Rara Lake Trek

Outline Itinerary:

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4265ft):

Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by Basanta Adventure representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area.  Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 02: Sightseeing of World Heritage sites:

After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu – Nepalgunj, 50 minutes flight:                       

We usually take morning flight because of weather disturbance. After an early morning wake up by your guide we transfer to the airport for the flight to Nepalgunj, which lies close to the Indian border in the western Terai. After 50 minutes of flight we will reach Nepalgunj. O/N at Hotel in Nepalgunj (BB)

Day 04: Fly Nepalgunj to Jumla & trek to Chala Chaur (3130m/10266ft), 3 hrs:

We take a thirty-minute scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla. On reaching Jumla, warm welcome by rest of the trekking crew and begin our trekking after lunch. We traverse northwards out of the Jumla Valley. Soon after trekking for an hour, we encounter a small village of Micha bearing a small walled enclosure and a number of Buddhist Stupas. These Stupas were erected at around late 15th century, in the memory of important dignitaries of the region. The trail further leads to rock-strewn path and at last ends at Chala Chaur. Enjoy authentic welcome dinner freshly cook by our own Chef. O/N Camping in Chala Chaur (AP)

Day 05: Cross a Pass (3500m/11480ft), 5 hrs:

We leave Chala Chaur and follow a trail moving along path of steep stones. While ascending, we cross through birch, pine forests and grassy pass at approx 3500m. From this point Kanjiroba becomes visible in the east with its twin peaks towering over the adjacent area. Further on, we descend as the trail opens into lush forests. After trekking for a couple of hours, we finally stop at a suitable campsite in the meadows nearby some shepherd's huts. O/N Camping across a pass (AP)

Day 06: Trek via Sinja to Botan (2440m/8003ft), 5 hrs:

We walk along the Jaljale Khola through pine forests of and terraced farmland. En route the trail passes the 300 year old Kanaksundari Temple. The temple holds immense religious significance for Hindus. The route further bends along the main river. Crossing a thick plank bridge, we finally descend to reach Sinja village. Sinja village rests upon a small alluvial plain on the west bank of the clear Lah Gad River, also called the Sinja Khola. Sinja was once the ancient capital of the Malla kings. There are stones lying along the trail that foretell the history of Malla dynasty. After lunch, we head to Botan. On the way, we pass through a spectacular gorge and finally reach the village of Botan. O/N Camping in Botan (AP)

Day 07: Trek to Rara Park border (3190m/10463ft), 4 hrs:

Leaving Sinja Khola, we follow the trail along Ghatta Khola amid the unparallel beauty of nature. The sinuous route winds up into terraced farmland and beautiful valley. Soon we find ourselves within the territory of Rara Lake National Park. We come across primitive flour mills and Police post on the way. Rara Lake National Park houses unique and rich ecosystem. We can spend half an hour exploring the beauty of the park or simply doing whatever we feel like. O/N Camping in Gorosingha (AP)

Day 08: Trek to Rara Lake (3040m/9971ft), 4 hrs:

We walk away from Gorosingha and ascend to the Ghurchi Mara ridge (3710m) for one and half hour. The trail is not as strenuous as it looks. On reaching the crest of the ridge, we get to experience an excellent panorama to the north, flaunting irresistible beauty and charm. As the trail descends, Rara Lake becomes visible on the northeast. The trail further passes through bamboo and birch forests before crossing the Khatyar Khola. We then follow the river upstream to Rara Lake, where we savor the most fascinating trekking experience amid the beauty of nature. O/N Camping in Rara Lake (AP)

Day 09: Rest day at Rara:

We now have a day set aside to explore the area, including the old village of Rara. We can also climb up to the wooden observation tower behind the post office for fine views of the lake and surrounding hills. We can even visit the National Park Headquarters. Swimming is allowed in the lake and it is piercingly refreshing. This can be a perfect way for acclimatization. O/N Camping in Rara Lake (AP)

Day 10: Trek via Jhyari to River camp (3270m/10726ft), 5 hrs:

We depart from Rara Lake and continue skirting along the target destination. On crossing a ridge, we enter the village of Jhyari. Strolling by the Jhyari Khola, the trail further follows terraced farmlands. As we approach Dhaulagiri Khola valley, we find a suitable camp site near the river bank. We also get to witness an exotic charisma of nature and outstanding panorama of snow-capped mountain peaks. O/N Camping in River Camp (AP)

Note: Offer Lungta or prayers flag (printed prayers for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flag in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.

Day 11: Across Ghurchi Lagna pass to Chautha (2770m/9086ft), 6 hrs:

As Dhaulagiri Khola blurs out of our trekking route, we pass through farmland and then enter the village of Pina. Pina has a police post and some hotels. We continue climbing to the Ghurchi Lagna Pass and come across several small chorten, alpine-like pastures, walnut groves and a narrow valley. Finally, the steep slope guides us into the village of Chautha where we conclude the trek of the day. O/N Camping in Chautha (AP)

Day 12: Trek to Tharamara (2380m/7806ft), 5 hrs:

From Chautha, the trail follows the northern bank of the Sinja Khola past the hotel and health clinic under the massive overhanging rock at Kabre. Silage found in this area is the source of the important medicinal mineral which is believed to cure almost anything. The route then passes through the villages of Bumra and Nyawre, before climbing to the pasture at Tharamara. O/N Camping in Tharamara (AP)

Day 13: Trek to Jumla (2370m/7774ft), 4 hrs:

Following the trail gently sloping upwards, we march towards Jumla. We meet tall birch trees on our way to the Khali Lagna and Danphe Lekh. From atop the ridge, we can have the most spectacular views of the mountain ridges to the south and Jumla below. Further on, we descend steeply to the first night's campsite. Utmost caution is required while trekking along this trail. We then follow the same route back to Jumla. After reaching Jumla, we can spend our afternoon exploring the busy market town or simply pursuing whatever we feel like. This will be our last night with trekking crew except trekking Guide, this is best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s a customary), an impromptus little ceremony and always enormous Sherpa smiles. Then something of a party is inevitable. Try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware; it does not taste good and is very strong.  O/N Camping in Jumla (AP)

Day 14: Fly: Jumla – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu:

We take a flight from Jumla to Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. You can spend the rest of the day visiting local markets near your hotel. O/N at Hotel in Kathmandu (BB)

Day 15: Day at leisure in Kathmandu:

Leisure day.  You have a free day to shop around nearby shops.

Day 16: Holiday extension or transfer to airport for final departure:

Today holiday extension for another tour or transfer to the airport for final departure. Tour concludes.