Jumla and Rara lie northwest of Kathmandu in the remote area of Karnali. The route is very much ‘off the beaten track’ and affords glimpses of cultures and scenery very different from the rest of Nepal. The clear, high altitude lake of Rara which mirrors the snow capped Himalayas is ringed with pine, spruce and juniper forest. In summer rainfall is low, and ideal for trekking. In the winter there is often snow on the ridge surrounding the lake, in the autumn season trekkers are rewarded with a profusion of alpine flowers.

If you are looking for wilderness and solitude and do not mind the initial travel, this trek is an ideal choice. Below is a suggested 12 day itinerary. We can arrange longer itineraries from Jumla to Simikot via Rara Lake on request.

The lake itself is perched on a high shelf at 2,980 meters and is protected by Rara National Park, which was established in 1976. The Park, covers an area of 106 sq. kilometers. Rara Lake is five kilometers long and two kilometers wide and is the largest lake in Nepal.

The National Park is one of the best places in Nepal to see wildlife: musk deer, leopards, ghoral, tahr, Himalayan black bear, and the rare red panda are all native. The park is also a birdwatcher’s delight, especially during November and April when many species of birds visit during their seasonal migration.

Wildlife enthusiasts and admirers of natural beauty, will find that a trip to Rara Lake a very rewarding journey indeed.