Rara Lake is one of the most spectacular lakes in Nepal. It is part of the Rara National park, which is situated within the Mugu District. Known as the biggest freshwater lake in Nepal Himalaya, it is immensely popular with the local tourist. However, much recently, it is ramping up to be the latest hotspot amongst foreign traveler-backpackers too.
The lake’s grandeur and the surrounding area’s natural beauty is a pleasant reminder of how vital eco-tourism and ethical-sustainable travel practices are to this fragile Himalayan eco-system. The establishment of the national park in 1976 gives the area much-needed protection from adverse human activities.
Rara Bas to Rara Lake is an excellent introductory tour for both adventurists and nature lovers alike. There are three ways to get to Rara Lake: By Air, By Road, or a combination of the two. Here are itinerary examples of the three options:
Option 1 – By Air
Day 1 – Take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and road transfer to one of the homestays at Banke Gabhar Valley (Rara Bas). Spend the day relaxing or go local sightseeing.
Day 2 – Road transfer to the airport for the first flight to Talcha. Start trekking (2 to 3 hours) from Talcha to Rara and stay overnight at one local resort.
Day 3 – After breakfast, take s short walk to Rara Lake. Back to the resort for another night’s stay.
Day 4 – After breakfast, leave for the airport for the flight back from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
Option 2 – By Road
Day 1 – Take a bus from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and get a jeep transfer to one of the homestays at Banke Gabhar Valley (Rara Bas).
Day 2 – After some local sightseeing, drive to Dailekh. Stay overnight at Dailekh.
Day 3 – Drive to Jumla and visit Kalikote along the way. Stay overnight at Jumla.
Day 4 – After some sightseeing, drive to Rara and stay overnight at one of the resorts.
Day 5 – Spend the day visiting the lake and surrounding area. You will spend another night at the Rara resort.
Day 6 – Drive to Kalikot and spend one night here.
Day 7 – Drive to Surkhet and spend overnight here.
Day 8 – Drive to Nepalgunj and catch the night bus back to Kathmandu.
Option 3 – By Road & Air
If you would like to save costs and avoid paying return airfare, this option might interest you. Take the bus to Nepalgunj and get a return flight instead.
This option could save you three days (compared to all land option) and some money (compared to all by air option). This trip will take you five days to return.
Trip Cost
We will update the latest package fee soon. Typically the price includes accommodation (twin sharing basis), all meals, and local transportation.
The fee will not include personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, park entry fee, and tips.