Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Rara Lake in Nepal is the largest freshwater lake and the largest body of water in the valley. The lake is part of Rara National Park, which was created in 1976 to safeguard the area’s varied flora and fauna as well as to maintain its distinctive beauty. Rara Lake possesses a peculiar natural phenomenon and changes its colour five times a day depending on the climate. Lapped by the glaciated waters, the shoreline is a collage of blue pine, herbs, marshes and tussock grasslands, bordered by the surrounding tussock-covered hills and majestic forests.
Location
Photo: Prabeshsdev / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the extreme northwestern part of Nepal, Rara Lake is located in the picturesque land of the Mugu and Jumla districts. It is 300 kilometres northwest of Kathmandu in the Nepalese Himalayas. Enclosed by mountains such as Chuchemara, Ruma Kand and Malika Kand, the lake feeds into the Mugu-Karnali River. Its position close to the Tibetan border and classification as an ecological corridor helps protect it. The Humla-Jumla region surrounding the lake supports rare flora and fauna. Jumla represents an example of coherence between a cultivated environment with its apple orchards and the surrounding natural environment.
How To Reach
Photo: Sergey Pashko / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The fastest way to get to Rara Lake is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hour), followed by another flight from Nepalgunj to Talcha Airport (40 min). From Talcha the trail up to Rara Lake takes 2-3 hours. Flights can be unpredictable because of the weather, so plan accordingly.
By Rail: There is no direct railway to Rara, but you can take the train from India (Gorakhpur) to Nepal (Janakpur or Bardibas) and then take a bus or jeep to either Nepalgunj or Surkhet and continue by road.
By Road: If you love long road trips, take a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Jumla (24-30 hours) through Surkhet. Jumla to Rara Lake (2-day trek) or drive to Gamgadhi (Mugu’s headquarters) and trek for 4-5 hours.
Things To Do
Hiking through stunning terrains, boating on blue water, and visiting community settlements, Rara Lake gives you something completely different from other Nepal trip experiences.
1. Trekking Around Rara Lake
Photo: ashok acharya / Unsplash
The Rara Lake trekking is as enchanting as it sounds, complete with scenic views, rich wildlife, and absolute peace. The Circuit Trek of Rara Lake is 5-7 days long and takes you through dense forests, traditional villages, and high-altitude pastures. An extremely rewarding hike such as the hike to Murma Top at 3,700 m offers the full view of the turquoise lake at your feet, Kanjirowa Mountain Range, and the rolling green valley above you. The best seasons to trek this region are spring and autumn when the weather is clear and the trails are covered with blooming rhododendrons.
2. Boating On Rara Lake
Photo: Soraj Shahi / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most peaceful things you can do at Rara Lake is to paddle a traditional wooden boat across its smooth surface. The lake, mirroring the nearby pine woods and snowy mountaintops, is almost otherworldly. While rare aquatic species and migratory birds prosper in the region, boating activities enable you to understand the lake’s capabilities. In the early morning, you can enjoy this experience at its best, as the water is great and reflects in all clarity.
3. Wildlife And Bird Watching In Rara National Park
Photo: Sardil74 / Wikimedia Commons
Rara National Park is a biodiversity hotspot and home to some of Nepal’s rarest wildlife. The dense pine, birch and rhododendron forests of the park shelter elusive species like the Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer and Himalayan Thar. Everything near the lake attracts more than 200 species of birds, such as Himalayan monal, snowcock, migratory waterfowl, etc. Birdwatching is ideal in the early morning and late afternoon when the lake is quiet enough that rare species call their way across the valley.
Places To Visit Near Rara Lake
Following are some of the other beautiful places to visit near Rara Lake and explore its secret pathways.
1. Murma Top
Photo: Gyani Budha / Wikimedia Commons
Murma Top (3,700 m) is the most spellbinding place to visit near Rara Lake. Its viewing platform offers astounding views of Rara Lake with the dawn light trickling in and the surrounding Himalayas flowing seamlessly into your vision. The uphill trek from the lake takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours, but it is well worth the effort as you are rewarded with stunning views of the snow-capped peaks, rolling green hills, and the sapphire blue waters of Rara below. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit, as the sky is blazed with orange and pink hues.
Distance From Rara Lake: 2-hour trek
2. Sinja Valley
Photo: Priyankar Chand / Wikimedia Commons
Sinja Valley is a historical gem that transports you back to Nepal’s mediaeval past. This valley was once the capital of the Khas Empire (12th to 14th century) and is considered the birthplace of the Khas language, from which modern Nepali evolved. The valley is speckled with old temples, stone inscriptions and ruins of ancient palaces. The scenery is equally enticing, as the Sinja River winds through terraced fields and traditional villages.
Distance From Rara Lake: 2-day trek
3. Gamgadhi Bazaar
Photo: Guillaume Baviere / Wikimedia Commons
Gamgadhi is where the Rara Lake turn is and it is also the headquarters of Mugu district. This small, vibrant market town is where you can stock up on supplies, find accommodations and get a taste of the local Thakuri culture. It’s a great place to taste traditional Tibetan dishes like Phapar Roti (buckwheat pancakes) and Chhurpi (hard cheese) from the Himalayas. Strolling the bazaar, you can come across local crafts, traditional woollen clothes, and other unique souvenirs in the area.
Distance From Rara Lake: 4-5 hour trek
4. Chhayanath Temple
Photo: Sergey Pashko / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Chhayanath Temple supporting Mugu, near Gamgadhi, is an important religious site devoted to Chhayanath, the protector deity of the Mugu region. It has cultural value for Hindus and Buddhists, and pilgrims come from neighbouring villages to visit the temple. Its architecture is minimalist but impressive, featuring detailed wood carvings and praying flags dancing in the wind. This peaceful environment has panoramic views of the Karnali, making it an ideal venue for meditation and reflection.
Distance From Rara Lake: 5-hour trek
5. Karnali River Source
Photo: Sherparinji / Wikimedia Commons
The Karnali, Nepal’s longest river, originates close to Rara Lake, making it a popular destination for adventurers. A day’s trek reaches the pristine glacial source, where you can enjoy the dramatic scenery of deep gorges, cascading waterfalls and oil-green alpine meadows. The river winds through some of Nepal’s most pristine wilderness, later transforming into an extreme white-water rafting destination downstream. That alone makes this a tranquil, awe-inspiring destination, as does the stunning natural beauty of the river’s source.
Distance From Rara Lake: 1-day trek
Where To Stay
Photo: Max Vakhtbovycn / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Prices start at ₹ 3,000 to ₹ 6,000 per night for sustainable accommodation at Rara Eco Lodge close to Murma Village which provides simple but comfortable rooms, organic food and guided hikes. Hotel Danphe in Talcha is ₹ 2,500 to 5,000 per night and offers basic rooms with hot showers, a restaurant and great views of Rara Lake. For midrange lodging, Murma Homestay (₹ 1,500 to 3,000 per night) provides a cultural experience, with home-cooked meals and local hospitality. Budget trekkers can camp by the lake free with their own tents or stay in simple lodges in Gamgadhi for ₹ 1,000 to 2,500 per person per night.
Where To Eat
Photo: Monstera Production / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Rara Eco Lodge Restaurant (₹300-800 per meal) serves dal bhat, buckwheat pancakes, yak cheese and vegetables from local farms. Hotel Danphe’s restaurant in Talcha, charging ₹400-900 per dish, offers simple but satisfying fare, including noodles, momo, and rice dishes. Small teahouses and local eateries (₹200-600 per meal) serve Thakuri cuisine, including local meat dishes and traditional Himalayan bread in Gamgadhi. Due to a lack of variety, travellers are recommended to bring dry snacks and instant food, and meal preparation takes time, and resources are limited.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Thought Catalog / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
The cost of travelling to Rara Lake in Nepal depends on your mode of transport and the type of comfort you are looking for. The cost for budget travellers who use road transport shared jeeps, and are in homestays can be anywhere around ₹ 15,000 to 25,000 per person for a five-day trip. Accommodation and food costs are relatively cheap, yet guides and porters can run you ₹ 2,000 to 3500 per day. A mid-range trip, which also includes additional costs and trekking permits, among others, costs about ₹ 40,000 to 50,000 per person.
Tips For Travellers
- Rara Lake is not an easy-to-reach destination, so you need to be well prepared.
- Even during summer, nighttime temperatures plummet so pack layers.
- If you are trekking, a good pair of shoes and a basic first aid kit are recommended.
- It’s important to keep a flexible itinerary, as the flights to Talcha are usually late.
- Finally, experiencing the local culture and environment gets you closer to a more meaningful experience.
There are limited food and accommodation facilities, so carry energy bars and dry snacks.
Rara Lake in Nepal is undoubtedly one of the best places for natural beauty, peace and adventure. Set within Rara National Park, this spectacular alpine lake has gone untouched by mass tourism, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts. It is considered a hidden paradise in Nepal for those who want to disconnect from the modern world and do something different. Plan a trip with TripXL and check your bucket list.
Cover Photo: Chandra Chakradhar / Wikimedia Commons
