Rara Lake Trek
-
duration 15 days
-
from usd 3,620 All inclusive
-
difficulty Challenging ⓘ
-
best season Mar-Nov
-
group size min. 2 pax
-
max altitude From 4,600 feet at Kathmandu to 11,7450 feet at Jaljala Pass
Trip overview
Rara Lake sits at 2,990m / 9,810ft in Mugu District, a 10.8 sq km sheet of water so clear and deeply blue that photographs of it consistently get mistaken for digital edits. It is Nepal’s largest and deepest freshwater lake, established as the core of Rara National Park in 1976 – the country’s smallest national park at 106 sq km – and it receives a fraction of the visitors that crowd the Everest or Annapurna regions. The reason is simple: getting there takes effort. This MountainKick itinerary flies Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jumla, then walks a 10-day circuit through Jaljala Pass (3,580m / 11,745ft), the ancient Khasa Kingdom capital at Sinja Valley, the ridge-top teahouses of Ghorosingha, the lake shore itself for two full days, and returns via Gamgadhi, Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3,480m / 11,417ft), and Danphe Lagna Pass (3,691m / 12,110ft) – the highest point on the entire route – before flying back from Jumla. Total: 15 days, USD 3,620 all-inclusive.
Why This Trek
The Rara Lake Trek is the right choice for trekkers who want a genuine wilderness circuit in Nepal without the restricted area permitting complexity of Upper Mustang or Tsum Valley, and without the altitude demands of the Everest or Manaslu regions. The highest pass – Danphe Lagna at 3,691m – is lower than Thorong La (5,416m) or Larkya La (5,160m) by a wide margin, yet the remoteness and daily distance on trail are comparable to those harder routes. The Sinja Valley detour adds genuine historical depth: this flat-bottomed river valley was the capital of the Khasa Malla Kingdom from roughly the 12th to 14th centuries, and the ruins of the old palace are still visible from the trail. The two full days at Rara Lake provide time to hike to Chuchemara Hill (4,090m / 13,419ft) for the aerial lake view, take a boat on the water, walk the full shoreline, and observe the lake at different times of day. Duration: 15 days. Difficulty: Hard. Best season: March-May and September-November. Price: USD 3,620 all-inclusive. Max altitude: 3,691m / 12,110ft (Danphe Lagna Pass).
Key Highlights
Rara Lake – Nepal’s Largest Freshwater Lake at 2,990m Rara Lake covers 10.8 sq km at 2,990m / 9,810ft in Mugu District. The water is unusually clear – visibility to several metres – and shifts colour through the day from deep blue to green depending on cloud and light. Rara National Park, covering 106 sq km, was established in 1976 specifically to protect the lake and its surrounding ecosystem. The park records over 200 bird species and mammals including Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, goral, and grey wolf.
Jaljala Pass (3,580m / 11,745ft) – Gateway to the Circuit The first major elevation point of the trek, Jaljala Pass delivers a panoramic view of the Kanjiroba Himal range (the highest peak at 6,883m) to the north. The approach ascends through birch, rhododendron, and pine forest before opening to high meadow at the pass. Below on the north side, the broad grassland of Jaljala Chaur marks the official entry into the Rara Lake circuit trail.
Sinja Valley – Capital of the Khasa Kingdom (12th-14th Century) Sinja Valley (2,490m / 8,169ft) was the seat of the Khasa Malla Kingdom, the medieval dynasty that ruled much of western Nepal and parts of Tibet and northern India from roughly the 12th to 14th centuries. The ruins of the old palace are visible from the trail across the Sinja Khola river. Sinja is also cited as the birthplace of the Khas language – the ancestor of modern Nepali. A 300-year-old Bhagwati temple in the valley and numerous Malla-era mani stones remain standing. The Department of Archaeology, working with Cambridge University, has conducted excavations here.
Danphe Lagna Pass (3,691m / 12,110ft) – Highest Point on the Circuit The return route crosses Danphe Lagna Pass on Day 12, the highest elevation of the entire trek. The pass takes its name from the danphe (Himalayan monal), Nepal’s national bird, which is commonly seen in the spruce and fir forests on the descent. Hot springs on the far side of the pass, roughly two hours below on the trail toward Jumla, make for a natural reward after the crossing.
Chuchemara Hill (4,090m / 13,419ft) – Best View of Rara Lake An optional half-day hike from the lake shore during the rest day, Chuchemara (also spelled Murma Top or Chuchemara Danda) reaches 4,090m / 13,419ft and delivers the best elevated view of Rara Lake – the full 10.8 sq km body of water visible at once, surrounded by the dense forest of Rara National Park and the distant snow peaks of Kanjiroba and Saipal Himal. Allow 3-4 hours round trip from the lake.
Natural Hot Springs on the Return Route Two hot spring locations are accessible on this circuit. The most significant sits between the Hima River crossing and Danphe Lagna Pass on Day 12 – a natural thermal pool used by locals and trekkers as a rest stop before the final pass crossing into Jumla. After 10 days on trail, the water temperature makes it one of the more memorable stops on the return.
Trekkers looking for a longer western Nepal itinerary without backtracking can combine both regions on our Khaptad to Rara Trek via Badimalika, an 18-day circular route through far western Nepal.
Your Day by Day
-
day 01Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600ft)
A MountainKick representative meets you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your three-star hotel in Thamel. The evening briefing covers the full 15-day itinerary, gear check, permit documents, and flight logistics for Days 2 and 3. Jumla flights connect through Nepalgunj and are weather-dependent – your guide will review the current forecast and contingency plan at this briefing.
Stats: Airport transfer | Difficulty: N/A Points of Interest:
- Thamel for last-minute gear and snack supplies
- Pre-departure gear check – sleeping bag rated to -10C essential for high pass nights
- Accommodation: 3 star Hotel
-
day 02Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m / 490ft)
A one-hour scheduled flight to Nepalgunj, the main hub of western Nepal’s Terai belt. Nepalgunj sits at 150m / 490ft – warm and humid, a genuine contrast to Kathmandu’s elevation. The afternoon is free to explore the city: Bageshwori Temple is the main landmark, the border market area with India is a 20-minute walk, and the town has a mix of Nepali, Tharu, and Muslim communities visible in the bazaar architecture. An air-conditioned hotel is provided here – the Terai heat is real in spring and summer.
Stats: 500km by air | Time: 1 hour flight | Difficulty: Easy Points of Interest:
- Bageshwori Temple – main Hindu temple of Nepalgunj
- Nepalgunj border market – India-Nepal trade junction
- Last air-conditioned night of the trip
- Accommodation: Hotel with air conditioning
- Meal: Breakfast
-
day 03Fly Nepalgunj to Jumla - Trek to Chere Chaur (3,055m / 10,023ft)
An early morning 30-minute mountain flight to Jumla (2,370m / 7,775ft), the highest airport in Nepal regularly served by scheduled flights, operated by Twin Otter aircraft with views of the Karnali highlands on approach. Jumla’s Khalanga Bazaar is the last town of any size on the trek – stock up on snacks here as trail options become very limited beyond this point. The trek begins immediately from the airport, climbing along the Jugad Khola through terraced fields and pine forest to the broad highland plateau of Chere Chaur. The ascent gains roughly 700m / 2,300ft over approximately 12km.
Stats: 12km | Time: 30min flight + 5-6 hours trek | Difficulty: Moderate Points of Interest:
- Jumla Khalanga Bazaar – last town, stock up on snacks
- Jugad Khola valley – traditional farming settlements on the climb
- Chere Chaur – broad grassy plateau, first mountain views
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Meal: Breakfast
-
day 04Chere Chaur to Chalachaur via Jaljala Pass (2,980m / 9,777ft)
The day’s highlight is the crossing of Jaljala Pass (3,580m / 11,745ft), 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 the pass. The Kanjiroba Himal range (up to 6,883m) is visible north from the pass on clear mornings. The descent on the north side drops to the wide grassland of Jaljala Chaur (3,420m), where the circuit trail officially begins – the path forks here, with the right-hand branch leading to Danphe Lagna (the return route). The trail then descends steeply through forest into the Jaljala Khola valley, reaching Chalachaur at 2,980m.
Stats: 15km | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Challenging Points of Interest:
- Jaljala Pass (3,580m / 11,745ft) – Kanjiroba Himal panorama
- Jaljala Chaur (3,420m) – broad high meadow, circuit fork point
- Descent through mixed forest into Jaljala Khola valley
- Accommodation: Teahouse
-
day 05Chalachaur to Sinja Valley (2,490m / 8,169ft)
The trail follows the Jaljala Khola downstream through traditional villages, crossing and re-crossing the river on log and suspension bridges, passing stone fields etched with Malla-dynasty inscriptions. The trail passes through Kanaksundari, where a 300-year-old Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagwati (a goddess depicted riding a tiger) stands beside the path. Sinja Valley opens at the end of the day: a flat-bottomed river plain at 2,490m, the medieval capital of the Khasa Malla Kingdom from the 12th to 14th centuries. The ruins of the old palace are visible across the Sinja Khola river from the trail. Sinja is cited in Nepali linguistics as the origin point of the Khas language, which became modern Nepali.
Stats: 12km | Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate Points of Interest:
- Kanaksundari Bhagwati Temple (300+ years old)
- Malla-dynasty inscribed stones along the Jaljala Khola
- Sinja Valley ruins – old Khasa Malla palace visible across the river
- Sinja as proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site (under consideration)
- Accommodation: Teahouse
-
day 06Sinja Valley to Ghorosingha (3,050m / 10,007ft)
Leaving Sinja, the trail climbs east following the Hima River. The first section is gradual through forest before a steep ascent to Laha village, a good lunch stop with basic teahouse facilities. The afternoon involves further climbing via the small settlement of Gani before the final push to Ghorosingha at 3,050m. The day involves approximately 560m of net elevation gain. Ghorosingha is a sparse settlement on a high ridge with views of the surrounding hills – the last significant stop before the approach to Rara.
Stats: 14km | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Challenging Points of Interest:
- Hima River valley – forest walking with pine and birch
- Laha village – good lunch stop, traditional Mugu district settlement
- Gani village – small mid-route settlement
- Ghorosingha ridge views
- Accommodation: Teahouse
-
day 07Ghorosingha to Rara Lake (2,990m / 9,810ft)
The approach to Rara is via the Chuchhemara Danda ridge, which the trail climbs steeply before the first view of the lake appears through the trees – typically around 3-4 hours into the day. The descent from the ridge via Murma village leads through cedar and pine forest to the lake shore and Chhapri, headquarters of Rara National Park. Rara Lake is 10.8 sq km at 2,990m – the water is deep blue and the surrounding forest creates a natural amphitheatre. The teahouses here are modest but the setting is unlike anywhere else in Nepal.
Stats: 10km | Time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Moderate Points of Interest:
- Chuchhemara Danda ridge – first lake view point on approach
- Murma village – last settlement on the descent to the lake
- Rara National Park headquarters at Chhapri
- Rara Lake shoreline – first afternoon at the water
- Accommodation: Teahouse
-
day 08Rara Lake - Full Exploration Day
A full day with no set route. The lake shore circuit is the primary activity – a complete walk of the shoreline takes 3-4 hours at a relaxed pace and passes through sections of forest, open meadow, and rocky outcrops. For the more ambitious, the hike to Chuchemara Hill (4,090m / 13,419ft) takes 3-4 hours round trip from the shore and gives an aerial view of the entire lake – the 10.8 sq km visible at once with the Kanjiroba and Saipal Himal ranges as backdrop. Boat rides on the lake can be arranged locally. The National Park headquarters has a small visitor display on the park ecosystem and resident wildlife. Rara records over 200 bird species including the Himalayan monal, blood pheasant, and several migratory waterfowl species.
Stats: 0-8km depending on chosen activities | Time: Full day | Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous (Chuchemara optional) Points of Interest:
- Lake shoreline circuit walk (3-4 hours)
- Optional: Chuchemara Hill (4,090m / 13,419ft) – full lake panorama, 3-4 hours round trip
- Boat rides on Rara Lake (local arrangement)
- Rara National Park headquarters visitor display
- Wildlife: musk deer, red panda, Himalayan black bear, grey wolf, Himalayan monal
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
-
day 09Rara Lake Second Full Day
A second full day at Rara provides genuine flexibility – to explore sections of the shore missed on Day 8, to revisit Chuchemara at a different time of day, or simply to rest after 6 consecutive days on trail. It also functions as a weather buffer: morning cloud is common at Rara, and having two days means a poor Day 8 weather window doesn’t cost you the best lake views. Wildlife observation is often better in the early morning and late afternoon; the forest edge between the lake and the tree line is the most productive zone for musk deer and bird sightings.
Stats: Flexible | Time: Rest and optional exploration | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Points of Interest:
- Second shoreline walk or repeat Chuchemara for different light
- Morning wildlife observation at forest edge
- Rara Lake photography in varying light conditions
- Rest day before the return circuit begins
- Accommodation: Teahouse
-
day 10Rara Lake to Pina via Gamgadhi (2,440m / 8,006ft)
The return begins. The trail heads west from the lake, descending to Gamgadhi (2,100m / 6,890ft), the administrative headquarters of Mugu District – a busy-by-local-standards town with a small bazaar and government offices. From Gamgadhi the trail follows the Jhyari Khola south through mixed forest, passing through Magar villages, to Pina at 2,440m. This is one of the easier days on the circuit – mostly downhill, shorter distance, and lower altitude than the preceding approach days.
Stats: 12km | Time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Easy Points of Interest:
- Gamgadhi – Mugu District headquarters, local bazaar
- Jhyari Khola valley – pine and cedar forest descent
- Traditional Magar villages between Gamgadhi and Pina
- Pina – small settlement at the junction of Ghurchi Lagna approach
- Accommodation: Teahouse
-
day 11Pina to Bumra via Ghurchi Lagna Pass (2,850m / 9,351ft)
From Pina, the trail climbs south through forest to Bhulbule, the Rara National Park exit checkpoint at 3,130m, then continues to Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3,480m / 11,417ft). The pass is marked with chortens and prayer flags and offers views of the Karnali River valley far below and snow peaks bordering Tibet to the north. The descent through spruce forest drops to Bumra (also known as Nauri Ghat) at 2,850m, following a stream valley through mixed woodland.
Stats: 16km | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Very Challenging Points of Interest:
- Bhulbule (3,130m) – Rara National Park exit checkpoint
- Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3,480m / 11,417ft) – chortens, prayer flags, Karnali River views
- Spruce forest descent to Bumra
- Bumra / Nauri Ghat – campsite-grade settlement on the valley floor
- Accommodation: Teahouse
-
day 12Bumra to Jumla via Danphe Lagna Pass (2,540m / 8,334ft)
The hardest day on the return and the highest point of the entire trek. The trail crosses two suspension bridges over the Hima River, then climbs an unrelenting gradient through birch forest to the natural hot springs – fill your water bottles and rest here before the final push. The hot springs sit roughly 1.5-2 hours below Danphe Lagna Pass (3,691m / 12,110ft). From the pass – named for the danphe (Himalayan monal) that frequent the surrounding forest – the descent drops to Chere Chaur and back onto the familiar approach trail into Jumla. The final stretch from Chere Chaur to Jumla is 2-3 hours on a well-worn path.
Stats: 18km | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Very Challenging Points of Interest:
- Hima River suspension bridge crossings
- Natural hot springs below Danphe Lagna (last water before the pass)
- Danphe Lagna Pass (3,691m / 12,110ft) – trek’s maximum altitude
- Chere Chaur – rejoins Day 3 approach trail
- Jumla Khalanga Bazaar arrival
- Accommodation: Teahouse
-
day 13Fly Jumla to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu - Farewell Dinner
Early morning flight Jumla to Nepalgunj (approximately 30 minutes on Twin Otter), then onward connection to Kathmandu (approximately 1 hour). Jumla flights are weather-dependent – cloud typically builds by mid-morning, making the early slot critical. MountainKick books the earliest available departure. Arrival in Kathmandu by early-to-mid afternoon. Farewell dinner in the evening – traditional Nepali meal with cultural performance.
Stats: 30min + 1hr flights | Time: Travel day | Difficulty: Easy Points of Interest:
- Aerial view of Karnali highlands on Jumla departure
- Nepalgunj brief transit
- Thamel area for last evening
- Accommodation: Teahouse
-
day 14Rest Day in Kathmandu
A built-in buffer day. If the Day 13 flight is delayed by weather – a genuine possibility on the Jumla route – this absorbs it without affecting the international departure. If flights ran on schedule, Day 14 is free time: Boudhanath Stupa (a 20-minute taxi from Thamel), Bhaktapur Durbar Square (45 minutes by road), or simply gear shopping and rest.
Points of Interest:
- Boudhanath Stupa – UNESCO World Heritage Site, 20 min from Thamel
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square – medieval city architecture, 45 min by road
- Pashupatinath Temple – major Hindu pilgrimage site, 30 min from Thamel
- Thamel gear market
- Meal: Breakfast
-
day 15Final Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately 3 hours before international departure.
- Meal: Breakfast
What's Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private MountainKick vehicle
- Three-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin-sharing basis (breakfast included)
- Air-conditioned hotel in Nepalgunj on twin-sharing basis (breakfast included)
- All domestic flights: Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jumla and Jumla-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu (round trip tickets)
- All teahouse accommodation during the trek on twin-sharing basis
- Government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Porter service: one porter per two trekkers (porter load limit: 20kg)
- Rara National Park entry permit
- TIMS card
- All government taxes and official processing fees
- MountainKick duffel bag, sun hat, and branded t-shirt
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (traditional Nepali meal with cultural performance)
- Basic first aid kit carried by guide throughout the trek
- 24/7 MountainKick emergency support
What's Not Included
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees: 15-day USD 30 / 30-day USD 50 / 90-day USD 125 (cash USD on arrival at Tribhuvan Airport, or apply online via Nepal Department of Immigration)
- Travel insurance – mandatory; policy must cover high-altitude trekking to at least 4,200m (covering the Chuchemara day hike) and emergency helicopter evacuation (estimated cost USD 2,500-5,000 from the Jumla/Rara region). See our travel insurance guide for recommended policies
- All meals during the trekking portion (Days 3-12) – budget USD 25-35 per day at lower elevations, USD 30-40 at higher teahouses
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, except the farewell dinner
- Personal trekking equipment
- Tips for guides and porters (standard: USD 60-100 for guide, USD 40-60 for porter for the full trip)
- Hot showers on trail where available (USD 2-5 per shower)
- WiFi on trail where available (USD 3-5 per day, very limited)
- Device charging (USD 2-4 per device where electricity available)
- Bottled drinks, alcohol, and personal snacks
- Extra accommodation due to flight delays (weather delays at Jumla are common – see Essential Trip Information)
- Emergency evacuation costs not covered by your insurance policy
Total cash to carry for trail expenses: NPR equivalent of USD 350-500 – withdraw in full in Kathmandu before departure. The last ATM access on the outbound route is Jumla’s Khalanga Bazaar on Day 3 (Jumla ATMs are not always reliable – withdraw primarily in Kathmandu).
Where You'll Stay
In Kathmandu
Three-Star Hotel, Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,600ft) Twin-sharing rooms with en-suite bathrooms, WiFi, hot water, air conditioning or heating. Single supplement available on request. Located in Thamel or Lazimpat area. Breakfast included both arrival and return nights.
In Nepalgunj
Air-Conditioned Hotel, Nepalgunj (150m / 490ft) Private bathrooms, hot water, basic amenities, air conditioning (essential – Nepalgunj reaches 35C+ in spring and summer). Located near the domestic airport for early morning connections. Breakfast included.
During the Trek
Teahouses along this route are basic but consistent. Twin-sharing rooms with simple beds, foam mattresses, pillows, and blankets. Shared bathrooms throughout – squat toilets become more common above 3,000m. Hot showers available at some teahouses in the lower valley sections at additional cost (USD 2-5); absent at high elevation stops. Electricity for charging is available in Jumla and some lower valley lodges; limited or absent above 3,000m. Single rooms are available at some lower elevation stops but become difficult to find at Ghorosingha, Chere Chaur, and higher points.
Chere Chaur (3,055m / 10,023ft) Basic teahouse. Shared bathroom, no hot shower, limited electricity. Cold nights at 3,000m – sleeping bag essential.
Chalachaur (2,980m / 9,777ft) Basic teahouse. Similar standard to Chere Chaur. Shared bathroom, basic meals.
Sinja Valley (2,490m / 8,169ft) Teahouse. Better-provisioned than the high pass stops. Some lodges have simple hot water. The valley floor location makes for warmer nights.
Ghorosingha (3,050m / 10,007ft) Basic teahouse. Cold nights at this elevation – sleeping bag rated to -5C minimum. Shared bathroom.
Rara Lake / Chhapri (2,990m / 9,810ft) – 2 nights Teahouses at the National Park headquarters area. Basic but the best-provisioned stop on the entire circuit outside of Jumla. Twin rooms, shared bathrooms, limited hot water at some lodges. The lake views from some teahouse windows are the compensation for the basic facilities. Single supplement may not be available here due to limited room count. Bring a sleeping bag – nights at 2,990m are cold year-round.
Pina (2,440m / 8,006ft) Basic teahouse. Simple beds, shared bathroom, local food menu.
Bumra / Nauri Ghat (2,850m / 9,351ft) Basic teahouse. Cold nights at this elevation. Shared bathroom.
Jumla (2,370m / 7,775ft) – return night Teahouse in Khalanga Bazaar area. Best teahouse standard on the circuit outside of Kathmandu and Nepalgunj – running water, some hot showers, reliable electricity for charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How difficult is the Rara Lake Trek?MountainKick rates this as Hard. Daily hiking averages 5-7 hours, with three days at the harder end (Days 4, 11, and 12 involving 6-8 hours with significant elevation change). The maximum altitude - Danphe Lagna Pass at 3,691m / 12,110ft - is moderate by Nepal standards, well below the Everest or Manaslu circuits, but the passes are crossed consecutively with no acclimatization day, and the terrain between them is rough and trail-marked rather than well-signposted. Previous multi-day trekking experience is recommended. Good cardiovascular fitness and strong knees for sustained descents are more important than extreme altitude tolerance on this route.
-
What is the best time of year for the Rara Lake Trek?Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the two primary windows, with October being the single best month for stable weather and clear views. Spring brings rhododendron bloom through the forest sections between Jumla and Jaljala Pass and on the approaches to both Ghurchi Lagna and Danphe Lagna. Autumn has the clearest mountain views from the passes. The trek operates March to November; monsoon (June-August) is possible but brings heavy rain on trail, leeches in the lower forest sections, and significantly higher risk of Jumla flight disruption. December-February: cold crossing of three passes above 3,400m requires serious cold-weather gear and a high tolerance for freezing overnight temperatures.
-
How do the domestic flights work, and what are the delay risks?The route uses three domestic flights: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hour, reliable scheduled service on Buddha Air or Yeti Airlines), Nepalgunj to Jumla (30 minutes Twin Otter, weather-dependent), and Jumla to Nepalgunj on return (30 minutes, same aircraft type). The Nepalgunj-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 1-2 days. MountainKick books morning departure slots and monitors weather. Day 14 is built into the 15-day itinerary specifically as a buffer for this eventuality. Plan your international departure with at least a 2-day gap after Day 13.
-
What permits do I need?Two permits are required: Rara National Park entry permit and a TIMS card. MountainKick arranges and covers both as part of the package. Provide your passport details and two passport-sized photos before departure for permit processing. This is not a restricted area trek - 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.
-
How much does the Rara Lake Trek cost in total?The MountainKick all-inclusive package is USD 3,620, covering domestic flights, accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, all teahouse accommodation on trail, guide, porter, permits, and farewell dinner. Budget additionally for Nepal visa (USD 30 / 50 / 125 depending on duration), travel insurance, international flights, personal gear, and trail spending money (NPR equivalent of USD 350-500 for meals and incidentals across 10 trekking days). Guide and porter tips are not included - budget USD 60-100 for the guide and USD 40-60 for the porter for the full trip.
-
What accommodation is like on the Rara Lake Trek?Kathmandu and Nepalgunj provide three-star and air-conditioned hotel standard respectively. On trail, all accommodation is teahouse: basic twin rooms with shared bathrooms, simple beds with blankets, and minimal amenities. Hot showers are available at some lower-elevation teahouses at additional cost but absent at Ghorosingha, Chere Chaur, and Bumra. The best-provisioned teahouse stop on the circuit outside of Jumla is at Rara Lake itself, where you spend two nights. Bring a sleeping bag rated to -10C for pass-crossing nights.
-
Are meals included in the package?Breakfast is included at the Kathmandu and Nepalgunj hotels. All meals during the trekking portion (Days 3-12) are not included and are purchased at teahouses along the route. Budget USD 25-35 per day at lower elevations, USD 30-40 at higher stops where supply is more difficult. Typical options: dal bhat (the most reliable and nutritious option throughout), fried rice, noodle soup, eggs, chapati, and porridge. Vegetarian options are available everywhere. Meat quality and storage becomes less reliable above 2,500m - stick to vegetarian or egg-based options at the higher teahouses. The farewell dinner in Kathmandu on Day 13 is included.
-
What is Sinja Valley, and is it worth the detour?Sinja Valley (2,490m / 8,169ft) is not a detour - it is directly on the Rara circuit trail from Jaljala Pass to Ghorosingha. The valley was the capital of the Khasa Malla Kingdom from roughly the 12th to 14th centuries, a medieval dynasty that controlled much of western Nepal, parts of Tibet, and northern India. Sinja is cited as the birthplace of the Khas language, the ancestor of modern Nepali. 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 Department of Archaeology has conducted excavations here. It is the most historically significant site on the entire circuit and takes less than half a day to pass through at trekking pace.
-
What wildlife can I see at Rara National Park?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 raptor and migratory waterfowl species at the lake. Mammals present in the park include Himalayan black bear, musk deer, red panda, goral, grey wolf, and common leopard. Musk deer are occasionally seen in the forest edges 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 / Himalayan monal - is the most reliable birdwatching location on the return route.
-
Can I combine the Rara Lake Trek with Khaptad or Dolpo?Yes - the Khaptad to Rara via Badimalika Trek is MountainKick's 18-day circuit that combines Khaptad National Park, Badimalika Temple, and Rara Lake into one connected expedition, entering via Dhangadhi/Silgadhi and exiting via Talcha Airport. 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 MountainKick for multi-region itinerary options.
-
What is the Chuchemara Hill hike, and should I do it?
Chuchemara Hill (4,090m / 13,419ft) rises above the Rara Lake shore and is the single best viewpoint for seeing the entire lake at once. The hike from the lake level to the summit is 3-4 hours round trip on a straightforward but steep 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. It is worth doing if weather is clear - a cloudy Day 8 is why Day 9 is built in as a second full day at the lake.
-
Is solo trekking possible on this route?A licensed guide is not legally required for the Rara Lake circuit, but solo trekking without a guide is not advisable in practice. The trail between Sinja Valley and Ghorosingha is poorly marked, there is no reliable mobile signal for most of the circuit, and a significant injury in the Ghorosingha or Bumra sections would leave you a long way from help. MountainKick requires a minimum of 2 trekkers for the full package; solo trekkers should contact us to discuss options for joining a scheduled group departure.
-
What is the hot springs stop, and when does it occur?The most significant hot springs on the route are located below Danphe Lagna Pass on Day 12, approximately 1.5-2 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 pass, most trekkers cite the hot springs as one of the more memorable stops on the circuit.
-
How does the Rara Lake Trek compare to other far western Nepal treks?The Rara Lake Trek is the most accessible far western Nepal option in MountainKick's portfolio - shorter than the Khaptad to Rara via Badimalika Trek (18 days), less logistically complex than the Lower Dolpo Trek (19 days), and lower in maximum altitude than Upper Mustang (which crosses the Kali Gandaki valley at 2,800m but involves a longer drive and flight). The 15-day Rara circuit is the right entry point for trekkers who want genuine far western Nepal remoteness without the extended camping sections and higher logistics complexity of the longer circuits.
-
How is this trek different from flying directly to Talcha Airport near Rara?The Jumla-based circuit is the traditional approach that includes the Jaljala Pass, Sinja Valley, and full loop. The alternative is to fly Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Talcha directly and walk only the lake area for 3-4 days, which removes the historical and cultural depth of the Sinja Valley section, eliminates the Jaljala Pass approach, and cuts the circuit to a lake-only visit. MountainKick's 15-day package uses the Jumla approach specifically to include the full circuit - the lake arrival via Chuchhemara Danda on Day 7, after earning it through the valley and passes, is qualitatively different from landing at Talcha and walking to the shore in a few hours.
-
What cash should I carry?Withdraw everything in Kathmandu before departure. Budget NPR equivalent of USD 350-500 for the 10 trekking days: this covers all non-included meals (USD 25-35/day), hot showers where available, WiFi where available, device charging, monastery donations if visiting, and a buffer. Jumla's Khalanga Bazaar has ATMs but they are not reliably stocked - treat them as a supplement, not a primary source. There are no banking facilities from Day 4 onwards. Carry small denominations (NPR 100 and 500 notes); change is difficult at high-elevation teahouses.
-
What should I know about the Jumla flight?Jumla is served by Twin Otter 18-seater aircraft operated by Tara Air and Nepal Airlines. The flight from Nepalgunj takes approximately 30 minutes and follows a scenic low-level route over the Karnali highlands. The airport at Jumla (IATA: JUM) operates at 2,370m / 7,775ft and has a sealed runway. Flights operate in the morning only - cloud typically builds over the valley by mid-morning. Weight restrictions on Twin Otter are strict: checked baggage allowance is typically 15kg; your MountainKick duffel (packed within this limit) will be porter-carried on trail. Carry essential items (medication, documents, a change of clothes) in your hand luggage as a precaution against delayed baggage.
-
What is MountainKick's cancellation policy?A 20% non-refundable deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due on arrival in Kathmandu. Cancellations 30+ days before departure: 20% forfeited. Cancellations within 30 days: 50% charge. Cancellations within 15 days: 100% charge, no refund. Rescheduling fee: USD 200 per person. See Terms and Conditions for full details.
Good to Know
Altitude and AMS
- Maximum altitude: 3,691m / 12,110ft at Danphe Lagna Pass (Day 12)
- Optional Chuchemara Hill hike reaches 4,090m / 13,419ft on Day 8
- The circuit crosses three passes above 3,400m; altitude sickness is possible despite the moderate maximum elevation
- The itinerary has no dedicated acclimatization day – controlled pace on the approach days (Days 3-7) is important
- Symptoms to report to your guide: persistent headache, nausea, loss of coordination, shortness of breath at rest
- Discuss Diamox (acetazolamide) with your doctor 4-6 weeks before departure
- See our altitude sickness guide for full prevention and response details
Hardest Days
- Day 4 (Chere Chaur to Chalachaur via Jaljala Pass): 15km, 6-7 hours, 525m climb to the pass then long descent
- Day 11 (Pina to Bumra via Ghurchi Lagna): 16km, 6-7 hours, steep climb and descent
- Day 12 (Bumra to Jumla via Danphe Lagna): 18km, 6-7 hours, the highest point of the trek plus long final descent
Flight Logistics
- Day 2: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hour scheduled flight)
- Day 3: Nepalgunj to Jumla (30 minutes Twin Otter mountain flight)
- Day 13: Jumla to Nepalgunj (30 minutes) then Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (1 hour)
- Jumla flights are weather-dependent; morning cloud can cancel departures
- MountainKick books the earliest available morning slot for the return (Day 13) – Day 14 is the built-in buffer
- Plan international departures a minimum of 2 days after Day 13; 3 days is safer
Cash and ATMs
- Withdraw all cash in Kathmandu before departure – primary source
- Jumla has ATMs at Khalanga Bazaar but reliability is inconsistent; do not count on them as the sole source
- No ATM access from Day 4 onward
- Budget NPR equivalent of USD 350-500 for the full 10 days on trail (meals + hot showers + WiFi + device charging + incidentals)
- Small denominations essential; change is limited in high-elevation teahouses
Travel Insurance
- Mandatory – MountainKick requires policy documentation before departure
- Must cover: trekking to at least 4,200m, emergency helicopter evacuation (cost USD 2,500-5,000 from Jumla/Rara region), medical repatriation
- See our travel insurance guide for policies that cover far western Nepal trekking
Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies (remote area), COVID-19, influenza
- Consult a travel health clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure
Buffer Day
- Day 14 is a built-in Kathmandu buffer for Jumla flight delays
- Do not book international departures on Day 15 if your tolerance for weather delay risk is low
Permits Required
- Rara National Park entry permit – arranged by MountainKick (included)
- TIMS card – arranged by MountainKick (included)
- No restricted area permit required for this route
Extension Options
- For a longer far western Nepal expedition combining Khaptad National Park and Badimalika Temple with this route, see the Khaptad to Rara via Badimalika Trek
- For other remote Nepal options, see Lower Dolpo Trek and Upper Mustang Trek
Packing Checklist
These items are considered absolutely critical by our Mountain Kick guides. Based on our extensive experience in the remote Himalayas, we strongly recommend prioritizing these items for the challenging Rara Lake trek:
- Layered clothing system – Base, mid, and outer layers for adaptability to changing conditions in Nepal’s most remote region
- Comfortable hiking boots – Well broken-in with ankle support and water resistance for varied mountain terrain
- Quality sleeping bag – Rated to -10°C minimum for cold mountain nights at altitude
- Daypack – For carrying daily essentials while trekking through challenging terrain
- Water bottles/hydration system – For maintaining proper hydration in dry mountain air
- Headlamp with spare batteries – Essential for navigating in dark conditions and early morning starts
- Trekking poles – To provide stability and reduce stress on knees during steep ascents and descents
- Comprehensive rain gear – Critical protection against sudden mountain weather changes
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
Customize your trip single
"*" indicates required fields
What Our Travelers Say
“MountainKick is haven for trekkers and one cannot afford to miss it if you are interested in trekking in Nepal.”
To whoever reading this and wondering about the legitimacy of this company, they are for real. The team is genuinely dedicated to making your trekking memorable and rewarding. Such is the professionalism of the company that they went steps further to assist us that included…
“We liked the concern of this company for its staffs and the environmental awareness and it has.”
There was always a response from Jagat as we had so many things to ask. We had insisted on having a Nepali guide instead of a westerner because we had to make sure the money we spend actually goes to Nepali people. We chose this…
You Might Also Like
Langtang, Gosainkunda & Helambu Trek
Nar Phu Valley Trek with Annapurna Circuit
Lower Dolpo Trek
Tales from the Himalayas
Fresh stories and expert insights from our mountain adventures
Nepal Cross-Country Biking: The 550km Route Most Cyclists Never Ride (2026 Guide)
Ride 550 km from Kathmandu to Muktinath through jungles, Chitwan wildlife, Annapurna views, and the Kali Gandaki gorge on a 13-day adventure.
Remote Trek, Adventure, Essentials, Travel
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek: Complete Guide (2026)
Two base camps, four passes, 21 days. The honest guide to the Kanchenjunga Circuit: difficulty, permits, best time, costs, and whether you're ready for it.
Annapurna Region, Everest Region, Adventure, Essentials, Travel
Luxury Trekking in Nepal: What It Actually Means (2026 Guide)
No five-star hotels. No heated rooms. Here is what luxury trekking in Nepal actually delivers and why the private guide matters more than the lodge.