Situated in Rara National Park at the altitude of 2990m in Jumla and Mugu district of Karnali Province, western Nepal. Rara Lake is one of the most pristine and famous lakes in the region. It is the largest, and deepest lake in Nepal Himalayas. It is the fresh water lake of Nepal. It is a serene lake, the most scenic and beautiful lake in Nepal. Rara Lake covers an area of 10.8 sq km of water level with 167 m depth. 

Interesting facts of Rara Lake is that it changes its color up to five times a day in different seasons and climate change. It is famously known as “ The Queen of Lakes” among the locals of this region. 

Rara Lake is surrounded by magnificent conifer forests and beautiful forested hills of Chuchemara Danda & Murma top. Panoramic views of the Saipal Mountains are spectacular from the Rara region. 

Eco- tourism is getting popular in Rara Lake so a lot of home stays, and community lodges have been established in the region in recent years.  Over the years, both domestic and international tourism is getting popular in this region.

How to Get to Rara Lake? 
From Kathmandu, there are regular flights to Nepalgunj and Surkhet from where your overland drive to Rara Lake starts. Overland drive from Surkhet onward to Kalikot district and then to Jumla to Rara Lake is mainly an off road drive, the most scenic, landscapes and fascinating adventure driving tour in western Nepal. On return, we will be driving through Sinja Valley, then to Dailekh district to Surkhet. It is believed that Nepali languages originated from Sinja Valley. 

Another option to reach Rara Lake is by flight from Kathmandu Nepalgunj or Surkhet then to Talcha airport in Mugu, then a 3 hours walk to Rara Lake. 

In addition, you could also drive from Kathmandu to Surkhet, then to Jumla or fly from Kathmandu to Nepaljung to Jumla, and trek from Jumla to Rara Lake in three days. You can also drive from Jumla to Rara Lake in a day. 

Best Month to visit Rara Lake
Spring ( March, April & May) and Autumn (Sep, October, November and early December) is considered the best time for an overland tour to Rara Lake. Spring is the flowering season in the rhododendron trees, and blossoms in trees so it is considered the most scenic time to visit Rara Lake. Both spring and autumn months have great weather conditions, excellent visibility and pleasant temperature for visits to Rara Lake. 

Flora & Fauna in Rara Lake
Rara National Park is characterized by sub- alpine and high temperate vegetation. The majority vegetation in the park are blue pine, rhododendrons, fir, oak, juniper, spruce, birch, herbs, marshlands and tussock grasslands surrounding the lake. 

Rara National Park is home to musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jackal, Himalayan tahr, otter, wild dog, common langur and Rhesus macaques monkey and Red panda etc. The park has several hundreds species of birds, including Coots, snow cock, different species of pheasants, grebes, mallard, common teal, red-crested pochard and gulls. So, this national park is also very famous for bird watching for bird lovers.

Things To Do In Rara Lake

Boat Ride: Rara Lake is famous for boat rides. They do only have paddle boats. Motor boats are not allowed to use the lake. Boating on a clear morning, you will have a reflection of mountain views in the crystal clear lake water.

Horse Riding: Horse riding in the Rara Lake surroundings is a great experience. You may simply do a short horse ride or could also take a horse ride for the whole day to go to Murma top and return.

Day Hike To Murma Top (3200m): Murma Top is the best view point right above Rara Lake. It has incredible views of Rara Lake, panoramic views of Saipal mountain ranges and  other far west districts views of western Nepal. It takes about 3 hours to hike to reach Murma top.