Experiences: 23 Years in Travel Personalized Services All-Inclusive Trip Responsible TravelSituated 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.
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.
Prepare for self-sufficiency. The Rara Lake region is remote and underdeveloped, so bring all essential gear, extra food/snacks, a power bank, and a first aid kit, as local supplies are limited or unavailable. Be ready for basic accommodation, unpredictable weather, and minimal medical access. Travel with a guide or in a group if possible, and always keep a few buffer days in case of flight delays.
Morning flight to Nepalgunj, then overland trip by 4X4 jeep to Surkhet to Manma, headquarter of Kalikot district. This drive is natural and incredible with landscapes.
Morning flight to Nepalgunj, then overland trip by 4X4 jeep to Surkhet to Manma, headquarter of Kalikot district. This drive is natural and incredible with landscapes. Overnight stay in Manma.
Distance: N/A
Duration: 6-7hrs Drive
Max Altitude: 2033m
Ascending: N/A
Descending: N/A
Mountain Lodge (Room with Attached Bathroom / Hot Shower)- Clean & Comfortable
Full Board of Meals (B, L, D), Tea/ Coffee & Seasonal Fruits
Morning breakfast in a hotel in Manma, then we will visit local sites in/ around Manma Bazaar. Manma is the capital of Kalikot district. Afternoon, drive to Sinja Valley. Sinja valley is known as the place of origin of the Nepali language, Khas language, and Khas civilization.
Morning breakfast in a hotel in Manma, then we will visit local sites in/ around Manma Bazaar. Manma is the capital of Kalikot district.
Afternoon, drive to Sinja Valley. Sinja valley is known as the place of origin of the Nepali language, Khas language, and Khas civilization. Here, you will see some of the old palaces, temples, and ancient markets. Sinja valley is situated along the Hima River.
There are interesting caves and votive Buddhist monasteries and cliff inscriptions across the river. Overnight stay in Sinja Valley.
Distance: N/ADuration: N/AMax Altitude: mAscending: N/ADescending: N/A
Mountain Lodge (Attached Bathroom / Hot Shower), Clean & Comfortable
Full Board of Meals (B, L, D), Tea/ Coffee & Fruits
From Sinja valley, we will drive through the river bank of Karnali River to Rara Lake. From the road side, we have to walk about 40 min to reach Rara Lake.
From Sinja valley, we will drive through the river bank of Karnali River to Rara Lake. From the road side, we have to walk about 40 min to reach Rara Lake.
You will have a free afternoon to stroll around the lake, boating in Rara Lake, and enjoy its natural surroundings. Overnight stay in Rara Lake.
Distance: N/ADuration: 4-5hrs DriveMax Altitude: 2990mAscending: N/ADescending: N/A
Mountain Lodge (Regular Room), Clean & Comfortable
Full Board of Meals (B, L, D), Tea/Coffee & Fruits
Today, we have a full day in Rara Lake. You will have morning breakfast with incredible blue water lake views of the Rara, and magnificent sunrise mountain views.
Today, we have a full day in Rara Lake. You will have morning breakfast with incredible blue water lake views of the Rara, and magnificent sunrise mountain views.
Afternoon, hike or horse ride to Murma top. This hike is through the beautiful forested hill. Views of Rara Lake, and Saipal Himal are incredible from this hill top. It takes about 3 hours to reach the top and 1 hour and 30 min to return. Overnight stay in Rara Lake.
Distance: N/ADuration: N/AMax Altitude: 3200mAscending: N/ADescending: N/A
Mountain Lodge (Regular Room)- Clean & Comfortable
Full Board of Meals (B, L, D), Tea/ Coffee & Fruits
Today, after breakfast at Rara Lake lodge, we will hike down to the roadside at Sahalla, then will drive to Jumla. Situated at the bank of Tila River, Jumla is a beautiful valley of western Nepal.
Today, after breakfast at Rara Lake lodge, we will hike down to the roadside at Sahalla, then will drive to Jumla. Situated at the bank of Tila River, Jumla is a beautiful valley of western Nepal, famous for picturesque landscapes, high altitude paddy fields, and fascinating Jumli peoples, their culture and tradition. Jumla is famous for Kala Marshi ( Black Rice) rice and apple garden/ fields. Overnight stay in Jumla Bazaar.
Distance: N/ADuration: N/AMax Altitude: 2514mAscending: N/ADescending: N/A
Hotel in Jumla (Attached Bathroom / Hot Shower)
Full Board of Meals ( B, L, D), Tea/ Coffee & Fruits
Morning breakfast at Jumla, then drive back to Kalikot. Driving through the hills and valleys, it is an interesting but off-road driving section.
Morning breakfast at Jumla, then drive back to Kalikot. Driving through the hills and valleys, it is an interesting but off-road driving section.
You will stroll around the Kalikot Bazaar and its mountain surroundings this evening. Overnight stay in Kalikot.
Distance: N/ADuration: N/AMax Altitude: mAscending: N/ADescending: N/A
Mountain Lodge (Attached Bathroom /Hot Shower)- Clean & Comfortable
Full Board of Meals (B, L,D), Tea/ Coffee & Fruits
Today, we will drive back to Surkhet/ Nepalgunj through a beautiful valley.
Today, we will drive back to Surkhet/ Nepalgunj through a beautiful valley.
Evening, time to stroll around in the local city surroundings and markets in Nepaljung. Nepaljung is a major trading center and gateway to western Nepal. Overnight stay in Nepaljung.
Distance: N/ADuration: N/AMax Altitude: mAscending: N/ADescending: N/A
Siddhartha Hotel Or Similar (3 star deluxe)
Full Board of Meals (B,L,D), Tea/Coffee & Fruits
Morning, breakfast at hotel in Nepaljung, and stroll arround the Bazar. Afternoon, fly to Kathmandu. This flight takes about 50 min.
Morning, breakfast at hotel in Nepaljung, and stroll arround the Bazar. Afternoon, fly to Kathmandu. This flight takes about 50 min. From Kathmandu domestic airport, we transfer you to your hotel, and our trip ends.
End of our Trip !
Distance: N/ADuration: N/AMax Altitude: mAscending: N/ADescending: N/A
No Hotel Today
Breakfast
If this itinerary doesn't suit you and you'd like to create your own, let's talk now!
Nepali Food
Meals during a Rara Lake Overland Tour are generally simple, local, and filling, but options are limited compared to more developed trekking routes like Annapurna or Everest. Expect a traditional Nepali diet, often centered around Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, vegetables, and sometimes meat), which is both nutritious and unlimited in most teahouses.While staying in Rara National Park lodges or camps, meals are often prepared using local ingredients. In more organized group tours, your guide or cook team will prepare meals, which may include rice, pasta, potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and sometimes yak meat or chicken, depending on availability. Vegetarian meals are readily available and safer in remote areas.
Hotel Room
Accommodation around Rara Lake Overland Tour ranges from basic teahouses and guesthouses to camping, depending on the route you choose and the season. In towns like Nepalgunj or Jumla (if you're flying in), you’ll find modest hotels or lodges with basic amenities like a bed, blanket, and shared bathrooms.
As you move closer to Rara Lake, particularly in Mugu District, accommodation becomes simpler. Teahouses in villages like Talcha or Murma are family-run and offer basic rooms with twin beds, foam mattresses, and shared toilets. Facilities are very limited—expect no hot showers or Western toilets, though locals may provide a bucket of warm water on request.
We are team of professionals who share a common devotion to the outdoors and are commited to world travel.
Mr. Pem Chhotar Sherpa was born in Solukhumbu. He lived in his village for 16 years and studied under a Lama called Tawa in local language. He used to work as a porter while in Solukhumbu. His maternal uncle has a trekking company and he w...
Born in Burlang, Gorkha District, Ishwor first came to Kathmandu in 1999 to get enrolled in a college to complete his under-graduation.
It was during the final year of his under-graduation that he got into tourism to support his financial instability. A nov...
Here, we have published our private & small group departures dates for this trip. If these published dates does not fit your travel date, write to us with your date, and we will be very pleased to organise this trip at your desired date and time requested.
Things to explore more..
Things to Remember Rara Lake Overland Tour
Rara Lake Overland Tour takes you through remote western Nepal, where facilities are basic and services like electricity, internet, and medical help are limited. Flights to Talcha or Jumla can be delayed due to weather, so plan extra days. You'll need permits (Rara National Park and TIMS card), and the trail reaches around 3,000 meters, so be cautious about mild altitude sickness. Accommodation is often basic, and cultural respect is important in local Thakuri and Tibetan-influenced villages—dress modestly and ask before taking photos.
Essential Gear
Pack in layers: moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating jacket, and a waterproof shell. Good trekking boots, warm socks, gloves, and a hat are essential due to cold mornings and nights. Bring a sleeping bag rated to at least -10°C, a headlamp, water purification tablets, trekking poles, and personal hygiene items. Don’t forget a power bank, snacks, and a basic first aid kit. A small daypack and a larger duffel (if using porters) will help manage your load. Since shops are scarce, carry enough cash and all your necessities with you.
Outer Layers
Headwear
🧰 Accessories
Rara Lake lies at Rara National Park, at Mugu district, Karnali province of western Nepal. It is one of the most beautiful freshwater lakes in Nepal. We have 3 ways to reach Rara Lake.
You may fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Talcha airport, then drive for 1 hour or trek for 3 hours to Rara. Kathmandu- Jumla flight, and trek to Rara Lake for 3 days or drive. You may take a helicopter flight from Nepalgunj to Rara directly.
Rara Lake is serene, situated in an untouched mountain valley. It has crystal clear blue water surface, and it changes its color for more than 5 times a day in different weather and temperate time thus it is mystical, so known as the queen of lakes in Nepal.
On this overland tour, we will be staying in mt. lodges and guest houses. Staying in Nepalgunj/ Surkhet has good tourist standard hotels. But other villages en-route have basic rooms, neat and clean but comfortable. We have to take sleeping bags for better sleep during this tour.
Rara Lake is famous for its beautiful blue lake water, incredible landscapes, rich flora and fauna of this region and high mountains views. You will be driving through Sinja valley, and Jumla valley which are known as the first civilization of the nepalese culture and tradition. Bio- diversity of the area, local lifes, culture, and arts are incredibly famous in this region.
Experiences: 23 Years in Travel Personalized Services All-Inclusive Trip Responsible Travel.webp)
US$- 1500 Per Person
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