Rara Lake Trek - 15 Days

Rara Lake Trek, located in the remote northwest part, is one of the most serene treks in Nepal. The trek takes you to one of the largest lakes in Nepal, situated at an elevation of 2,990 m with an area of 10.8 km square. The serene lake is surrounded by pine forests, alpine meadows, juniper with the background of magnificent snow-capped peaks. You can witness a total of three colours of the lake as it changes its colour in the daytime according to the weather.

Taking you inside the Rara national park, it is a remote off-beaten trail full of wilderness, green hills, and snow-peaked mountains. Along with the natural beauty, you also get to witness the diverse flora and faunas during the trek as the Rara national park consists of several blue pines, black juniper, oak, and rhododendron forests. The forests are also home to several rare animals, along with 200 species of colourful birds and butterflies. During the trek, you'll also pass through several indigenous communities where you can witness and experience the lifestyle and culture up close. 

Compared to other trekking destinations, Rara Lake can be relatively hard to access as there are several routes you can follow for the trek. Here, we have the itinerary for the Rara Lake trek, which is a total of 15 days starting with a one-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour. The starting point of the trek is Jumla. Jumla is two flights away from Kathmandu. First, the flight takes you to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu followed by a second flight to Jumla from Nepalgunj.

From Jumla, the real trek on foot begins as you pass through several villages, like Cherechaur, Chalachaur, Sunja Valley, Ghorosingha, and then, finally, make it to Rara Lake. On your way back, you'll be following the trail through Pina and Bumra followed by the flight to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu. The ideal trek full of tranquil beauty and wilderness, the best Rara Lake trekking, is perfect if you're looking for a less-travelled trail in Nepal. 

Rara Lake Trek Costs for 2024 and 2025

Trekking to Rara Lake costs between 1499 USD and 18900 USD. The cost varies depending on the group size; if you are travelling solo, the cost will be about 1899 USD for 2024 and 2025, and when you have a group trek of 2–5 people, the cost will be lower, at 1699 USD per pax, and the group above 6 pax will be only 1599 USD for the 15 days all-inclusive package in 2024 and 2025.

To better understand the Rara Lake trek cost in detail according to group size, you can see the below table:

For the best and most up-to-date cost of the Rara trekking package, do not hesitate to contact us. The above costs are group-based bookings made at the same time or together.

Best Time to Trek Rara Lake in 2024 and 2025

Weather plays a very important role in determining trekking destinations. It is essential to research the weather conditions of the destination beforehand to avoid any kind of trouble during the trek. You can trek throughout the year, but the spring (September-October) and autumn seasons (March-May) are the best time for Rara Lake Trekking. During this time the weather is usually pleasant with a moderate temperature. Making it perfect for you to get and enjoy the magnificent views of the Himalayas reflected in the lake.

In the spring you can also witness the forest full of colourful Rhododendrons blooming. The two seasons are also the peak season, as they offer exquisite views of the lake to visitors. You can also try trekking in the monsoon and winter if you want to experience a different side of nature. But make sure to study a lot and be well-prepared, as it involves some risks and uncertainty. 

Accommodation during the Rara Trek Package

The accommodation facilities during the Rara Trek Packages are very similar to the simple food availability. During the beginning of the trek, you might be able to enjoy rooms with in-room showers, western-style flush toilets, a free WIFI connection, and in-room plugs to charge your stuff. But after the first few days, even the electricity gets scarce in the higher elevations, and there won't be the availability of WiFi connections as well. The rooms come with general facilities like warm beds and washrooms, etc. 

Food during 15 Days Rara Lake Trek Itinerary

The Rara Lake Trek itinerary falls under one of the remote treks in Nepal, which is also restricted. Therefore, you shouldn't expect food similar to other popular trekking trails in Nepal. The food during the trek is simple, with the menu generally including traditional village foods that consist of traditional bread, eggs, potatoes, and soup for breakfast.

For lunch and dinner, the menu includes Dal Bhat (lentil soup, rice, and veggies), fried rice, noodles, etc depending on the lodge and place. 

The Difficulty of the Rara Lake Trek Route 

The Rara Lake Trek route falls under an easy-moderate-grade trek. It is the ideal and appropriate trek for any level of trekker. The trek includes a few ascents and descents on rugged trails, with the altitude being less than 4000 m.

The trek can be completed by anyone with a basic level of fitness and the ability to walk for 4 to 6 hours over hilly landscapes every day. Therefore, the trekkers aren't required to have previous trekking experience for the trek to Rara Lake. It is a perfect choice for novices and all ages of trekkers who want to explore the remote part of Nepal while enjoying some spectacular views. 

Rara Trek Permit Cost Ideas for 2024 and 2025

The only permit required for the Rara trekking following the above itinerary is the Rara National Park Entry Permit, which costs USD 30 with 13% government tax.