Rara Lake Trek
Mountain Hawk Trek
Dolpo RegionModerate

Rara LakeTrek

Trek to Rara Lake (2,990m), Nepal's largest and most remote lake. Crystal-clear alpine water ringed by conifer forest and snow-dusted ridges. Fewer than 1,000 trekkers per year. Far-western Nepal. 16 days, from USD 2,375.

View Itinerary
16
DaysTotal trek duration
3130m
Max AltitudeHighest point reached
Sep–Nov · Mar–May
Best SeasonIdeal trekking window
$2,375
FromPer person (twin sharing)
Trip Highlights

The moments that matter most

Rara Lake is a revelation. 10.8 square kilometers of water so clear you can see the bottom at 30 meters depth. The surrounding conifer forest reflects perfectly on calm mornings. No boats, no crowds, no lakeside development. Just water, forest, and sky.

Murma Top sunrise over the lake is the scenic climax. The entire lake is visible below, ringed by forest with snow-capped ridges behind. The solitude at dawn is profound.

The far-western Nepal villages on the approach are among the most isolated in the country. Subsistence farming, thatched houses, and communities that see perhaps a handful of foreign visitors per year.

Trip Overview

A closer look

The Rara Lake Trek is a 16-day journey to Rara Lake (2,990m), Nepal's largest lake, in the remote far-western region. The lake covers 10.8 square kilometers of crystal-clear alpine water surrounded by dense conifer forest and snow-dusted ridges. Rara National Park, Nepal's smallest national park, protects the lake and its watershed. Fewer than 1,000 trekkers visit annually.

The trek approaches via Jumla (2,370m), reached by flight from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. The trail passes through remote farming villages, dense forest, and over ridges before reaching the lake. Murma Top above the northern shore offers a sunrise viewpoint over the entire lake with Himalayan peaks behind. Walking days average 5 to 6 hours on rough trails.

Permits: Rara National Park entry fee included. Combination of teahouse and camping accommodation.

For another remote western Nepal trek, the Upper Dolpo Trek visits Shey Phoksundo Lake on a 25-day restricted-area route (USD 2,875). For remote eastern Nepal, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek reaches the third-highest peak in 21 days.

Route & Elevation

The trail, mapped

Elevation ProfileDay-by-day altitude
TrailPeak
3,130m2,684m2,238m1,791m1,345mKathmanduJumlaDanphe LagnaChauthaDhotuRara LakeGorosinghaSinja ValleyJaljala ChaurKathmandu3,130m
Itinerary

Day by day, on the trail

16 days from Kathmandu arrival to departure. Hover any day for full details.

Day01

Arrival in Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,345 m). Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day02

Pre-trip Meeting & Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu

Pre-trip meeting and sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day03

Fly to Nepalgunj

Nepalgunj

Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu, approximately 1 hour. Overnight at hotel.

Hotel
Day04

Fly to Jumla

Jumla

Fly to Jumla (2,540 m), approximately 20 minutes. Overnight at hotel.

2,540mHotel
Day05

Trek to Danphe Lagna

Danphe Lagna

Trek to Danphe Lagna (3,130 m). Overnight at tented camp.

3,130mTented Camp590m
Day06

Trek to Chautha

Chautha

Trek to Chautha (2,770 m). Overnight at tented camp.

2,770mTented Camp360m
Day07

Trek to Dhotu

Dhotu

Trek to Dhotu (2,400 m). Overnight at tented camp.

2,400mTented Camp370m
Day08

Trek to Rara Lake

Rara Lake

Trek from Dhotu to Rara Lake (3,062 m). Overnight at tented camp.

3,062mTented Camp662m
Day09

Explore Rara Lake

Rara Lake

Explore Rara Lake at your own pace. Overnight at tented camp.

3,062mTented Camp
Day10

Trek to Gorosingha

Gorosingha

Trek to Gorosingha (3,000 m). Overnight at tented camp.

3,000mTented Camp62m
Day11

Trek to Sinja Valley

Sinja Valley

Trek to Sinja Valley (2,440 m). Overnight at tented camp.

2,440mTented Camp560m
Day12

Trek to Jaljala Chaur

Jaljala Chaur

Trek to Jaljala Chaur (2,900 m). Overnight at tented camp.

2,900mTented Camp460m
Day13

Trek to Jumla

Jumla

Trek to Jumla. Overnight at hotel.

2,540mHotel360m
Day14

Fly to Nepalgunj

Nepalgunj

Fly to Nepalgunj. Overnight at hotel.

Hotel
Day15

Fly to Kathmandu

Kathmandu

Fly to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.

1,345mHotel
Day16

Departure

Kathmandu

Transfer to the international airport for your final flight departure.

1,345mTransfer
Good to Know

Before you commit

Trek Cost

TierPrice
Per Person
USD 2,375
Package Details

What's in, what's out

What's Included

10

Airport to hotel to airport pickup and drop-off by private car, van, or bus.

Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a two or three-star hotel: 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Nepalgunj, breakfast included.

Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private car, van, or bus.

Standard meals (lunch, dinner, and breakfast) and teahouse or camping accommodation during the trek.

A government-licensed English-speaking guide for the trek, the required number of porters, and their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and a general first aid kit.

Round-trip flights Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Jumla to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

Dolpo special trekking permit and all other necessary permits.

Down jacket, duffel or kit bag, and sleeping bag (to be returned after the trek).

All applicable government taxes.

Tourist service charge.

Not Included

9

Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu.

Travel insurance (compulsory).

International airfare and airport departure tax.

Nepal entry visa fee.

Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and laundry.

Personal trekking equipment.

Tips for trekking staff and driver.

Sightseeing and monument entrance fees.

Any other expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.

Add-on

Extra Nights in Kathmandu

Single Room$60per night · breakfast included
Twin Sharing$35per person / night · breakfast included

Dear guest, should you require additional accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, we are pleased to offer the following rates: US$60 per person per night for a single room and US$35 per person per night for a double (twin sharing) room, both inclusive of breakfast.

The Reward

Why you'll love it

Three reasons this trek stays with you long after the plane home.

Scenery

Nepal's largest lake in its smallest national park. The ratio of beauty to visitors is unmatched.

Thrill

Fewer than 1,000 trekkers per year. This is genuine solitude, not marketed remoteness.

Connection

The crystal-clear water, conifer forest, and mountain reflections create a landscape unlike anything else in Nepal.

Honest Check

Is this trek for you?

A few things worth knowing before you commit. No sugar-coating, no surprises on day one.

Expectations

Before you book

5

You want a genuinely remote trek with almost no other trekkers.

You can walk 5 to 6 hours a day for 12 trekking days on rough, remote trails.

You are comfortable with a mix of basic teahouses and camping. Facilities are minimal.

You can reach Jumla via flights (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Jumla). Weather-dependent schedules.

Budget is USD 2,375 including internal flights, camping gear, and full guide support.

Gear Up

What to pack

The full kit that's built from years on the trail. Skip it at your own risk, bring it and you'll never think about it again.

Equipment

Packing checklist

26 items

Duffel bag ( Company provide complementary)

Day pack

Down Jacket and Sleeping bag 4 season ( if you need nice and clean down jacket and sleeping bag company provide which needs to be returned after the trek)

Hiking pants

Waterproof jacket

Full, sleeves shirt

Jumper or pile jacket

T, shirts

Trekking boots (Water proof)

Camp shoes/Sandal

wool socks

Light cotton socks for under wool socks( take quite several pairs of these too. Better to carry some extra weight rather than spend the whole time washing socks)

Sun hat

Beanie

Gloves

Sun block for lips

Sun lotion

Goggles or sunglasses ( with spare )

Thermal Long underwear (take quite a few pairs. Although the weather may be cold one tends to sweat a lot)

windproof pants

Water bottle

Sewing kit

Medical & first aid kit

Flash light ( with spare batteries)

Personal towel

Personal toiletries and medication which should be labelled Please.

Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially on women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer then please pack something to wear over the top of them.

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Tap through the answers below or reach out directly. We reply within the hour.

FAQs

The most asked

8
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Trail Stories

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