Rara Lake Trek

You may arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be welcomed by one of Escape Himalaya's representatives, who will help you get to your hotel and will explain further programs and plans to you. You may proceed to check into your hotel and relax for the remainder of the time.

Overnight stay at the hotel. Breakfast is included.

Today, the sightseeing tour will start in Kathmandu Valley. The tour will mainly maunder around the cultural heritage sites Kathmandu Valley has to offer, all listed under the World Heritage List by UNESCO. You will also prepare for the trek today. The tour's highlights include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most religiously reverent temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. We can sometimes observe the cremation ritual of the Hindu people by the bank of the holy river Bagmati at the temple as well. The Bouddhanath is one of the largest Buddhist mandalas in the country. The Swayambhunath is a beautiful stupa atop a hill called "the Monkey Temple." The Kathmandu Durbar Square holds old monarchial palaces of the Malla kings who ruled over the city in ancient times, along with many architecturally intricate buildings and temples. After the tour, we will be heading back to the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel. Breakfast is included.

Generally, you have to fly to Nepalgunj to get to the region. Nepalgunj is a steaming hot city in South Western Nepal, situated in the lowlands of Terai, close to the Indian border, just 8 kilometers away. Culturally, the areas resemble more India than upland Nepal. You can also take a cycle rickshaw for a ride around the town. Passing the hustle and bustle of the bazaar, you can see horse carts full of colorful people going to or coming from the Indian border. The Bageshowri Temple is one of Nepal's most important Hindu temples worth visiting.

Overnight stay at the hotel. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

Today, you will be taking a thirty-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla. The flight is beautiful, and the sights of the mountains and the valleys below are pretty fascinating. Upon reaching Jumla, we shall interact with the trekking crew and begin our trekking journey after lunch. Traversing northwards out of the Jumla Valley, we will walk on paths filled with trees and beautiful environments. After an hour of trekking, the small village of Micha, bearing a small walled enclosure and several Buddhist stupas, lies further ahead. These stupas were erected around the late 15th century in memory of important dignitaries of the region. The trail further leads to a rock-strewn path and, at last, ends at Chala Chaur.

Overnight stay at the Guest House. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

Leaving Chala Chaur today, we will follow a trail moving along a path of steep stones. The natural environment is stunning and is decorated with the growth of verdant woods. The tranquility and mystical atmosphere enhance the serene environment of the land. While ascending, we cross through birch and pine forests and a grassy pass at approx 3500 meters. From this point, the sight of the Kanjirowa Himal becomes visible in the east, with its twin peaks towering over the adjacent areas.

Further, we descend as the trail opens into lush forests and wide open pastures. After trekking for a couple of hours, we will finally stop at a suitable campsite in the meadows near some shepherd's huts.

Overnight stay at the tented camp. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

Walking along the Jaljala Khola today, we will cross pine forests and beautiful terraced farmland. En route, the trail passes the 300-year-old Kanaksundari Temple. The temple holds immense religious significance for Hindus. The route further bends along the main river. Crossing a thick plank bridge, we will descend downwards along the path to Sinja village. The village of Sinja rests snugly upon a small alluvial plain on the west bank of the clear Lah Gad River, also called the Sinja Khola. Sinja was once the ancient capital of the Malla kings. Stones are lying along the trail that foretells the history of the Malla dynasty. After lunch, we will head to Botan, passing through a spectacular gorge along the way and finally reaching the village of Botan.

Overnight stay at the tented camp. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

Leaving Sinja Khola and following the trail along the Ghatta Khola amid the unparallel beauty of nature, we will make our way to the border of Rara National Park. The indirect route winds up into terraced farmland and beautiful valleys. Soon, we find ourselves within the territory of Rara Lake National Park as we come across primitive flour mills and police posts along the way. Rara Lake National Park houses a very unique and rich ecosystem. We can spend half an hour exploring the park's beauty or doing whatever we like. Rara National Park was established in 1976 and is the country's smallest national park. With the sapphire Rara Lake being the park's main feature, Rara National Park's establishment protects the lake from sedimentation and preserves the lake's wildlife. The park ranges in elevation from 2,800 m (9,200 ft) to 4,039 m (13,251 ft) at the Chuchemara Peak on the southern side of Rara Lake. On the northern side, the peaks of Ruma Kand and the Malika Kand frame the alpine freshwater lake. Rara National Park is managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and protected with the assistance of the Nepal Army. We will spend the night in Gorosingha.

Overnight stay at the tented camp. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

We walk away from Gorosingha and ascend to the Ghurchi Mara ridge (3710m) for one and a half hours. The trail is not as strenuous as it looks. On reaching the ridge's crest, we will experience an excellent panorama to the north, flaunting irresistible beauty and charm filled with the sight of the valley and the beautiful natural enamor. As the trail descends, Rara Lake becomes visible on the northeast. The trail passes through bamboo and birch forests before crossing the Khatyar Khola. Following the river upstream to Rara Lake, we can savor a fascinating trekking experience amid the cusp of unique natural surroundings.

Overnight stay at the tented camp. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

We now have two days to explore the area, including the old village of Rara. We can also climb up to the wooden observation tower behind the post office for fine views of the lake and its surrounding hills. We can even visit the National Park Headquarters. Swimming is allowed in the lake, and it is piercingly refreshing to do so. The freshwater of the lake is crystal-like and quite beautiful.

Overnight stay at the tented camp. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

Departing from Rara Lake, we will continue skirting along to the target destination. Upon crossing a ridge, we enter the village of Jhyari. Jhyari is a small village with dainty homes and extremely hospitable Gurung, Magar, and Thakuri people. Strolling by the Jhyari Khola, the trail further follows terraced farmlands, winding serpentine along the fields, and through the segregation of the terrace farms of rice and mustard. As we approach the Dhauligar Khola Valley, we will find a suitable campsite near the river bank. We can also witness an exotic and charismatic natural sight with an outstanding panorama of snow-capped mountain peaks.

Overnight stay at the tented camp. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

On our trekking path, we leave the gorgeous Dhauligar Khola behind and travel through verdant farmlands till we reach the tiny village of Pina, which is distinguished by its police posts and charming hotels. As we climb towards the Ghurchi Lagna Pass, the scenery opens up before us, with tiny Chortens, mountain pastures, walnut orchards, and a narrow but picturesque valley. The walk comes to an end when we arrive at the peaceful village of Chautha after descending a steep slope.

Overnight stay at the tented camp. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

The path leaves Chautha and proceeds along the northern bank of the Sinja Khola, passing the hotel and medical facility until emerging beneath the enormous overhanging rock at Kabra. This region is home to silaji, a vital medicinal mineral that is thought to be able to treat nearly anything. The path then climbs to the meadow at Tharamara, passing through the towns of Bumra and Nyawre en route.

Overnight stay at the tented camp. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jumla. Tall birch trees lead to the Khali Lagna and the Danphe Lekh. We can have the most spectacular views of the mountain ridges to the south and Jumla below from the ridge. Further on, we will descend steeply to the first night's campsite. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail because of its treacherous route. We then follow the same route back to Jumla. After reaching Jumla, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply pursuing whatever we feel like doing here. Jumla is one of the 75 districts in the mid-western hills of Nepal, where rice cultivation ranges from 2,400 to 3,050 meters in altitude- the highest elevation in the world. The highest elevation at 3,050 meters is Chhumjul of Jumla, a record altitude where rice is cultivated. Jumli Marshi, a Japonica variety of indigenous rice having the cold tolerant gene, has probably been cultivated here since 1,300 years ago on the bank of the Tila River. The Tila Valley and the Sinja Khola Valley are covered with paddy fields growing the "Kali Marshi" rice variety. This unique red rice is sought after for its exceptional taste.

Overnight stay at the tented camp. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

From Jumla, we will fly to Nepalgunj. We take the next aircraft back to Kathmandu after arriving at Nepalgunj.

Overnight stay at the hotel. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are included.

Today is a leisure day in Kathmandu. You can go shopping or relax at the hotel.

Overnight stay at the hotel. Breakfast is included.

Approximately three hours before your scheduled flight, one of Escape Himalaya's representatives will drop you off at the airport from where you will depart.

Breakfast is included.