Rara Lake Trek
रारा ताल यात्रा- Distance
- 100 km
- Duration
- 10–14 days
- Max Elevation
- 3,731 m
- Best Seasons
- March–June, September–November
Interactive route map with waypoints. Click any marker for elevation, type and overnight notes. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Distance
100 km
Duration
10–14 days
Max Elevation
3,731 m
Start: 2,350 m
Difficulty
Moderate-Strenuous
Round trip
Rara Lake Trek
Rara Lake in Nepal's remote Karnali Province is the country's largest and deepest lake - a jewel of brilliant blue set in pine and juniper forest at nearly 3,000 m. The trek passes through the historically significant Sinja valley (birthplace of the Nepali language) and ends at one of Nepal's least-visited national parks.
Rara National Park (106 sq km, established 1976) is Nepal's smallest national park but among its most biodiverse, with 214 bird species and intact sub-alpine ecosystems.
The lake has a surface area of 10.8 sq km, maximum depth of 167 m and sits at 2,990 m elevation. The water colour shifts from turquoise to deep sapphire depending on sky and season.
Access requires a flight to Talcha (2,800 m) or Jumla (2,350 m), with no road access to the lake. This remoteness is the lake's greatest protection.
Waypoints & overnight stops
5 waypoints along the Rara Lake Trek - elevations, types and trekker notes.
| # | Name | Elevation (m) | Type | Overnight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jumlaजुम्ला | 2,350 | Town | Yes | |
| 2 | Sinjaसिञ्जा | 2,450 | Village | Yes | Former capital of Karnali Kingdom; origin of Nepali language |
| 3 | Pina | 2,280 | Village | Yes | |
| 4 | Rara Lakeरारा ताल | 2,990 | Lake | Yes | Nepal's largest and deepest lake; brilliant blue-green water |
| 5 | Chuchemara Danda | 3,731 | Viewpoint | - | Optional hike - views of Api and Saipal Himalaya |
Required permits & fees
All trekkers must carry valid permits. Obtain them in Kathmandu or at designated checkpoints before entering the trek zone.
Rara National Park Entry Permit
NPR 3,000
TIMS Card
NPR 2,000
About TIMS
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal, issued by the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) or the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Green TIMS (NPR 1,000) for individual trekkers; Blue TIMS (NPR 2,000) for organised group trekkers. Carry valid photo ID and passport copies.
Highlights
Rara Lake - Nepal's largest lake at 10.8 sq km, elevation 2,990 m
Deepest blue lake water in Nepal (167 m deep)
Chuchemara Danda viewpoint (3,731 m) with Himalaya panorama
Pristine wilderness: Nepal's least-visited national park
Ancient Karnali culture and Jumla's organic rice (Chhimeki)
Flora & fauna
The Rara Lake Trek passes through ecosystems that support diverse plant and animal life - from subtropical forests to high alpine zones.
Flora
- Himalayan blue pine
- Oak
- Rhododendron
- Juniper
- Wild strawberry
Fauna
- Himalayan black bear
- Ghoral
- Otter
- Red fox
- Spiny babbler (Nepal's only endemic bird)
More treks you may like
Rara Lake Trek FAQ
How long is the Rara Lake Trek?+
The Rara Lake Trek is approximately 100 km and typically takes 10–14 days to complete.
What permits are required for the Rara Lake Trek?+
Rara National Park Entry Permit: NPR 3,000. TIMS Card: NPR 2,000
What is the highest elevation on the Rara Lake Trek?+
The maximum elevation on the Rara Lake Trek is 3,731 metres above sea level.
What is the best season for the Rara Lake Trek?+
The best seasons for the Rara Lake Trek are March–June and September–November.
Sources & data note
Permit costs, distances and itinerary data are sourced from Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN, and relevant national park authorities. Elevations are measured and may vary slightly by GPS device. Always verify current permit fees with official sources before departure.