Rara Lake in Nepal is one of these diverse majestic and spectacular lakes. Rara Lake is Nepal’s largest and deepest freshwater lake in the Himalayas lying free.
It is situated between Jumla and Mugu District, in the far northwestern part of Nepal. Every year thousands of tourists from around the world come to visit the lake. The best time to visit Rara is in spring and early winter months.
It is peacefully surrounded by hills and mountains and Rara National Park which makes it a good destination for trekking. The view of the Himalayan peaks covered in snow also enhances the beauty of Rara Lake. This entrancing trek to Lake Rara is located in Nepal’s wild northwest region.
The trek begins at a whirling capital city and takes you to the remote Jumla town. Enrooted, you’re going to pass some interesting villages of Gorusingha, Sija, Jaljala and finally walk to the peaceful heaven of Rara Lake.
In addition, Rara Lake Trek is also situated in Rara National Park, one of the most interesting national parks for wildlife observation.
National Park comprises many forests of Blue Pines, Black Juniper, Maple, Cypress, and Rhododendron. These woods were home to the Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer, Thar,Red Panda, Leopards, and Ghoral.More than 200 species of colorful birds and butterflies live in these forests too.
Amazingly, Rara Lake is one of the world’s bluest waters and the lake shows three different colors throughout a day and the lake’s backdrop always appears to shift. The trail of Rara Lake Trekking is less crowded and far off the beaten track.
So, for those looking for peace and connection with nature it is a great choice. You’ll encounter the very different and special cultures and panoramic views that are distinct from the rest of Nepal during the trekking journey.
This spectacular high-altitude lake is enclosed by Pine, Alpine hillside, Juniper and Oak trees, while in the background one can see the majestic Himalayan snow-capped peaks. In winter, the ridges circling the lake often have snow which gives the lake a heavenly appearance.
Rara Lake trekking highlights
- Tour of Kathmandu Valley.
- Experience a beautiful scenic trip to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu and vice versa.
- Discover the scenic beauty and calmness of Rara Lake.
- Explore Sinja Valley, Nepal’s significant old historic site.
- Discover Rara National Park’s rich Biodiversity.
- Experience the stunning countryside and view of the distant Dolpo and Shripal API peaks.
- Travel through magnificent forests of pines, birches and rhododendrons.
- Discover authentic Jumla district culture and way of life
Camping and trekking around Rara Lake
A trip to Lake Rara in the far northwest region of Kathmandu is one of the most beautiful and exciting walks in the Himalayan region. If you are looking for wildlife and solitary travel, this tour is an ideal choice.
The road is very ‘off the beaten path’ and gives a very special view from the rest of Nepal into cultures and landscapes. Rara is a popular pilgrimage to the people of Nepal, the clear high altitude lake that represents the snow-capped Himalayas ringing with the pine tree.
Because in the summer there is the least rainfall, so it is good for hiking. Winter also snows the ridge around the lake, and trekkers are rewarded during the autumn season with a plurality of woodland flowers.
Rara Lake is Nepal’s largest lake, 5 kilometers wide, and 2 kilometers deep. In Nepal the National Park is a wildlife spot. The main wildlife is Musk deer, Leopards, Ghorals, Tahr and the Himalayan Black bears.
The park is also pleasing to watch birds, notably when many species of birds visit during the November and April seasonal migration. Chuckemara Danda, 4,087 meters above sea level, offers the lake and surrounding hills with the best viewpoints.
There are several species of animals in the park, such as the Himalayan black bear, the uncommon Red panda, leopards, musk deer, Ghoral, tahr and more. Between November and April, the skies over the pond are inhabited by a large variety of birds, many of which are migratory from Siberia.
Best time to visit Rara Lake
Rara Lake in Nepal is the biggest and deepest fresh-water lake in Nepal. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to see and the right time of the year makes a huge difference. Rara can be visited all year round, since exploring this area is fascinating.
The main things to discover in this area are the cultural traditions, lifestyle and rural settlement together with the mind-blowing stunning beauty.
Spring Season (March-May)
March to May is a perfect time to visit the pool. Around that moment the atmosphere is mild and Rhododendrons rejoice with shades over the mountain trails, the skies are bright and the lake is crystal-blue.
A two-hour walk from the tower overlooks the bay across from the building. It’s a nice time and a flight can be viewed. It can be reached by drive but one is easily accessible by car. You have to go hiking around Rara to explore.
Carry a sleeping bag, find a nice spot, have some drinks and relax! Even if you’re not bringing your own camp, there’s a hotel near the lake where you can rent rooms or even tents from.
Camping is the finest experience with the dazzling sky and mind-blowing beauty of the mountains offering true luxury. In addition, the best season for camping in Rara lake is in Spring and early winter.
Autumn Season (September-November)
The other choice is really a good one in September, October and November. Monsoon’s over, and winter is not yet here. The early winter months are the ideal time to explore. You may need to get winter gear, though, because there’s going to be cold.
The sky is hot, and the air is not too warm and not too cold. This season is a perfect time to go hiking, trekking, driving and sailing.
The already flowered flowers often give the route a vibrant feel. An incredible view of snowy peaks below the crystal clear sky. It looks like heaven has come down to earth.
Whether it’s the beauty of nature, temperature, environment, etc., all is at its best. You’ll be surrounded by cynical views all around.
Winter Season (December-February)
With over 3500 meters above ground and its remote location, in December, January, and February it is not an appropriate time to travel it.
Snow covering the passes and coming off very cold temperatures and highways. It is a strange thing, when the weather is cold the lake never freezes.
You will be moving for elevation beyond 2000 m so during these months it will be very cold. There are also high risks of your trekking plans being canceled or postponed because of heavy snowfall.
Nevertheless, if you intend to do Rara Lake Short Trek well prepared during the whole season. The forest trails will be covered with snow-making your walk very difficult.
Summer Season(June-August)
Going is not difficult, but more of an adventure if you wish. In this region, the monsoon makes it a little difficult to hit. The drive may take you to the Rara but navigating this region’s beauty with unpredictable weather conditions will be a little hectic.
You might predict heavy and long rain, monsoon season, muddy paths, and landslides that could stop you from taking a route and force you to change your course. So, the time to visit Rara lake is badly favored.
The trip is feasible but it’s going to be an exciting journey. There are potential risks of landslides, due to heavy and persistent rainfall. The roads will also be slippery and dusty, which will make your walk very exciting.
Unless the weather does not change, the flight will be canceled or delayed at higher altitudes. So before preparing to travel this season, it’s best to test your weather forecast.
The weather may be very cold but it will compensate for the view of snow-covered peaks. Often, no matter how small the temperature drops the lake never freezes.
You may also like:
- Best Time To Travel to Nepal
- How to Reach Rara Lake From Talcha Airport
- How to go Rara Lake from Pokhara or from Kathmandu
What to do around Rara Lake?
Nepal is so diverse particularly in terms of geography. And Rara provides the best place to relax and think, sleep and read the book or write an essay. Rara offers an impressive experience for bibliophiles. Our handbook and stunning elegance, what could be more awesome than that.
View of Sunrise
You go to the lake early in the morning for a glimpse of the sunrise. Watching the sun-rise and you feel relaxed, and that act is more satisfying in the Himalayas. The view is breathtaking and takes your breath away.
Boating in Rara Lake
Boating is one of the ways to relax, have fun, and enjoy nature surrounded by rivers and lakes. The view is just incredible, you can see a clear sky as well as wildlife and spectacular views of the hills and jungles as well.
The elegance of the pristine Rara lake is adventurous in itself. Boating and sailing in its lovely ripples of water is an added beauty of this location.
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga is a fundamental concept that puts the scattered things together. Yoga has been historically practiced in the Himalayas for thousands of years. Translated into English, Yoga means ‘union, ties or unity’.
The yoga we have today has been created by Lord Shiva, Lord Budhha, excellent sage Patanjali, and yogis. In our daily lives, mediation is a must. This brings us a sense of calm, a sense of health and peace of mind.
It also helps us to strengthen relationships, improve safety and make life easier. Rara is an ideal location for Yoga and Meditation, for its intrinsic purposes.
Photography and Videography
Trek offers the best views for taking pictures of the secluded, untouched Rara Lake. If you want to get to the paradise, you can walk to the Rara Lake with enough memory and enthusiasm to catch the breathtaking lake views and natural scenery.
The landscapes around this valley are beautiful. Rara has the finest panoramic views for photography and videography enthusiasts.
Horse Ride
Talking to local people about riding horses, saddles and guides, if you like. All along the lake there is a lovely road, and you can take it from the lake to a bit faster-wooded areas.
Camping in Rara
Carry a sleeping bag, find a nice spot, have some drinks and relax! Even if you’re not bringing your own camp, there’s a hotel near the lake where you can rent rooms or even tents from.
Camping is the finest experience with the dazzling sky and mind-blowing beauty of the mountains offering true luxury. In addition, the best season for camping in Rara lake is in Spring and early winter.
How to reach Rara from Kathmandu
There are two options for Rara Lake, one by flight and the other by drive. The choice of flight would certainly make it easier for you to reach Lake Rara.
Nevertheless, the drive is also fun but time-consuming. In this area trekking is also a common activity to explore Rara’s beauty.
Rara Lake Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj (flight or drive),
Day 2: Nepalgunj – jumla- Padmara,
Day 3: Padmara – Bumra,
Day 4: Bumra – Pine,
Day 5: Pine-Rara Lake,
Day 6: Rara Lake-Ghorasain,
Day 7: Ghorasain-Sinja,
Day 8: Sinja-Chera Chaur,
Day 9: Chera chaur-Jumla,
Day 10: Jumla-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu (flight or drive).
