Annapurna Circuit Trek
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Rara Lake Trek
Nepal's largest lake, a turquoise jewel in remote Karnali
Overview
Rara Lake is Nepal's largest and arguably most beautiful lake - a 10.8 sq km turquoise jewel sitting at 2,980 m inside Rara National Park in the remote Karnali region of north-western Nepal. The lake is surrounded by pristine pine, spruce and juniper forest and is flanked by the snow-capped peaks of Chuchemara (4,039 m) and Ruma Kand.
The trek to Rara Lake is one of the most off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal. The trail starts at Jumla (reached by a flight from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj), climbs through traditional Hindu Khas villages, dense alpine forest and high pastures to the lake itself. The forest is home to musk deer, Himalayan black bear, yellow-throated marten and the rare red panda, and the lake is a paradise for bird-watchers with migratory waterfowl in spring and autumn.
Rated Moderate, the trek is suitable for fit trekkers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience far from the crowds of Annapurna and Everest. The accommodation is a mix of basic teahouses and camping, and a support crew accompanies the group throughout.
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Max Altitude
4,039 m (Chuchemara)
Difficulty
Moderate
Group Size
2 - 10 trekkers
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Accommodation
Teahouses and camping
Trekking Style
Mixed lodge and camping
Start/End
Jumla / Jumla
Trip highlights
Walk around Rara Lake - Nepal's largest and most beautiful lake
Truly off-the-beaten-path - far from the crowds of Annapurna and Everest
Pristine pine, spruce and juniper forest of Rara National Park
Climb Chuchemara (4,039 m) for a panoramic view of the lake
Spot musk deer, Himalayan black bear and possibly red panda
Bird-watching paradise with migratory waterfowl in spring and autumn
Traditional Hindu Khas villages and culture of remote Karnali
Itinerary
5 days1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and trek preparation 1,400m
Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet your guide for a full trip briefing and equipment check. Welcome dinner in the evening.
Highlights
Briefing and welcome dinner
Pack light - porters will carry up to 12 kg per person.
2
Day 2: Fly to Nepalgunj and on to Jumla 2,540m
Take an afternoon flight from Kathmandu to the hot, lowland city of Nepalgunj. Next morning, take an early mountain flight to the high-altitude airstrip at Jumla (2,540 m).
Highlights
Flights to Nepalgunj and Jumla
Jumla flights are weather-dependent - keep a buffer day.
3
Day 3: Trek through Chala Chaur and Padmara 3,460m
Over three days, climb gradually from Jumla through the Hindu Khas villages of Chala Chaur, Padmara and the alpine pastures of Ghurchi Lagna pass (3,460 m) to reach the upper valley of the Mugu Karnali.
Highlights
Khas villages, Ghurchi Lagna pass
Bring a hat - the sun is strong at altitude.
4
Day 4: Reach Rara Lake and explore 4,039m
Descend to the shore of Rara Lake (2,980 m) and spend a full day exploring the lake shore, climbing the ridge to Chuchemara (4,039 m) for a panoramic view, and watching for wildlife and birds. Optional full circuit of the lake.
Highlights
Rara Lake, Chuchemara panorama, bird watching
The lake circuit takes 6-7 hours - bring lunch.
5
Day 5: Return trek to Jumla and fly back to Kathmandu 1,400m
Retrace your steps back south over four days to Jumla, with a different route through the village of Goru Saina. Fly Jumla to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Highlights
Return trek, Jumla flight, farewell dinner
Jumla flights can be delayed - keep a buffer day in Kathmandu.
Elevation profile
What's included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- All accommodations during the trek on twin-share basis
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- One porter for every two trekkers (carries up to 12 kg)
- All required permits and TIMS card
- Domestic flights as per itinerary
- First-aid kit and pulse oximeter
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- Rara National Park Permit
- All domestic flights Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jumla return
- Camping equipment where required
- Support crew including cook for camping sections
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- Personal trekking gear and equipment
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, device charging and laundry on trek
- Beverages, bottled water and snacks on trek
- Tips for guide and porter
Trip options
Choose the option that suits you best.
Extra services
Add extras to your trip. Select quantities in the booking form.
Airport Pickup
Private vehicle airport transfer each way
$35
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive trekking insurance covering helicopter rescue up to 6,000 m
$145
Helicopter Rescue Fund
Pre-paid emergency helicopter evacuation coverage
$95
Down Jacket Rental
Premium 800-fill down jacket for the trek
$25
Meet your guides
👤
Suman Rai
Lead Guide
<p>Suman has guided trekkers across Kanchenjunga, Makalu and the far-eastern Himalaya for more than 12 years. He is known for his route-finding skills in remote, off-the-beaten-path terrain.</p>
Departure dates
Apr 12, 2026 Apr 21
Seats: 9/10
Available
$1,290
May 10, 2026 May 19
Seats: 7/10
Guaranteed
$1,290
Jun 7, 2026 Jun 16
Seats: 3/10
Guaranteed
$1,290
Pricing
Per person
$1,290
Based on 1 adult
Children (under 12)$903
InfantsFree
Group discounts
Automatically applied at checkout:
5+ travelers
-5%
8+ travelers
-8%
10+ travelers
-10%
12+ travelers
-12%
Early bird: book 60+ days ahead for extra 10% off, 90+ days for 15% off.
Route map
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Map coordinates not set for this trip.
🟢 Start point: Jumla
🔴 End point: Jumla
🟠 Trek route
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Frequently asked questions
How remote is the Rara Lake trek?
Very remote. Rara National Park sees only a few hundred trekkers per year. There is no mobile phone signal in much of the region, no ATMs beyond Jumla, and very limited teahouse accommodation - we use a mix of basic teahouses and fully-supported camping. The nearest road head is a long way from the lake, which has preserved its wild character.
When is the best time to trek to Rara?
The best seasons are Spring (March to May) when the alpine wildflowers are blooming and migratory birds are at the lake, and Autumn (September to November) when the weather is clear and the lake is at its most turquoise. The lake is partially frozen in winter (December to February), and the monsoon (June to September) brings rain that makes the trails difficult.
What wildlife can I see at Rara?
Rara National Park is home to musk deer, Himalayan black bear, yellow-throated marten, langur monkey, rhesus macaque and the rare red panda. The lake is a paradise for bird-watchers, with over 214 species recorded including the migratory waterfowl that visit in spring and autumn, and the endemic snow trout that lives only in Rara Lake.
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Rara Lake Trek
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