Rara Lake Trek has been a popular trekking destination with limited travel accessibility in Western Nepal. The glimpse of culture and scenery on the way is quite different from than Annapurna and Everest trek.
Rara Lake is the biggest and deepest freshwater lake in the Nepal Himalayas situated at 2,990 m with a water surface of 10.8 sq km and a maximum depth of 167 m. In September 2007, it was declared a Ramsar site, covering 15.83 sq km including the surrounding wetland. Rara Lake is surrounded by the magnificent view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks in Rara National park. Rara National Park (flora consists of 1074 species, of which 16 are endemic to Nepal; the fauna includes 51 species of mammals and 214 species of birds) was established in 1976 to preserve the beauty of the lake.
How to go on Rara Lake Trek
The trek begins with the flight to Nepalgunj, which is scenic 45 minutes flight in the afternoon. The next day morning fly to Jumla. Then off the beaten trekking trail goes through Baragaun, Pina, and Gumgari all the way leading to Rara Lake. Thakur society is dominant in the community in the area. Thakur Baba’s Temple is situated in the southeast corner of the lake. Local people believe that the god Thakur shot an arrow to open the passage of the lake reducing the damage caused by flooding. Much of the track passes through rhododendron, pine, spruce, and juniper forests with a constant backdrop of western Himalayan peaks such as Api Himal, Saipal, and Buraburi. Since the lower belt is inhabited by Khas people you will encounter many Hindu temples such as Chandan Nath Temple in Jumla.
You will return via Sinja valley which could be an attractive spot for seeing archaeological remains of medieval states. It is also one of the highest rice-growing areas in Nepal. From here you drop down to Jumla through Jaljale Chaur.
