Rara Lake Trek - 12 days

Best time to visit Rara Lake 

For the Rara Lake Trek, the ideal seasons are Spring and Autumn as the mild temperature and climate blend perfectly together throughout the journey making the trail safe, easy, and of course! filled with captivating unhindered views. 

Meanwhile, this trek to Rara Lake in winter and monsoon is highly not suggested as during this span of the year, it brings heavy precipitation (rainfall/snowfall) making our trek a total nightmare with many challenges. However, pro hikers can conveniently take on this exploration during these off-seasons with some guidelines and a planned itinerary. 

What to expect in Spring (March to May)?

There is no doubt, that Spring tends to stand out being one of the best seasons for every hiking and expedition as the temperate blends perfectly with the climatic conditions ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. It serves as a perfect time, to start the hike for many hours without feeling too sweaty and mentally drained due to high humidity. The lower trails are stunningly covered with lush rhododendron forests and pine trees making the trail vibrant with blooming wildflowers.

Usually, Many enthusiastic hikers prefer this span of the year, as winter just comes to an end which means the surroundings of the coldness are still there en route providing a fresh breeze air while making our way through challenging terrain. The pathway is less crowded than in Autumn (another peak season), which means we can trail along the far western region having a "ME" time and interacting with locals with the top-notch clear views of mountains.

What to expect in Autumn (September to November)?

Autumn is also highly regarded as the best time to do the Rara Lake Trekking, the reason is simple. The temperature rises from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius in the daytime and falls to -4 degrees Celsius only at night time in higher elevations after crossing Sinja Valley (3050 meters). It is also the period of harvesting season in Nepal, where we could get a unique insight into locals engaging in terraced farms of millets, wheat, rice, and many others.

Besides, the main festival of Dashain and Tihar falls in between October offering a great chance to explore the rich culture and traditions of how Himalayan people celebrate their festivals. If you are someone who loves to seek something new and educative then, this season of Autumn fits perfectly for you.

How difficult is Rara Lake Trek?

Undertaking any treks in an isolated area is surely not an easy task especially when we are opting for high-altitude treks over 3000 meters. Surprisingly, Rara Lake Trek is one of the moderate treks to undertake, it demands 5-6 hours of hiking each day covering approximately 10-12 km distance depending on the route. Even though this hike falls under the easygoing category, if you are a beginner then, you must do some preparations beforehand.

This trekking touches the two districts of Nepal, firstly the Jumla and secondly Mugu, the starting section goes through the easy pathway, and the most challenging terrain would be crossing over Jaljala Pass (3580 meters).

There are some trails, that pass through the rugged, remote, and unpaved routes at high altitudes, which make beginners feel like difficulty in breathing or leg trembling situations. That is why, prior prep must be done to build up the physical strength, and YES! create a strong mindset to settle in at the remote trails where modern amenities are limited. Other than that, this journey isn't so strenuous to undertake that we highly recommend this trip to newcomers. 

If you are quite worried about altitude sickness, then do not be! our planned 12-day Rara Lake Trekking itinerary is set by our expert teams with a gradual ascent of only 400 to 500 M each day that avoids the risk of altitude sickness and explores the best out of these two districts in 1 go. Whether you are a novice or an experienced trekker, this odyssey to Rara Lake can smoothly completed undoubtedly.

How to be prepared for the Rara Lake Trekking?

As this trek to Lake Rara goes through remote trails and exceeds the altitude of 2500 meters, we must know the fact, some necessary preparations must be properly done. So, that the trip goes easily without any unfortunate conditions. This trek takes over 7 days in the tea house and camping, excluding the days stayed in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj. 

Well! It is surely not a strenuously wild adventure, but keeping certain things in mind and being physically strong will not only make your trip go seamlessly but also help you to trail along with a free mind enjoying nature.

Physical Strength

Even though this trek is not so challenging compared to other circuit treks in Nepal, building some stamina will make your trip so much easier and prepare you for unfortunate challenges like sudden weather changes. For that, there's nothing to overdo, just engage in some sort of exercise like running, small hikes of 4-5 hours to get used to high altitudes, cycling, or you can just do some weight training beforehand.

Or if that doesn't match your preference then, you can just do ups and downs by the staircase or do a small ramble in the park or treadmill completing the 10,000 steps. Remember that, your stamina and well-being are one of the important aspect that plays a great role in making your trip even more fruitful.

Mental Preparation

As this Rara Lake Trek goes all the way through the remote sections of western Nepal, you must know how the cultures are there, how they live their life in remote terrains or you can say how limited the amenities are En route. Do some research, if you are planning this trip of the local people's culture and expect accordingly (a not-so-luxury infrastructure) to avoid the cultural shock.

There is a famous line that goes by, "Anything becomes much easier with a positive mindset and enthusiasm", focus on 3 things: PERSEVERANCE, PERSISTENCE, and of course! CONSISTENCY. Engage in some sort of yoga, meditation, or pilates to build up a peaceful and calm mind, which helps you to enjoy the serene environment along the Rara Lake Trek route and connect with nature.

Create a positive attitude and perspective, throughout the Odyssey that makes the trip less challenging and 99% easy to navigate!

What kinds of food and accommodations are available during the Rara Lake Trek?

Meals:

There are varied options available along the trail, yet simple foods prepared by the locals. From some Western options to locals, it simply caters to everyone's taste and preference, filled with nutritious with multiple veg and non-veg options for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Just check out the menu and it will be cooked accordingly, also do not forget to try out "Dal Bhat" which is quite famous here in Nepal and can be refilled with 4-5 side dishes.

4-star hotel in Kathmandu:

At the starting point, while in Kathmandu (city area-capital city), you'll be accommodated in a well-facilitated 4-star hotel consisting of all the luxury items with a complementary jacuzzi. This also includes a buffet breakfast in the morning and 2 complimentary dinners while staying within this city area.

Tea house (En Route):

Throughout this trek to Rara Lake of Nepal, you'll be settling in at the tea house/lodges run by the locals themselves as it is the only option available within the region. There is less possibility of an attached washroom with only a shared washroom available at the upper section of the trail, however, it is possible to provide you single bedroom if you are alone but must be booked earlier. (helps in pre-booking the rooms).

The rooms are cozy and warm to rest in, with comfortable mattresses, pillows, and blankets, being well-maintained. However, you might require sleeping bags, if you are planning this trip in early winter and early spring, which will be provided by us beforehand.

Permits Required for the Rara Lake Trekking

To undertake this trek to Rara Lake; there are only 2 permits required which must be attained through the local registered trekking agency. No worries! we apply for your permits right after your booking is confirmed with us.

These are the permits necessary to access the conservation area:

Rara National Park Permit: It costs around USD 32 per person for foreign nationals, however, the price slightly differs for SAARC nationals costing around USD 10. This permit goes for the welfare of preserving wildlife and lakes within the Rara National Park.

TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System): USD 20 per head for foreigners whereas, USD 8 is only for SAARC residents.

Travel Insurance

Any trek that reaches a height above 3000 meters, requires travel insurance to prepare yourself for the critical future situations that might arise. Even though the altitude of Rara Lake isn't at much height standing just at 2990 meters, the route passes through a remote section due to which immediate medical access is quite not possible until and unless it's a helicopter evacuation.

We are not saying that this trek is dangerous and not safe, however, we just want you to be prepared for any sort of unfortunate conditions and wander around the region with a free mind.

Please make sure that your insurance policy covers medical injuries, theft, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and emergency aircraft evacuation over 2500 meters for the Rara Lake Trek.

Willing to Sign Up with us? Safe Booking Procedure?

If you are looking forward to making a booking with us for your travel partner to assist you thoroughly with this trekking to Rara Lake, then do not wait longer! Our package covers all your food, transportation, accommodations, permits, and experienced guides (all his permit, food, insurance, and so on), to make it simple we offer everything necessary for the trip.

For the booking confirmation, you can simply mail us at info(a)destinationhimalayatreks.com or call or whats app at +977 9851016814 for any queries. We only take 20% out of the total cost, to manage everything, the remaining amount can be paid after you arrive here in Kathmandu. We are available to respond to you 24/7 hour so do not hesitate to contact us.