Rara Lake Trekking ! Rara lake Treks

A journey into the Jumla region and the beautiful Rara Lake, is probably one of the most rewarding and fascinating treks in all the Himalayan range given its tranquility and the un-spoilt splendor of nature. Rara, situated at an altitude of 2,990 m, is the biggest lake in Nepal. This sparkling lake with brilliantly clear water is surrounded by a spruce and juniper forest and lies within the Rara  National Park. The easiest means to reach Rara is to take a flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla, from where your destination is 2-3 days walk away. Start this refreshing trek in the hilly village of Jumla where apple orchards stretch out over the hills. The trek leads through remote countryside toward the Tibetan border.  You then enter the Rara National Park, which is the smallest national park in Nepal.  Surrounded by blue pine, black juniper, West Himalayan spruce, oak and Himalayan cypress, Rara  Lake is also a popular pilgrimage site for Nepalis. This spectacular scenery and its serenity will bring inner peace to any visitor.

Since few tourists and natives visit the Rara Lake, there are no tourist facilities either along the trekking route or inside the park. So camping is the only option and trekkers must be self-sufficient in all their needs.

The region of Rara was designated a National Park in 1976, it is located in Mugu and Jumla District five hundred and fourty five kms west from Kathmandu and covers an area of 106 sq km. The park contains the beautiful Rara Lake a high altitude clear water lake ringed with pine, spruce and juniper forest, the lake covers 10 .5 sq kms. This clear blue mass besides being an important staging post for a variety of migratory birds is also a habitat for three endemic species of Himalayan trout.

A huge variety of plant species are found in the park (1,074 recorded to date) of which 16 are endemic to Nepal. Over 51 species of mammals have been recorded including musk deer, Langur monkeys and a variety of rodents. 212 species of birds heve been recorded to date.

Threats to biodiversity e.g. uncontrolled grazing, wildlife poaching along with indiscriminate tree felling have caused problems to the region in the past. Efforts have been underway for some time to work with the local population to allay these habits and conserve the envireonment.This is popular destination for those who already know the beauty that Rara provides, Rara is something close to a wilderness experience where one can truely experience solitude away from the more popular tourist destinations.