Rara National Parkरारा राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज
Rara National Park is a national park in Karnali, Nepal, covering 106 km² from 2,800 to 4,039 m. Established in 1976, it is known for Musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Leopard.
Nepal's smallest national park, built around Rara — the country's largest lake
Area
106 km²
Established
1976
Ramsar site 2007
Elevation
2,800–4,039 m
Karnali
Managed by
DNPWC
Districts
Mugu, Jumla
Key species
- Musk deer
- Himalayan black bear
- Leopard
- Red panda
- Rara snowtrout (endemic)
Holds a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (listed 2007).
About the area
Rara National Park, established in 1976, is the smallest of Nepal's national parks at just 106 km², yet it protects one of the country's great natural set-pieces: Rara Lake, the largest lake in Nepal (about 10.8 km², 167 m deep, at 2,990 m), ringed by blue-pine, spruce and juniper forest in remote Mugu and Jumla. The lake was separately listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2007.
Despite its size the park is biologically rich, with around 1,070 plant species, 241 recorded birds and montane mammals including musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard and red panda. The lake is famous for three endemic snowtrout fish, first described in 1979, found nowhere else on Earth. Elevations run from 2,800 m up to the 4,039 m Chuchemara peak that overlooks the water.
Far from any road, Rara is reached by flying to a remote airstrip and trekking in, and its isolation is exactly what has kept the lake and its forest unusually pristine. It is the centrepiece of low-volume alpine-lake trekking in Nepal's far west.
Where it sits
The highlighted pin is this protected area; the others show Nepal's full network of 20.
Frequently asked questions
How big is Rara National Park?+
Rara National Park covers 106 km². It lies in Mugu, Jumla (Karnali province).
When was Rara National Park established?+
Rara National Park was established in 1976 as a national park.
What type of protected area is Rara National Park?+
Rara National Park is a national park, managed by DNPWC. It also holds a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance (listed 2007).
What animals live in Rara National Park?+
Rara National Park is known for Musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Leopard, Red panda, Rara snowtrout (endemic). Nepal's smallest national park, built around Rara — the country's largest lake.
What is the elevation of Rara National Park?+
Rara National Park ranges from 2,800 m to 4,039 m above sea level.
Sources & data note
Figures for Rara National Park as documented by the listed sources. Where reputable sources disagree the discrepancy is stated in the establishment note. Map coordinates are an approximate centre point, not a surveyed centroid.