A fascinating adventure to the small continent of Asia, Nepal that lets you explore the yak pastures and blue goas stunningly grazing in the terraced fields, high passes, and the untamed beauty of Rara Lake of Nepal, where the rich tapestry of Tibetans welcomes you in every stride amid the ancient villages residing in the most unpaved districts of Jumla and Mugu localities.
This is Jumla Rara Lake Trek, which lets you believe that heaven does exist in this corner of the Himalayas showcasing the aesthetics of 90's livelihood that seems like straight out of Pinterest and folk role of old sayings.
Detailed Overview
Jumla Rara Lake Trek is one of the best off-beaten trail adventures that covers both the Jumla and Mugu Districts navigating through remote and less crowded in Far Western Nepal within the Karnali region. This trek to Rara Lake leads us to the high passes of Jaljala Pass, Churche Pass, and Danphe Lagna La Pass which stands at 3691 meters- the highest altitude of our enchanting journey. Touching the unpaved route of the most isolated area, it also connects the route of "Upper Dolpo" and "The Great Himalayan Trail" showcasing the authenticity of the Himalayas being unbothered by the modern influenced lifestyle.
Our trekking of Jumla to Rara Lake meanders through the "Rara National Park" with the blooming rhododendrons, pines, orchids, and other vibrant fauna with the insight of many rare wildlife in between such as the elusive Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear and even snow leopard at higher sections if luck is in our favor.
Also, do you know the fact, that this protected area serves as a home to more than 200 species of birds including the Himalayan Monal-Danfe (Nepal's National Bird) and Red Billed Chough? YES! heaven for BIRD WATCHERS and The best part is being settled in and traversing through the forested area of such a varied ecosystem with the chirping sounds of birds, roaring views of lakes, small water streams, and swinging away the suspension bridge with local children throughout our trek adding a momentum of a lifetime.
The first half of our Rara Lake Trekking route gets covered wandering around the Jumla District right after we take in flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Jumla, it traverses several notable villages such as Chere Chaur, Chala Chaur, Sinja Valley, and enters the Mugu District from Goru Singhe then it ascends to pristine Rara Lake of Nepal-known as deepest and largest fresh lake water spanning over 10.8 km in depth and 167 meters at 2990 meters of altitude. The trail descends passing by high passes including the ancient hamlets made with 1980's style architecture of Pima and Bumra- an impeccable way to conclude our trip
Throughout our 14 days at Jumla Rara Lake Trek, many mountains such as Kanjirowa Himal (6387 m), Karnali Himal, Chandashila (4200 m), Sita Chuchura (6150 m), Gujra Himal (7194 meters), and even a glimpse of the Dhaulagiri Range can be witnessed acting as a medicine to long hike of 5-6 hours. Other than that, after climbing up to the Murma View Point, Lake Rara seems surprisingly beautiful changing its color from time to time from blue to green and green to the reflection of trout fish with these surrounding peaks.
Thinking, "THIS IS THE END" might be incomplete without mentioning the cultural experiences that we get to learn by interacting and mingling with the locals of the Royal Thakuri and Khasa community who sustain their lives with just animal husbandry and agricultural activities showing their simple livelihood. If possible, do not miss out on bringing chocolates from the city area to the kids of Jumla, the smile that you get from just 1 sweet candy connects you more with children that live in your heart forever. PROMISINGLY for sure! that stands out as everyone's favorite moment of the trip.
While we might perceive that this trek to Jumla and Rara Lake is solely only about great views of mountains, landscapes, and lovely green hills, while ending your trip with the genuine experience of interacting with lovely communities, their arts, folk roles, and culture amazes you even more.
Make your holidays upcoming years of 2025/2026/2027 with Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition and get captivated by the beauty of the wilderness of these two connected isolated districts of Mugu and Jumla just within 14 days.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the "Sinja Valley"- the former capital city of Khasa Kingdom
- Wander around the Rara National Park, a home to Himalayan flora and fauna
- Ascend to the Murdi View Point from where the vista of Rara Lake can be seen clearly
- Boating and Horse Riding in Rara Lake
- Cross high passes and unlock your fears
- Traverse through the dense forests, to towering landscapes and high frosty snowcapped peaks
- The lively cultural experience of Sherpa, Khasa, Thakuri, Tibetans, and many other
- Stroll around Nepalgunj Bazaar, the Terai region of Nepal
Reasons that make this Jumla Rara Lake Trek truly a must-do adventure for 2025 and 2026:
Experience the Off-Beaten Adventure from Juma to Rara Lake
Simply speaking, any trek would be more fascinating if we explored the remoteness, authenticity, and true essence of cultural encounters. This trek to Rara Lake covers two major districts of Far Western: Mugu and Jumla letting us pass through the untamed route which let us discover the hidden gem of the Himalayas. Compared to any other famous destinations such as Everest Base Camp Trek or ABC Trek, this trail has a less number of footprints and zero luxury maintained amenities providing us a chance to learn something new unlike the city areas or luxury treks.
Just visualize yourself being in such villages where the houses are made with bricks, ancient structures, wood carvings, and cow dunks, and near the cattle farm of yaks and blue sheep in the middle of the huge towering landscapes and forests, WELL! this perfectly defines the Rara Lake Trekking allowing us to have "ME time", walk along the unpaved terrains, and let us get a lively experience of locals and their way of living far away from modernization and that's what makes this trek truly a meaningful journey.
A wander around Rara National Park
Rara National Park is home to many wildlife such as unique species of birds of over 200, 8 rare animals, blooming wildflowers, and indigenous people spanning over 106 square kilometers which also covers the Bardia National Park as the Karnali River touches the conservation area of Bardia. Our 14 days Rara Lake Trek goes all the way through this conservation area letting us enter the diversity of bio and ecosystem of nature.
Beginning our trek from the forested area of pine trees, orchids, and rhododendrons with river streams, waterfalls, and suspension bridges over it the trail leads us to the diverse landscapes slowly opening up as we ascend higher. As we go through many sections by the lovely green forest make sure to catch a glimpse of langur monkeys playing here and there, musk deer, and the Himalayan black bear.
While being in the local area of Thakuri and Khasa, we get to see the insight of terraced fields in such high altitudes where homegrown crops are harvested and planted by the locals. Moving to the upper section, the landscape slowly transforms into the alpine meadows showing the best spectacular views of mountains in the backdrop of vibrant flowers, and finally reaches the wetland or lake Rara showcasing the six distinct climatic zones.
Diverse Cultural Encounters
Besides, the breathtaking views of towering landscapes, nature sanctuary, and high mountains, this Jumla Rara Lake Trek meanders through many villages along the way, where we get to glance over the rich tapestry of the culture of locals. This Mugu and Jumla are 88% populated by Royal Thakuris, and the Khasa community is highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.
They are usually referred to as the inheritance of the royal family who ruled this region a long time back till the 14th century known as the Khasa Dynasty. During this odyssey, we get to explore the lifestyle of such locals and see how simply they live their livelihood depending only on animal husbandry and agriculture farming. Not only that but also buy their art engraved in thangka paintings, wood carvings, and yak wools that genuinely showcase their talent.
While residing in many notable villages such as Nepalgunj, Chele Chaur, Pina, Ghorasingha, Sinja Valley (one of the world heritage sites), and Bumori with many others we'll get a cultural insight of more than 10 ethnic communities such as Terai (Madhesi), at the beginning and Magar, Gurung, Sherpa at the halfway of the trail and Thakuri, and Khasa traditions ascending higher. Each diverse group carries a unique significance and historical aspects connected with it, so are you ready to uncover their way of livelihood, are you ready to immerse in their arts, dances, and festivals? Do not wait longer!
Rara Lake: Nepal's Deepest and Largest Freshwater that shifts colors
Rara Lake stands out to be the major highlight of our Jumla Rara Lake Trek which spans 10.8 km in depth and covers 167 meters. This high-altitude oasis changes its shade depending on 3 factors; season, weather conditions, and the time of the day, whether it can be blue or green it depends on what luck favors in you.
While reaching here, we can glance over Lake Rara where the reflection of pine trees and Rara Himal including the iconic Kanjirowa Himal can be seen. The wetland of the deepest and largest lake of Nepal looks crystal clear with many trout fish swimming beautifully which can be even captured during our boating here creating a heavenly experience to our journey making our penny and long day hike truly noteworthy.
Benefits of Booking with Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition
- Free Staycation if you are thinking about extending your stay here in Kathmandu for 1 day at our property "Hotel Bihani"
- Free UNSECO World Heritage Sightseeing Tour including the famous Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square
- Easy and Secured Payment System
- 5% discount for a family trip (must be over 5)
- Complimentary Welcome and Farewell Dinner at Nepalese Fine Dining Dinner with cultural program
- 24-hour communication via Email info(a)destinationhimalayatreks.com or call, WhatsApp, IMO, or Viber at +977 9851016814
- Detailed Trip Briefing before the trip and Person Briefing upon arrival
- Personal Adventures according to budget, time frame, and preference
- Free Excess Luggage Storage at our office
- Basic First Aid Kits including an Oximeter- to check oxygen level and a Water Purification Tablet to purify water
- Destination Himalaya Cap, Tshirt, Trip Map, Duffle Bag, Jacket, Sleeping Bags (if required)