checkout
Not Included 8
  • International flights To and from Kathmandu, booked independently
  • Nepal visa fee On arrival at Tribhuvan Airport. 15 days $30, 30 days $50, 90 days $125
  • Travel insurance Must cover trekking to at least 4,200m and helicopter evacuation from Jumla region. Estimated cost USD 2,500 to 5,000. Standard policies often exclude far western Nepal.
  • Personal trekking gear Sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles — all rentable in Kathmandu
  • Guide and porter tips Customary and appreciated. Roughly 10-15% of trip cost
  • Hot showers and Wi-Fi on trail Available at some teahouses, small extra charge
  • Alcohol and personal drinks Available at teahouses on the lower sections
  • Personal expenses Laundry, calls, souvenirs, snacks
Optional Upgrades

Enhance Your Trek

Pokhara Extension After Dharapani, drive to Pokhara instead of Kathmandu. Two nights on the lakeside with time for paragliding, rafting, or simply recovering with good food and mountain views. On request
Kathmandu Sightseeing Full day guided tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square before the trek. $85 per person
Complimentary Services

We Handle the Details

Free
Luggage storage Leave your extra city luggage with us while you trek. Pick it up when you are back in Kathmandu.
Trekking poles A pair of trekking poles to use on the trail. Just ask before you set off.
Local SIM card We help you get a Nepali SIM with data before you head into the mountains.
Pre-trek gear check Before you leave Kathmandu, your guide checks your gear and makes sure you are ready for the trail.
Rental shop guidance Need something else? We point you to rental shops we trust in Kathmandu, with fair prices.
Rescue coordination If an emergency happens, our Kathmandu team arranges the helicopter with your guide and insurer. The flight is covered by your insurance.
Questions about what's included? Our team replies within a few hours and is happy to clarify anything before you book.
Ask Us a Question →
Accommodation & Food

Where You'll Sleep & What You'll Eat

Where you stay and what you eat on this trip, so you know what to expect and how much to budget.

Hotel Vistara Kathmandu
Where you'll stay

2 nights in Kathmandu: Three-star hotel in Thamel with twin sharing rooms, hot shower, WiFi and daily breakfast included. Same hotel on arrival, return and buffer day.

2 nights in Nepalgunj: Air-conditioned hotel near the domestic airport with private bathrooms and hot water. Air conditioning is essential as Nepalgunj reaches 35C in spring and summer. Breakfast included both nights.

11 nights on trek (Chere Chaur to Jumla return): All teahouse accommodation, twin sharing throughout. Teahouse quality follows a clear pattern: Jumla and Sinja Valley are the most comfortable stops on the circuit. Ghorosingha, Chere Chaur and Bumra are the most basic with cold nights, shared squat bathrooms and no hot water. Rara Lake has the best teahouses on the trail with some lodges offering partial lake views from the windows.

Bring a sleeping bag rated to -10C. Blankets are provided at all teahouses but rooms above 3,000m get genuinely cold year-round. Single rooms become difficult to find above Sinja Valley.

Teahouse accomodation in Nepal
Food & daily budget

All meals included throughout the trek from Day 3 to Day 12. Breakfast is included at Kathmandu and Nepalgunj hotels. The farewell dinner on Day 13 is included.

Dal bhat is the most reliable and nutritious option throughout the circuit. Fried rice, noodle soup, eggs, chapati and porridge are available at all stops. Vegetarian options are consistent. Meat quality becomes less reliable above 2,500m. Fresh vegetables disappear above Ghorosingha. The Rara Lake teahouses are the best provisioned on the full circuit.

Meals in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj $10 to $20 per meal
Hot drinks and water $4-7
Hot shower and Wi-Fi $3-6
Bottled or filtered water $1-3 per litre
Boat rides at Rara Lake $5 to $10 per person
Guest Reviews

What Our Trekkers Say

5
★★★★★ From 3 reviews of this trek See all 214 MountainKick reviews →
Also reviewed on TripAdvisor: 4.9 · 60+ reviews
Read TripAdvisor reviews →
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything trekkers ask us before booking the Rara Lake Trek.

We rate this Hard. Daily hiking averages 5 to 7 hours with three days at the harder end. Days 4, 11 and 12 each involve 6 to 8 hours of walking with significant elevation change crossing passes above 3,400m. The maximum altitude at Danphe Lagna Pass is 3,691m, moderate by Nepal standards, but three passes are crossed consecutively with no acclimatisation day and the terrain between them is rough with minimal trail marking. Good cardiovascular fitness and strong knees for sustained descents matter more than extreme altitude tolerance on this route. Read our trek difficulty guide before booking.

October is the single best month. Skies are clear, the trail is dry and teahouses are fully stocked. Late September and November work well. Spring from March to May brings rhododendron bloom through the forest sections between Jumla and Jaljala Pass and on the approaches to Ghurchi Lagna and Danphe Lagna. Monsoon from June to August is possible but brings heavy rain, leeches in the lower forest sections and significantly higher risk of Jumla flight disruption. December to February the three passes above 3,400m require serious cold weather gear and high cold tolerance overnight.

Three domestic flights connect this circuit: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hour, reliable scheduled service), Nepalgunj to Jumla (30 minutes, Twin Otter, weather dependent) and Jumla to Nepalgunj on return (same aircraft). The Nepalgunj to Jumla leg is the most weather sensitive. Morning cloud at Jumla, which sits at 2,370m in a valley, can cancel or delay the flight by 1 to 2 days. MountainKick books morning departure slots and Day 14 is built into the itinerary specifically as a buffer. Plan your international departure with at least a 2-day gap after Day 13. For context on mountain flight variability read our Lukla Flight Delays guide.

Two permits are required: the Rara National Park entry permit and a TIMS card. MountainKick arranges and covers both as part of the package. This is not a restricted area trek so no special restricted area permit is needed unlike Tsum Valley or Upper Mustang. Permits are checked at the Bhulbule National Park entrance station on Day 11. Bring two passport-sized photos and your passport details when you contact us to begin the process. For a full breakdown of Nepal permit costs read our Nepal Trekking Permits 2026 guide.

Sinja Valley is not a detour. It sits directly on the main circuit trail between Jaljala Pass and Ghorosingha on Day 5. The valley was the capital of the Khasa Malla Kingdom from roughly the 12th to 14th centuries, a dynasty that controlled much of western Nepal, parts of Tibet and northern India. The ruins of the old palace are visible from the trail across the Sinja Khola river. A 300-year-old Bhagwati temple still stands in the valley. Cambridge University’s archaeology department has conducted excavations here. Sinja is also cited as the birthplace of the Khas language, the direct ancestor of modern Nepali. It is the most historically significant stop on the entire circuit and takes less than half a day to pass through at trekking pace.

Day 8 is the primary exploration day including the optional hike to Chuchemara Hill at 4,090m, the lake shoreline walk and boat rides. Day 9 serves two purposes: genuine rest after six consecutive days on trail before the return circuit begins, and a weather buffer. Morning cloud is common at Rara and one poor weather window on Day 8 should not cost you the best lake views. The Chuchemara Hill hike on a clear morning is the single best viewpoint for seeing the full 10.8 sq km of the lake at once. Most trekkers describe the second day as earning its place.

Chuchemara Hill at 4,090m rises above the Rara Lake shore and is the best elevated viewpoint for seeing the entire lake at once. The hike from lake level to the summit is 3 to 4 hours round trip on a steep but straightforward trail. From the top the full 10.8 sq km of the lake is visible surrounded by the dense pine and cedar forests of Rara National Park with the Kanjiroba and Saipal Himal ranges in the background. Do it on Day 8 if the weather is clear. Day 9 exists partly so a cloudy Day 8 does not cost you the view.

Your policy must cover trekking to at least 4,200m covering the Chuchemara Hill day hike and emergency helicopter evacuation from the Jumla region. Estimated evacuation cost is USD 2,500 to 5,000. Standard policies often exclude far western Nepal so check the fine print carefully before purchasing. We require policy documentation before the trek begins. Read our travel insurance guide for what to look for in a policy covering remote Nepal trekking.

Rara National Park records over 200 bird species. The most frequently seen include the Himalayan monal, Nepal’s national bird, blood pheasant, koklass pheasant and multiple migratory waterfowl species at the lake. Mammals present include Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, goral, grey wolf and common leopard. Musk deer are occasionally seen at the forest edge around the lake in the early morning and late afternoon. Red panda are present but sightings are uncommon. The Danphe Lagna Pass area named for the danphe or Himalayan monal is the most reliable birdwatching location on the return route.

Withdraw everything in Kathmandu before departure. Jumla’s Khalanga Bazaar has ATMs but they are not reliably stocked so treat them as a supplement not a primary source. There are no banking facilities from Day 4 onward. Budget NPR equivalent of USD 350 to 500 for the 10 trekking days covering hot showers, WiFi, device charging, snacks and a buffer for an unexpected Jumla delay night. Carry small denominations as change is difficult at high elevation teahouses.

The most significant hot springs sit below Danphe Lagna Pass on Day 12 approximately 1.5 to 2 hours below the pass on the descent toward Chere Chaur. The thermal pool is a traditional bathing spot for local people and trekkers. The water temperature varies but is reliably warm enough for a soak. After 10 days on trail and a steep morning climb to the highest point of the circuit most trekkers describe the hot springs as one of the more memorable stops on the return route.

The Rara Lake Trek is the most accessible far western Nepal option in MountainKick’s portfolio. It is shorter than the Khaptad to Rara via Badimalika Trek at 18 days, less logistically complex than the Lower Dolpo Trek at 19 days, and lower in maximum altitude than Upper Dolpo. The 15-day Rara circuit is the right entry point for trekkers who want genuine far western Nepal remoteness without extended camping sections and higher logistics complexity of the longer circuits.

Yes. The Khaptad to Rara via Badimalika Trek is MountainKick’s 18-day circuit that combines Khaptad National Park, Badimalika Temple at 4,210m and Rara Lake into one connected expedition entering via Dhangadhi and exiting via Talcha Airport near the lake. For Dolpo, the Lower Dolpo Trek is a separate expedition that can be considered as a western Nepal extension in the same travel period. Contact Kumar for multi-region itinerary options and pricing.

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Departure Dates & Pricing

Join a small group on a guaranteed date, or take this trip privately on your own dates.

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No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.

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Payment Schedule
  • 1
    20% deposit: due on booking Secures your place on the departure. The deposit is non-refundable. We also need a copy of your passport.
  • 2
    80% balance: due on arrival Pay the rest in Kathmandu before the trip starts. Bank transfer, cash, or card (4% card fee).
Cancellation Policy
Cancel before you arrive Deposit not refunded, nothing more to pay
Cancel after the pre-trip meeting No refund
Date or name change USD 200 per person
MountainKick cancels trip Full refund or reschedule

Weather delays and extra days cost extra, so travel insurance is required. We give you documents for any claim.

Read the full terms and conditions
None of these dates work? This trip also runs privately on your dates. Plan a private trip
Book with Confidence
Licensed guides since 2016 Every trek is led by a government-licensed guide who knows the route.
Fair porter loads One porter for every two trekkers, with load limits and insurance for the whole crew.
Community impact Every booking helps fund the Mountain Kick Library, with books for remote schools on the trail.
Local, no middlemen Based in Kathmandu. You deal with us directly, with clear prices and nothing hidden.
MountainKick Expert-led Himalayan Treks · mountainkick.com Rara Lake Trek: Packing List
Be Prepared

Packing List

A guide, not a rulebook. Your porter carries the main duffel (15kg limit strictly observed). You carry a daypack on the trail every day. There are no gear shops or rental outlets beyond Kathmandu. Whatever you forget stays forgotten for the full 15 days. Pack for three climate zones: warm humid Terai in Nepalgunj, temperate forest on the Jumla approach and Sinja Valley, and cold alpine terrain on the three passes and at Rara Lake.

0 of 50 packed ·
Essentials Seasonal Don't bring

Footwear

ⓘ There are no boot repair shops on the Rara Lake circuit. If a sole comes loose above Sinja Valley you are dealing with it yourself. Carry a small tube of shoe glue.

Base and Mid Layers

ⓘ Laundry is available at some lower teahouses but not reliably above Sinja Valley. Do not rely on it above Ghorosingha.

Outer Layers

ⓘ Down jacket and hardshell are rentable in Thamel. We walk you to reliable shops at the pre-trek briefing. There are no rental options beyond Kathmandu.

Head and Hands

Trekking Equipment

ⓘ Sleeping bags, down jackets and trekking poles are rentable in Thamel, Kathmandu. We connect you with reliable shops at the pre-trek briefing. Nothing is available to rent beyond Kathmandu.

Health and First Aid

ⓘ Your MountainKick guide carries a group first aid kit and an oximeter throughout the trek. The nearest hospital is in Jumla. Above Ghorosingha helicopter evacuation is the primary emergency option. Estimated cost USD 2,500 to 5,000 from this region.

Documents and Money

Electronics

Trekking in Winter (Dec to Feb)

Trekking in Monsoon (Jun to Aug)

⚠ The Rara Lake Trek is not recommended during monsoon. The lower forest sections between Jumla and Jaljala Pass become slippery and prone to landslides, leeches are present from Jumla to Chalachaur between June and August, Jumla flights become severely disrupted and the three passes carry higher risk after heavy rain. If you are considering a monsoon departure contact Kumar directly before booking.

Leave at home

  • Cotton clothing Retains moisture, stays wet, makes you dangerously cold at altitude. No cotton anywhere in your kit, including socks and underwear.
  • Heavy DSLR with multiple lenses Dead weight for 12 active trekking days on remote terrain. A good mirrorless or phone camera is enough.
  • Hardshell suitcase A rigid suitcase cannot be strapped and will be damaged in transit to Jumla.
  • Jeans or heavy trousers Heavy, slow to dry, restrictive on steep gorge trail. Leave in Kathmandu.
  • Full-size toiletries Decant into small containers. Laundry soap is available at lower teahouses.
Rent or Buy in Kathmandu

Sleeping bags, down jackets and trekking poles are all available to rent in Thamel, Kathmandu. We walk you to reliable shops at the pre-trek briefing the evening before the Nepalgunj flight. MountainKick provides a duffel bag for every trekker as part of the package. Nothing is available to rent beyond Kathmandu. If you need it, get it before you fly.

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Rara Lake Trek

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