Rara Lake Botanical Trek, Nepal

Explore the flower field of the Himalaya

This trek through the remote wilderness of western Nepal offers a superb experience of nature and a visit to Rara Lake, Nepal's Largest Lake at 3062 meters. Beginning the trek from the mountain airstrip of Jumla after flying from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, the trail passes through green countryside which provides unusual glimpses of a culture and scenery quite different from that found elsewhere in Nepal and which eventually culminates to the Rara Lake National Park. Alpine meadows and forests of pine, juniper and spruce surround this beautiful high altitude lake, whilst in the background you can view the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The entire route is 'off the beaten track' which involves the crossing of Ghurchi Lagna pass at 3450m on the way to Rara Lake and a few ridges at around 3000 meters when hiking on the way back.

Park Highlights:
Area: 106 sq. km.
Established: 1976
Location: Rara National Park is situated in the high mountains of North-west Nepal.
Features: Rara National Park is the smallest park in Nepal, containing the country's biggest lake (10.8 sq. km.) at an elevation of 2,990m. The park's elevation ranges from 2,800m to 4,039m.

The forests are mostly composed of coniferous trees. The area around the lake is dominated by blue pine, black juniper, and West Himalayan spruce, oak and Himalayan cypress. At about 3350m, pine and spruce give way to fir, oak and birch trees. Deciduous tree species like Indian horse chestnut, walnut and Himalayan popular are also found.

A small portion of the park serves as an ideal habitat for the endangered musk deer. Other animals found in the park include Himalayan black bear, leopard, goral, Himalayan tahr and wild boar. Snow trout is the only fish species recorded in the lake. Resident Gallinaceous birds and migrant waterfowl are found at the lake. The great-crested grebe, black-necked grebe and red-crested pochard are seen during the winter. Other common birds are the snow-cock, chukor partridge, Impeyan pheasant (danphe), kalij pheasant and blood pheasant.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day01: Arrival in Kathmandu, hotel transfer
Day02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day03: flight to Nepalganj overnight in Nepalganj in lodge
Day04: flight from Nepalganj to Jumla trek to Padmora (2900m)
Day05: Trek Padmora to Danphe (3230m) via Khari Langa pass (3550)
Day06: Trek to Kabre (2900m)
Day07: Trek to Rara Park border (bhulbule)
Day08: Trek bhulbule rara lake (2980m)
Day09: Explore Rara Lake
Day10: Explore Rara Lake
Day11: Trek via Jhyari to river camp (2630m)
Day12: Trek via Ghurchi Lagna pass (3450m to chautha (2770m)
Day13: Trek to Tharamara (3280m)
Day14: Trek Tharamar to Jumla (2370m)
Day15: flight back to Nepalganj, afternoon towards Kathmandu
Day16: Visit Kathmandu
Day17: Departure

Other Details

Accommodation Details

3*star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu in twin sharing basis, Lodge accommodation in Nepalganj, tent, family home on trek