Rara Lake Trek –15 Days

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
Welcome to Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our company representatives will greet you and transfer you to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. You can freshen up and rest for some time. In the afternoon, a meeting will be conducted at our office to introduce you to the guide and brief you regarding the trek. After the meeting, we will take you for a welcome dinner at one of the finest typical Nepali restaurants. The dinner is hosted by the company. While having dinner, you can also enjoy ethnic music and cultural dance. However, if your flight arrives late, both meetings and the dinner will be scheduled for the following day. The night will be spent in a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing (Meal: BLD)
After breakfast at the hotel, today, we will go for a day tour. We will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. The sites include the temple of Pashupatinath, Stupa of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. These are culturally and historically rich sites in Kathmandu. If you do not want to visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, we have Bhaktapur Durbar Square or Patan Durbar Square as an optional sites for you, depending upon your interest. After spending a few hours exploring these sites, we will get back to our office for the final preparation of the trek. The night will be spent in a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu.
 
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m/492ft) 1 hour (Meal: BLD)
After breakfast, leaving the beautiful Kathmandu Valley, located in Central Nepal, we fly to the flat Terai plains of Western Nepal, Nepalgunj. It takes about an hour to reach Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. The flight is very scenic and interesting. At Ranjha Airport in Nepalgunj, a private vehicle will be ready awaiting our arrival. We will now be transferred to the hotel booked for us in Nepalgunj. While in Nepalgunj, we will visit the very famous Muslim market, mini zoo, and the nearby Tharu villages.  The night will be spent in a tourist standard hotel in Nepalgunj.

Day 04: Fly from Nepalganj to Jumla (2,540m/8,334ft) 20mins (Meal: BLD)
After breakfast at the hotel, we are transferred to the Ranjha Airport to board an aircraft to Jumla. Jumla has a Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) airport, therefore, we fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla on a STOL aircraft. Leaving the Terai plains we now fly to the hilly landscape of Jumla situated on the foothills of Sisne Himalaya. It takes about 20 mins to reach Jumla from Nepalgunj.  After reaching Jumla, we spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding area and getting prepared for
the next day’s walk. The night will be spent in a tea house in Jumla. 

Day 05: Trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur (3,055m/10,023ft) (Meal: BLD)
After breakfast at Jumla, today, we hike all the way up to Chere Chaur. Starting with a level walk through the northern part of the town, the trail climbs steadily up the Jugad Valley past  Khalanga Bazaar, which is a small market for people living in the nearby villages, Campus and Karnali Technical Institute. Then walking past  a couple of villages with traditional houses and a temple, we arrive Sisnamul, after which, a walk through the forest and meadows will finally take us to ChereChaur. Chere Chaur is a high altitude meadow from where one can enjoy a splendid view of the Jumla Valley. The evening will be spent exploring the Chere Chaur area. The night will be spent in a very basic tea house in Chere Chaur. 

Day 06: Trek from Chere Chaur to Chalachaur (2,980m/9,777ft) (Meal: BLD)
After breakfast at Chere Chaur, following the western trail, we will first hike up to Jaljala pass (3,585m). Crossing the pass, we will now continue on a moderately straight trail until Jaljala Chaur that presents you with a pretty gigantic meadow. Here, you can also spot horses grazing. From here, we will continue on a steep trail, along the Syaule River, until we reach Chalachaur. The evening will be spent exploring the area and the night will be spent in a very basic tea house in Chalachaur.
 
Day 07: Trek from Chalachaur to Sinja Valley (2,490m/8,169ft) (Meal: BLD)
After breakfast at the Chalachaur, today, we trek from Chalachaur to the Sinja Valley. Sinja, once a capital of the Malla Dynasty from 12th -14th century, is a small village situated on the bank of the Hima River. It is mainly occupied by people belonging to Brahmin an the Chhetri community. Leaving Chalachaur, we will continue our trekking towards the Sinja Valley, along the  Jaljala River, past several small settlements of people. At Sinja Valley, we will explore the remains of ancient palaces, temples,  and  settlement, that were uncovered during the excavation lead by  the Department of Archaeology at Cambridge University. The paddy fields, add more beauty to this valley. We will explore the areas and spend the night in a very basic tea house in Sinja.
 
Day 08: Trek from Sinja to Ghorosingha (3050m/10,006ft) (Meal: BLD)
After breakfast at Sinja, today, we walk all the way up to Gorusingha situated on the bank of Ghatta Khola, providing a great site for camping. Following the trail along the Hima River, we will first head east towards Laha past Gani. Initially, the trail is steep, which later becomes relatively easy. From Laha, a steep trail, heading west  alongside Ghatte River will finally take us to Ghorosingha. An army post that looks like a Holywood ranch marks the arrival of Ghorosingha. The night
will be spent in a very basic tea house in Ghorosingha.

Day 09: Trek from Ghorosingha to Rara Lake (3,010m/9,875ft) (Meal: BLD)
After breakfast at Ghorosingha, we walk from Ghorosingha to Rara Lake. Initially, the ascent from Ghorosingha alongside the Chuchamare Danda is steep. The highest point of the Chuchamare Danda provides the beautiful view of the panorama of the western Himalayas, Rara Lake and the flourishing vegetation of the Rara National Park. The trail now enters the meadows on the ridge and continues towards Majhghat through the forest of pine, spruce and rhododendron. You will be crossing a stream, before reaching Majhghatta. Following the Khatyar River, we will now walk all the way up to Rara Lake, past Chhapri village that houses the headquarter of the Rara National Park. The night will be spent in a very basic tea house in Rara.
 
Day 10: Explore Rara Lake Area (Meal: BLD)
Rara Lake is the biggest Lake in Nepal. The surrounding dense forest provides the right environment for birds and animals to flourish. If you are lucky you will get to spot otters, rhesus, langur, Himalayan Thar, serows, musk deer and so on. Today, we utilize the day to wander around the lake area. We go boating around the lake  and enjoy the very beautiful settings of the lake and a few varieties of fishes as well. If time permits, we will also visit the village of Murma and hike up to Murma
Top, to enjoy the stunning view of the lakes and the surrounding mountains.  After spending the day exploring the Rara Lake Area, the night will be spent in a very basic tea house in Rara. 

Day 11: Trek from Rara Lake to Pina (2,440m/8,006ft)(Meal: BLD)
Today, we trek from the Rara Lake to Pina. After breakfast at Rara Lake, a relatively easy walk on a straight path will first take us to Gamgadhi – the headquarter of the Mugu District. From Gamghadi, the trail descends through the forest of Pine, Oak, Juniper, Rhododendron to Jhyari Khola.  From here, a short uphill walk and then on a level path through the pine forest will finally take us to Pina. The night will be spent in a very basic tea house in Pina. 

Day 12: Trek from Pina to Bumra (2,850m/9,351ft)(Meal: BLD)
Today, we walk from Pina to Bumra, also known as Nauri Ghat. After breakfast, continue on a circuit trail, we walk all the way through a spruce forest up to the Ghuruchi Lagna Pass, that greets us with fluttering prayer flag and the view of Karnali River and snowy peaks bordering Tibet and Nepal. After enjoying the view from the pass, we walk all the way down to Bulbule and then further south to Bumra past the fields around Chautha and few small settlements. The night will be spent in a very basic tea house in Bumra.

Day 13: Trek from Bumra to Jumla (2,540m/8,334ft)(Meal: BLD)
The last day of the trek and we walk from Bumra to Jumla. After breakfast, leaving Bumra, we first hike up to the suspension bridge located at the altitude of 3,681m. Crossing this bridge, we walk further to cross another bridge across the Hima River and continue downhill through the forest of fir, birch, walnuts and bamboo to Himdhuski. From here, the gradually rising trail will take us to the Daphe Lagna Pass past Tharmari and Khali Gaon. Enjoying the view from the pass, we will now descend to Chere Chaur and then to Jumla along the Jugad River. The night will be spent in a very basic tea house in Jumla.

Day 14: Fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) (Meal: BLD)
Today, we will first fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj and then we will fly to Kathmandu. From Kathmandu airport, we will transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu. You can freshen up and rest your tired muscles. You can spend the remaining time as per your wish. The night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 15: Departure day
Today is the last day of the trip. As per your flight schedule, we will transfer you to the airport (in a private vehicle). If your flight is scheduled in the evening, you can spend a few hours strolling the popular markets in Kathmandu.

Dates and Cost

Note : Set your own departure date if you have a group size of 2 packs or more.

Cost Include

• Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle.
• Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (3 nights).
• Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms (6 nights).
• Local licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
• The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
• Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
• All necessary paper works, Rara Lake entry fee, and permits & TIMS card
• All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
• Official expenses.

Cost Exclude

• Dinner and lunch in Kathmandu/Nepalgunj. 
•  Your personal expenses for mineral water, soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, bar bills, showers, etc. 
• Internet facility, battery chargers, multi plugs, etc. 
• Extra porter if you require it. 
• Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation.
• Medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
• Any other extended trips and accommodation.
• Tips of the guide, porters and driver as a token of appreciation. 
• Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list.
• Nepal arrival visa.

Passport and Visas:
First, be sure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from return date.  You can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days till date.

Get the required visa for Nepal.
You can get Nepal visa prior to arrival from the Nepalese Embassy at your home country. Likewise, you can easily get an up on arrival visa at Kathmandu airport and other different borders from Nepal. This is for those who travel from India and Tibet. For more information and download please visit Nepal Visa Information.

Bring Official Papers
Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal. For detail information we request you to visit our visa page.

Money & Credit card Info
We find that most of the credit card, master and visa card is blocked from your card provider. It may be because of a security reason. It, sometimes, may bring you in problematic situation that you can't get money from ATMs and that you find difficult to pay for your treks and tour. To find yourself free from this problem, you can call to your card provider before you travel to Nepal and inform there that you are traveling to Nepal. Ensure them to give the authorization for the payment. In Nepal you have to pay 3.5 % credit card commission s per Nepal Bank rules, on top of your payable amount for the trek cost.  So, please be sure that you bring some cash in USD to pay us. Likewise, be sure you have brought some small amount for your daily expenses as well as for those items which are not included in our cost. We request you not to change money in the Airport. The exchange rate is very low there. Our office provides you the facility to change your money. Or, you can take help from Money Changers in Thamel.

Travel Insurance:
Our clients must have comprehensive travel insurance package. Their insurance must cover against medical, personal accident, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost of gears, natural calamity, theft of or damage to baggage etc.

Who can trek?
No special degree of fitness is required and that there is no age barrier. However, in the areas over 3000m altitude, extra care should be taken. One can trek who have strong legs and the spirit for adventure to explore the exotic will enjoy the thrills of trekking in the hills of Nepal. Normally, for weary trekkers we have a list of short, easy and exotic treks and for the experienced trekkers we offer a longer trek with lots of excitement and adventure. We encourage all men and women, families, students and professionals around the world to enjoy the enchanting trekking in Nepal. You can join us as an individual team member or with your own group. We commit to arrange a best trekking that delight you in the Nepal Himalayas. If you can have fun walking for 3-6 hours up and down hills to Nepal, pack your luggage and join us for an exhilarating and unforgettable journey. All the necessary things for your trekking will be arranged by us. What you can do is to enjoy the beautiful scenery and magnificent view of Nepal Himalayas.

Clothing and Equipment for Traveling in Nepal
Trekking in the Himalayas need to arrangement of equipment as you have to find yourself comfortable at higher altitude. The basic clothing item that you are expected to be prepared with are well described here. Remember that excess baggage is likely to be a burden for yourself and your supporting staff. "Pack light, but pack right", is our motto. This will allow you to enjoy a comfortable journey with your energies and enthusiastic zeal focused on the exploration of this enchanting Nepal scenic beauty. Please visit here for Clothing and Equipment list.

Buying and Renting Equipment in Kathmandu
It is not really necessary to spend large amount of money buying extra equipment and clothing prior to your trip. It is because most of the trekking equipment can be hired from many adventure shops within Kathmandu. Most of the gear is locally manufactured (hence a lot cheaper). Some Chinese gear are likely to be more expensive but qualitative. Sleeping bag and down jacket are easily rented. Each item can be rented for less than USD 1, for a day. You have to manage other items buying them yourself. However, these items are more likely to be cheaper than those in your hometown. We will arrange all the necessary items you need on the second day of your arrival. 

Vaccination for Nepal
All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you to take a vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies etc, it is not really must but recommended.

How to Book
While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us to our head office Thamel Kathmandu Nepal by mail or phone, email is more easy and clear options, as soon as we get your email or call we will process for your booking. We need 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through the Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card) or through online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions or others. After we get the 20% amount we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid up on arrival in Kathmandu.