Rara Lake Trek

Namaste & welcome to Mountain Guide Trek of Nepal. Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by a representative from Mountain guide Treks (MGT). After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Mountain Guide Treks and Expedition with Group leader's name display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. After check in, if time allows, you will visit MGT office to meet your trekking leader as well as other participants and for final preparation for the trip. It all depends upon your arrival time. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

The day after breakfast we will start a sightseeing tour with our professional tour guide to the several of most historical and spiritual Places in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage historic Sites such as Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple (Swayambunath) and the Buddhist shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. After coming back from the tour there will be a pre-trip discussion with our trek leader and other team members. Mountain Guide Trek will brief you regarding your trek as well as we may have an opportunity to discuss any difficulties regarding our upcoming adventure. The rest of the time you could use for travelling around the Thamel and shopping for needed equipment and other necessaries. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

As per the flight schedule for Nepalgunj, we transfer to the domestic airport for one and half hour scenic flight to Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj, we will have time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town which is situated on the southern Nepal border with India. Here it is quite hot and tropical in character. (Overnight at tourist standard hotel on full board basis)

After a pleasant overnight at Nepalgunj, early morning transfer to the airport for the 45-minute flight to Jumla over the Himalayan foothills with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north.  Jumla town is in a delightful valley and here are the highest limits of paddy cultivation, growing red rice. The town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali zone and Jumla district. After that our trek by following the north of the Tila Khola River and then turn north following the Chaudhabise Khola passing through fields and pine forests. We will ascend up the Padmara valley. Our trail keeps following the river until we arrive at the small village of Uthugaon (Overnight at tented camp on a full board basis)

After breakfast, we follow the trail through the narrow canyon to the village of Padmara. Our path then climbs to the Khali Lagna pass at (3550m) through a deep forest of pines, Spurches and firs. Shortly after this pass, both routes come together and the trail then descends gently through a mixed forest of spruces, birches and rhododendrons to arrive at our campsite at Danphe Lagna. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Today our trails descend steeply passing through fir, birch, walnut and bamboo forests. After crossing a bridge we follow the river downstream before starting a serious climb passing some water-driven mills to Kabra. Here is a huge overhanging rock which is the source of Shilajit, a mineral which is believed to have "healing" properties. Our steep climb continues for a while and then levels out before Bhara village. After this village, we then descend to the Chauro Khola River to the village of Chautha. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

We continue to follow the stream uphill to Bhulbule, the Rara National Park entrance station at (3130m), and continue climbing gently to Ghurchi Lagna pass (3450m) which is covered with Chortens (round stone Buddhist monuments) and prayer flags. From the pass, the route descends gently at first before dropping down precipitously through spruce forests, reach to Dhoti village. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Today we have a short and pleasant trek with fine views to the north. We cross a steep north-facing slope from Dhotu, and forward to a series of fields down to a small stream. After crossing the bridge, we climb up to the Thakuri village of Jhyari. From Jhyari, we climb steadily up through cedar forest to a huge meadow atop a (3050m) ridge with great overhead views of Rara Lake. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal. It is almost 13 km2 around the lake and a day devoted to walking around is well spent. Rara is designated a national park in 1975 and this region offers remoteness and a wilderness experience unlike any other region of Nepal, where birds, flowers and wildlife thrive. Among the mammals in this region are Himalayan bears, Serows, Gorals, Musk Deer, Red Pandas and both Rhesus and Langur Monkeys. The 180-meter deep lake is a habitat for otters and an important resting place for migrating waterfowl. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

After exploring Rara Lake the trail will follow the Khatyar Khola river. We will keep following this river slowly descending before we climb out following a small trail surrounded by pine, spruce and rhododendron forests. We follow our path dropping into the Ghatta valley and heading towards the small settlement of Gorusingha. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Our route keeps heading down the Ghatta valley from Gorusingha following the Sinja Khola River downwards to Sinja. From the 12th to 14th century, Sinja was the capital of the Malla dynasty that ruled western Nepal. The ruins of the old palace can be seen across the river. There is an interesting temple here dedicated to Bhagwati, the goddess of justice who rides atop a tiger. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Today the trail crosses the Sinja Khola on a wooden cantilever bridge. After passing a few small villages, the trail crosses back and forth across the river on a series of quaint log bridges. Most of the trek is through forest of pine, birch and oak and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a steep climb to Jaljala Chaur, a gigantic meadow full of horses. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Keep climbing through forest to yet another meadow, just below the ridge at (3510m) then a pleasant descent to Jumla. (Overnight at tented camp on full board basis)

Early morning 40 minutes sweeping wonderful flight to Nepalgunj over the Himalayan foothills, overlooking stunning views of the snow capped peaks. On arrival at Nepalgunj depending upon the connecting flight schedule to Kathmandu. If it's in the afternoon we will have time, few hours for refreshment in the comfort of the Hotel at Nepalgunj. We then connect with flight back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel. (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Today is your leisure day, if interested you could buy some gifts from Nepal for your friends and relatives, you will visit some nearby shops or venture at Thamel for typical Nepalese goods which can be assisted by our guides or you can do it yourself too. If enthralled to explore some other areas of Kathmandu you could take some more time to do that today! Remember, we will be hosting a fantastic celebration "Farewell dinner" at a traditional Nepalese restaurant with Mountain Guide Trek staff for the successful completion of the Jumla Rara Lake Trek! (Overnight at deluxe hotel on BB basis)

Today is the last day in Nepal for this trip; you are saying goodbye to the mountains as the journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Mountain Guide Treks will take you to the airport.