Rara Lake Trek In Nepal

Rara Lake trek in Nepal

The Rara Lake trek is a great opportunity to experience the raw natural beauty of Nepal that takes you to the pristine and serene Rara Lake which is the largest lake in the country. The trek offers stunning views of the remote and untouched landscapes of the Karnali region in western Nepal. The trail passes through remote villages, dense forests, and alpine meadows, providing a unique cultural and natural experience.

The main attraction of the trek is Rara Lake itself. It is one of the largest and deepest freshwater lakes in the Himalayas, lies at an elevation of 2990 meters (9810 feet) above sea level. The lake covers an area of about 10.8 km² during the monsoon and its size shrinks during the dry seasons. The maximum depth of the lake is 167 m.

It is a stunning high- altitude lake renowned for its breathtaking beauty, surrounded by snow- capped peaks and lush greenery. The crystal- clear waters of the lake reflect the pristine nature of the surroundings, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, photography, and relaxation. 

In addition, Rara Lake also known as Mahendra Lake was included as part of Rara National park in 1976. It is the smallest national park in Nepal but boasts incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes. The park consists of various species of flora and fauna. You can explore 1074 species of flora, of which 16 are endemic to Nepal; the fauna includes 51 species of mammals and 214 species of birds. The hills surrounding the Lake are covered with coniferous forests such as Black Juniper, Oak, West Himalayan Spruce, and Himalayan Cypress. You can also witness the National flower of the country Rhododendron.

Overall, the trek is considered to be moderate in difficulty, and it is suitable for those seeking a peaceful and off- the- beaten- path experience away from the more popular and crowded trekking routes. 

1) Best season to trek to Rara Lake

The perfect time for Rara Lake trekking is generally during the months of spring and autumn. These seasons offer the most favorable weather condition and picturesque landscapes, making them ideal for trekking in the region. 

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the best time to hike to Rara Lake. In contrast to the fall season, the weather is still pleasant with moderate temperatures, and the trails are typically less crowded. Rhododendron and other vibrant flowers emerge throughout the spring enhancing the splendor of the trekking adventure.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is regarded as one of the ideal season for Rara Lake trekking with sunny skies and cool temperatures, the weather is generally stable. You can witness stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding beautiful landscapes. However, you need to be more alert regarding the crowd, as you might face huge crowd due to the peak season. But this allows you to interact with the trekkers from different parts and having different culture, religion, tradition and languages.

2) Foods and Accommodation on the way to Rara Lake trekking

During the trek, you will find a variety of lodging alternatives, including tea houses, lodges, and guesthouses in the villages or towns. The teahouses provide basic yet comfortable lodging in the form of rooms or dorms for overnight stays. The lodging can range from simple rooms with beds to more luxurious accommodation with associated bathrooms. However, the degree of comfort and amenities may diminish as you travel to more rural places.

Similarly, you will find a variety of meals available at the tea houses and lodges along the trail. You can have dal bhat (steamed rice served with lentil soup) accompanied by various side dishes like vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat or eggs, instant noodles or chowmein, dumplings filled with vegetables or meat, fried rice, porridge, soups (vegetable soups, mushroom soups or chicken soups) and pancakes and chapattis. 

Please note that the variety and availability of meals may vary depending on altitude and remoteness of the teahouses. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the options may become more limited.

3) Altitude sickness

Altitude sickness also known as acute mountain sickness can occur when ascending to high altitudes too quickly. Some common symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. To prevent altitude sickness, you have to listen to your body, drink plenty of water, avoid rapid ascents and take enough rest days to allow your body to adjust to higher altitudes. 

4) Travel insurance

For safety reason, travel insurance is mandatory for trekkers participating in any trek and tour programs on the mountains. Therefore, having comprehensive travel is crucial before embarking in the Rara Lake Trek. Your insurance should cover trekking at high altitudes and include helicopter evacuation in case of emergencies. 

5) Guide and porter

Hiring a guide and porter can significantly enhance your trekking experience, make the journey safer, and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and culture of the Rara Lake region.

When hiring a guide and porter keep in mind, Nepal holiday treks and tours Pvt. Ltd can arrange guide and porter with their insurance for your trek. We ensure that they can offer valuable information and insights about the places you visit. They are also well- equipped to handle any emergencies that arise during the trek. At the same time having a porter to carry your belongings allows you to enjoy the trek without the burden of a heavy backpack.