Introduction to Jumla Rara Lake Trek
The Jumla Rara Lake trek takes place in the remote districts of Mugu and Jumla in the Karnali Region. There are different options available on this, for example following the salt route to Humla, or taking a number of trails through Dolpo. Regardless of the route, the countryside is remarkable and Rara Lake – a gem sparkling turquoise blue in the sun.
The Jumla Rara Lake trek takes place in the remote districts of Mugu and Jumla in the Karnali Region. There are different options available on this, for example following the salt route to Humla, or taking a number of trails through Dolpo. Regardless of the route, the countryside is remarkable and Rara Lake – a gem sparkling turquoise blue in the sun.
Lying at an altitude of 2,990m, Rara Lake, sometimes also referred to as Mahendra Taal, is the largest lake in Nepal, covering over 10 sq. km and reported to be 167m in depth. Set in Rara National Park, the area around the lake is mainly pine forest and is home to 214 species of birds, including a good number of migratory birds.
It is a wonderful place for bird watching enthusiasts who can expect to see water fowl, coots common teal, blood pheasants, and the Danfe, the national bird of Nepal. Other animals which live in this area include musk deer, himalayan black bear, red panda and jackals, among others.
Apart from the area around the lake, this trek goes through very arid landscapes as it is in the rain-shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Views of Chucchemara Peak, Ruma Kand and Malika Kand are on show from around the lake area.
This is a beautiful trek into an area of the country which is not yet visited by many tourists. The trails are at relatively low altitudes and a moderate level of fitness is fine to complete this trek. Having said that, this is the Himalayas so trails go up and down, and up and down!
Starts at: Nepalgunj
Trek Region: Far West
Duration: 12 Days
Max Altitude: 3410 m / 11188 ft
Ends at: Nepalgunj
Transport: Flight
Trip Grade: Moderate
High Level of Physical Fitness is required for this trek
Accommodation: Camping
Jumla Rara Lake Trek Highlights
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Beautiful turquoise waters of Rara Lake. -
Fabulous forested area of Rara National Park. -
Trekking through remote villages and trails. -
Spending a night in Nepalgunj in the western Terai region. -
Camping for 10 nights in amazing locations. -
The mountain views Being in a remote area where few other trekkers venture.
Jumla Rara Lake Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (Flight)
Nepalgunj – 150 m / 492 ft
Flight Time: 1 Hour
Accommodation: Hotel
Elevation: 150 m / 492 ft
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Nepalgunj
The adventure begins when you leave your hotel in Kathmandu and board a flight to Nepalgunj. With your guide beside you, you can see the Kathmandu Valley, the snowy Himalayas and then the flat fertile lands of the lowland area of the country, or Terai as it is known.
On landing at Nepalgunj you will immediately notice the higher temperature and the different style of city when compared to Kathmandu. You can explore the city once you have checked into your hotel.
We recommend taking a rickshaw around this city. With its land border with India, it is vibrant and noisy with inter-country trade and migrant workers moving both ways across the border.
Day 2: Nepalgunj to Jumla (Flight)
Jumla – 2540m / 8333 ft
Flight time: 20 minutes
Elevation: 2,540m / 8,333 ft
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Jumla Bazaar
As soon as you arrive at Simikot you again notice the difference in the air. Here the mountain air is refreshing, with a touch of chill.
You will have a brief chance to meet your camping crew as they unload gear from the plane and make their way towards the first camp site. You will have more time to meet them properly later.
After a cup of tea, you too will start off down the trail. Or, we should actually say, up the trail as the hike starts with an ascent to your first mountain pass. Passing through pine forests and small villages with the magnificent Karnali River seen below, you have another steep climb up to your first campsite.
Then you can relax, interact with your camping crew and simply get to know life on a camping trek.
Day 3: Jumla to Chere Chaur
Chere Chaur – 3055 m / 10022 ft
Trek time: 6 Hours
Elevation: 3,055 m / 10,022 ft
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Chere Chaur
After breakfast, you set off on a relatively relaxed hike today. Follow the Karnali River, hiking up hill and downhill as is the norm in the Himalayas, until you reach Kermi.
There are some interesting things to discover near Kermi. One being hot springs which you can take advantage of, and the other being two ancient monasteries, namely, Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa.
You will have the opportunity to see many Buddhist shrines, gompas and other artifacts on this trek as the majority of people in this area are Buddhists. In fact, many of the inhabitants of this area crossed over from Tibet around the time of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising.
Day 4: Chere Chaur to Chala Chaur
Chala Chaur – 2980 m / 9776 ft
Trek time: 5 Hours
Elevation: 2,980 m / 9,776 ft
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Chere Chaur
Today the views of the snow-capped peaks are again impressive! But remember to look down too as the trial may be uneven with loose gravel and rocks. Also remember to stay well hydrated and take breaks as you trek – the reason being that the altitude is rising quite considerably today, and care should be taken to avoid altitude related problems.
As you ascend through pine forests the valley begins to open up as you get close to the Chumsa Khola. Descending again, you camp in the Chumsa Khola Valley.
Day 5: Chala Chaur to Sinja Valley
Sinja Valley – 2490 m / 8169 ft
Trek time: 7 Hours
Elevation: 2,490 m / 8,169 ft
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Sinja Valley
Today is a tougher day in terms of time spent on the trail and the fact the ground is more rough than the previous day with glacial moraine underfoot. There are also beautiful pine forests to hike through and small streams to cross.
Once again you are rising considerably in altitude so please ensure you let your guide know if you are feeling unwell, particularly with dizziness or confusion.
Day 6: Sinja Valley to Goru Singhe
Goru Singhe – 3050 m / 10006 ft
Trek time: 6 Hours
Elevation: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Goru Singhe
After an extremely early breakfast head out on another long day by first descending from Dharmashala before having to ascend and cross the Nyala Pass, the highest elevation of this trek.
In order to safely cross the pass, it is important to leave camp at around 5am to cross over before the higher afternoon winds. With the increased altitude being almost 1,000 m / 3,280.8 ft, it is important to stay alert to your body. Although a challenging climb, you will be rewarded with amazing views of the surrounding landscape. If the weather is clear you can even see Mount Kailash and the Tibetan Plateau.
After crossing the pass, you will come to your overnight camp at Talung where you can rest and relax before dinner.
Machhermo
Day 7: Goru Singhe to Rara Lake
Rara Lake – 3010 m / 9875 ft
Trek time: 6 Hours
Elevation: 2,990 m / 9,809.7 ft
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Rara Lake
Today you properly enter the Limi Valley! Home to snow leopards Himalayan blue sheep, and many other mammals, this peaceful valley is a haven for wildlife. Interestingly, wild yaks were thought extinct but were rediscovered here in 2014.
There are many Tibetan Buddhist artifacts to be seen in Humla and the Limi Valley also. As mentioned, many of the current inhabitants, particularly of the northern area of the district, or their parents/ grandparents came over from Tibet 60 plus years ago. In the southern and middle of Humla district the main inhabitants are Khas communities who originate from the Sinja Valley.
All speak their own dialects and follow their own traditional culture. Homes are built in traditional style with flat roofs, ideal for drying vegetables in this colder climate.
Day 8: Day trip to Muldi Viewpoint
Muldi Viewpoint – 3410 m / 11187 ft
Trek time: 3 Hours
Elevation: 3,410 m / 11,187 ft
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Rara Lake
The highlight of the trek is arriving at Tsho Rolpa Lake! This glacial lake is turquoise blue and icy cold. Set among unique flora and fauna and under the stunning Himalayan mountains, this is an awesome sight.
As the Gaurishankar Conservation Area is a haven for birdlife, you can plan your evening and following morning to try and spot a few varieties in this unique setting. Meantime, on arrival at the camp site enjoy lunch and spend some time interacting with the camping crew as they also have time to relax today. from Thangnak to Khare.
Day 9: Rara Lake to Pina
Pina – 2440 m / 8005 ft
Trek time: 6 Hours
Elevation: 2,440 m / 8,005 ft
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Pina
Follow the Limi River out of Jang and on to Halji where you stop for the night.
From Halji it is possible to hike to Lapcha Syar, also known as Limi Lapcha (4,900 m / 16,076.1 ft) from where you get incredible panoramic views of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.
Day 10: Pina to Bumra
Bumra – 2850 m / 9350 ft
Trek time: 5 Hours
Elevation: 2,850 m / 9,350 ft
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Bumra
After breakfast, hike to a suspension bridge to cross the Tagtsi Khola (river), a tributary of the Karnali River and continue on to the village of Til.
Within the Limi Valley itself are three villages, Halji, Jang and Til. Til is the smallest of the three and surrounded by fields of barley. Nearby is Rizing Ling Gompa, a Buddhist monastery of Drukpa Kagyu lineage. Established in the 1970s it may have replaced the ancient Kunzum Do-Nag monastery which also lies in the Limi Valley.
It would be interesting to visit Rinzing Ling Gompa either before dinner or early in the morning before breakfast and see the daily rituals performed by the monks who live there.
Day 11: Bumra to Jumla
Jumla – 2540 m / 8333 ft
Trek time: 6 Hours
Elevation: 2,540 m / 8,333 ft
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Jumla
It’s a long day on the trail today so eat a hearty breakfast before leaving camp.
It is also a very interesting day as you will pass a cave where Lotsawa Rinchen Sangpo meditated. Renowned for his translation of Buddhist scriptures, he lived around 985-1055 AD and is said to have meditated in this cave at Ya Yip Phuk.
In order to reach the cave and your next camp site, you need to cross the Lamka La Pass at 4,300 m / 14,107.6 ft. Climb slowly, taking breaks to catch your breath. Take in the beauty of the area.
Day 12: Jumla to Nepalgunj (Flight) to Kathmandu (Flight)
Kathmandu – 1300 m / 4265 ft
Elevation: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Kathmandu
Sadly, you will leave the Limi Valley today as you cross the Humla Karnali River by suspension bridge. But there is still plenty more to see on this wonderful trek.
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Includes
10 nights accommodation in tent
1 night accommodation in Nepalgunj (Hotel Sneha or similar)
Guide for 12 days
Cook for 12 days
Required number of porters for 12 days
Kathmandu Nepalgunj Kathmandu flight
Nepalgunj Jumla Nepalgunj flight
Rara national park entry permit
Restricted area permit
16 x set breakfast, 15 x set lunch and 15 x set dinner while on trek.
Veg
Vegetarian food is available on the trek.
Vegan
Vegan food is available on the trek.
Lunch and Dinner in Nepaljung
Packing List for Jumla Rara Lake Trek
Daily Wear
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Layered Clothing: Warm, sweat-wicking thermal shirts and pants, Down or fleece jacket for warmth, Extra warm clothing for the summit. -
Trekking Pants: To stay dry in snow and rain -
Shirts: Long-sleeve for sun protection and short-sleeve for warm weather. -
Warm Gloves: Thin gloves for trekking and thick gloves for cold weather -
Sturdy Hiking Boots: Comfortable, waterproof boots for lower altitudes, Warm boots for higher, snowy areas, Insulated, waterproof boots for snow and ice. -
Casual Shoes: For town and indoor activities. -
Socks: Warm, thick socks (bring 4-5 pairs). -
Scarf/Buff: For warmth -
Crampons: Metal spikes for boots to walk safely on ice.rn -
Ice Axe: Helps with balance on steep and icy trailsrn -
Harness: Worn for safety while climbingrn -
Helmet: Protects your head from falling rocks or icern -
Carabiners: Strong clips used for ropes (bring at least 2-3)rn -
Ascender u0026 Descender: Tools for moving up and down ropes safelyrn
Gear
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Daypack: For day hikes and excursions, 20-30L for daily items. -
Backpack: 50-60L for personal gear.rn -
Duffel Bag: Waterproof bag carried by portersrn -
Trekking Poles: Helpful for uneven terrain. -
Sleeping Bag: A very warm sleeping bag for freezing nights (-20°C/-30°C), If you plan to camp or stay in basic accommodations.rn -
Sleeping Pad: Foam or inflatable mat for extra warmth and comfort.rn -
Ascender u0026 Descender: Tools for moving up and down ropes safely.rn -
Water Bottle: Reusable, preferably insulated. -
Headlamp/Flashlight: For early mornings and evenings. -
Power Bank: To keep devices charged during treks. -
Carabiners: Strong clips used for ropes (bring at least 2-3).rn -
Gaiters: Keep snow and rocks out of your bootsrn -
Helmet: Protects your head from falling rocks or ice.rn -
Harness: Worn for safety while climbing.rn -
Ice Axe: Helps with balance on steep and icy trailsrn -
Crampons: Metal spikes for boots to walk safely on icern
Garment
| Items | Details | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Underwear | Underwear Breathable synthetic | 3 |
| Socks | Wool BYO | 3 |
| Bra | Sports BYO | |
| Base layers – Pants | Merino wool BYO | 1 |
| Trekking shirt | Synthetic lightweight BYO or purchase it in Kathmandu | 2 |
| Rain pants | Synthetic lightweight Frogg Toggs are excellent | 1 |
| Trekking pants | Synthetic lightweight BYO or purchase in Ktm | 2 |
| Hiking Shoes/Boots | BYO Salmon Quest 4D or Xultra 3 or 4 | 1 |
| Camp shoes | Down booties BYO or purchase in Ktm | 1 |
| Gloves | One pair of thin merino wool. 2nd pair thick insulated | 2 |
| Hat | Sun hat or peak cap with neck protection. BYO | 1 |
| Down Jacket | BYO | 1 |
| Wind Breaker | BYO | 1 |
Hygiene and Safety
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Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and any personal hygiene items. -
Sunscreen: High SPF to protect against sunburn. -
Lip Balm: With SPF to prevent chapping. -
Insect Repellent: Especially in warmer months. -
First Aid Kit: Include any personal medications, band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and blister treatment.
Electronics
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Camera/Smartphone: To capture stunning scenery. -
Book or E -reader – BYO Kindle or book -
Notebook/Pen: For journaling your experiences.
Note: Sleeping bags and down jackets can be rented in Kathmandu, while all other trekking equipment can be easily purchased. We at Magical Nepal will assist you in getting all your essentials sorted, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.
Nepaljung to Simikot flight
Typically, daily flights are scheduled from Nepalgunj to Simikot in peak seasons (spring and autumn), subject to weather. During monsoon season (June to August) and winter (December to February), flights may be reduced or canceled because of poor visibility or heavy snow.
Read Before your Jumla Rara Lake Trek
Before setting off on your Jumla Rara Lake Trek, it’s essential to have the right information so you can prepare for a truly unique and challenging adventure.
In the next section, you’ll find key insights on flights, permits, accommodations, and other practical concerns—along with answers to frequently asked questions you might have before venturing into one of Nepal’s most remote regions.
Location of the Jumla Rara Lake Trek
To reach the Jumla Rara Lake Trek you will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj then fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla the following day.
You will trek through Jumla and into Mugu District, both being part of the Karnali Province. The lake sits in Rara National Park, a unique park but the smallest in the country.
Required Experience for the Jumla Rara Lake Trek
This is a relatively moderate trek, which does not go higher than around 3,500 m / 11482.9 ft. It takes place over 12 days, with nine of those being on the hiking trail, and you will be camping for 10 days in mainly remote areas.
While it is not necessary to be a very experienced trekker to undertake this trek, it is preferable that you do have some experience and that you do enjoy camping in basic conditions.
Physical Fitness – What You Need to Know
For any trek in the Nepal Himalayas you need to be of a reasonably good fitness level. While this is considered a moderate trek (for the Himalayas) days on the trail still average 6 hours of hiking. Camping, while we make it as comfortable as possible, can be harder for those not used to the basic conditions in remote areas.
Determination, stamina and confidence is the key to enjoying this trek!
Increase your fitness regime before you come and followour guidelines on altitude and safety on the trail. We want you to enjoy your trek!
An Average Day on the Jumla Rara Lake Trek
The camp site will consist of your tent, a toilet tent, a dining tent, a kitchen tent and tents for the porters, chef and guide. The chef will be up and preparing breakfast while you wake up more slowly. With hot water for washing your hands and face and early morning ‘bed tea’ you will be refreshed by breakfast.
The guide will give you a quick briefing, according to the trail ahead and the weather. Then you set off on the day’s hike.
The trail may take you over rivers, through forest, through settlements and across their cultivated lands, on to pastures and up and down hills.
You will most likely have a packed lunch with you and when you reach your next overnight stop you will get some snacks and tea while the crew set up camp and the chef prepares dinner.
What You Will See on This Trek
This trek takes you to two administrative districts – Mugu and Jumla, which both fall into the Karnali Province. The peoples of Mugu are of mixed origin: indigenous people and settlers from around Nepal. In Jumla most of the people are Hindu and follow Hindu culture and religion.
Both districts are remote and settlements small with traditional Nepali architecture although there are some areas which have remains of centuries old palaces and temples.
Mountains: You will see many mountains in the Jumla Himal.
Flora and Fauna: Like most remote northern areas of Nepal, there are a variety of herbs grown for medicinal purposes. As far as wildlife is concerned, there are the usual smaller Himalayan mammals as well as the rare Himalayan black bear and Red Panda.
Rara Lake: This is the largest lake in Nepal and is surrounded by blue pine trees the rhododendron forests. The lake itself is beautiful and its setting stunning. From a nearby view point you can get great views of the lake and surrounding areas.
Rara National Park: It is the smallest national park in Nepal and sees few visitors. And yet at its center is the amazing Rara Lake.
Minimum Number of Trekkers for this Trek
A minimum of two trekkers is required for this camping trek. If you are alone and wish to do this trek, please talk with us.
Places of Interest on This Trek
The Stunning Rara Lake
Number one has to be the amazing Rara Lake.
Rara is the largest lake in Nepal and is surrounded by stunning forests and foothills. It has some rare species of mammals and is a great place for bird watching.
Go boating on Rara Lake. Another highlight is to hike to a viewpoint to get a complete picture of the lake and its surroundings.
Rara National Park
Rara National Park is the smallest in Nepal, although it does have a large buffer zone which is a designated area around the core park area. In other words, a transition zone between park and communities. A buffer zone can provide alternative resources and income opportunities to locals who may, in the past, had harvested what is now a national park. It also provides locals with the opportunity to have some say in the park management activities. Overall, a buffer zone creates a healthy ecosystem.
Nepalgunj
This city is so different from Kathmandu and world’s away from the settlements you will see in Jumla and Mugu, that it needs some comment here. Nepalgunj has one of the six land borders between Nepal and India. Because it is an open border for Indian and Nepali nationals all these border crossings are busy with trade, migrant workers, and daily shoppers.
The city is also the main gateway to Bardia National Park as it has an airport that connects it with Kathmandu. Bardia lies only 2 hours away from the airport by fast vehicle.
Nepalgunj is also gateway to many of the remote districts of Nepal such as Jumla, Mugu, Humla and others – again because of its airport.
Camping Trek in a Remote Area
When our treks go into areas where there is limited or no accommodation for trekkers, we opt to be self-sufficient through camping.
We will provide you with your own tent and sleeping mat, a toilet tent and a dining tent where you will take your meals. Your camp chef is on hand to prepare great meals in his kitchen tent.
We try to make your camping experience comfortable for you with great gear and great staff. But these are the Himalayas and Mother Nature will have her say. Star filled skies, snowy mountain peaks and rich forests, rivers and waterfalls are all provided by her – but she also sometimes throws curveballs such as cold winds and cloudy days.
Food at the Camp Sites
Breakfast, an afternoon snack, and dinner are provided at the campsite. Lunch will be prepared at the camp but eaten on the trail, unless we know there is a great teashop on the route.
We provide plentiful food, freshly prepared and to your taste (as much as possible). Many trekkers bring snacks from home or from Kathmandu to give them that instant sugar or energy boost. Dried nuts and fruits, chocolate and power bars are the most popular items.
Possible Menu While Camping:
- Breakfast is most likely porridge with bread (probably roti – a Nepali flatbread).
- Lunch and dinner can be pasta, noodles, dal bhat (Nepali vegetable curry), pizza, etc.
- Afternoon snacks may be fried potatoes and popcorn.
- We don’t buy meat on the trail in case it is not fresh. We will carry some canned meat / tuna fish. However, there is always vegetarian food available at every meal.
- Tea/ coffee/ hot water is unlimited, with powdered milk and sugar.
- We will not carry alcohol as we do not recommend its consumption while trekking. Both alcohol and soft drinks are just too heavy to carry on a camping trek – another reason we don’t bring them along.
Drinking Water While Camping
You will be provided with boiled water for drinking. Bringing a Lifestraw is a good idea too, as it filters out some, not all, larger bacteria. Where there are fresh springs, using sterilizing drops/ liquid will make the water drinkable.
What You Need to Bring for a Camping Trek
Take a look at our list of trekking equipment / gear you need on any trek. We suggest a few additional items for a camping trek, such as:
Portable solar panel (one which hooks onto your day pack) to recharge equipment.
- Headtorch with batteries and extra batteries.
- Medicines – any ones you take regularly plus items such as headache tablets, stomach tablets etc. And a small first aid kit.
- Four-season sleeping bag. This can be rented in Kathmandu.
- Toiletries in small, travel sized containers.
- Things for blisters and a few bandages in case of sprains.
- Nepali rupees in case there is a teashop selling cold drinks or oranges.
- Your favorite snacks from home or from Kathmandu.
Carrying Your Gear – Porters
Porters will be carrying the tents, kitchen equipment and food for this trek. They will also carry your gear but please do not bring unnecessary items which will take up space and human energy. Please be considerate when packing.
Best Time to do the Jumla Rara Lake Trek
Like many of the trekking areas in Nepal, the best times to do the Jumla Rara Lake Trek are during the spring and during the autumn. It is not recommended for monsoon (summer) as it will be wet and slippery on the trails. Winter is also not generally recommended.
Within spring and autumn, the best months are:
- Spring – April to May
- Autumn – mid September to mid-November.
Not only is Mother Nature kinder during these months, bringing you clear skies and warmer weather, keep in mind domestic flights can be impacted by bad weather, particularly in the monsoon.
What Happens Before the Trek
On Arrival in Kathmandu
If you wish, we can meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Just let us know on the booking form but please note there is a charge for pick up. Otherwise, there are pre-booked taxis available at the exit point.
Hotels in Kathmandu
Included in your trek is camping accommodation on the trail, and one night in a hotel in Nepalgunj.
We suggest you look at booking.com and hostelworld.com for hotels in Kathmandu. We also suggest you stay in Thamel as it is geared up for tourists with lively cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. Our office is conveniently located in Thamel too.
Explore Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a vibrant city with an ancient history as well as modern amenities. During the day visitors can explore the ancient sites and in the evening enjoy great accommodation, food and nightlife.
Highlights of any of our tours around the city will include the Tibetan area of Boudhanath, Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), and Pashupatinath with its ancient Hindu temples and ghats. These are the basis of any tour you wish to take with us.
Additionally, there are three Durbar Squares within the Kathmandu Valley, dating back to when there were three kingdoms in what is now Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. We can easily add these to your tour but would suggest Bhaktapur, which lies 30 minutes out of town, should be given a whole day to itself.
There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, including those mentioned here. And there is so much more. If there is anything in particular you wish to see please let us know.
Naturally, you can also explore the city yourself. Don’t forget the great cafes, bars and restaurants in both Thamel and across the Bagmati River in Jhamsikhel.
Visa for Nepal
Visa on arrival is available for people from most countries, via the Immigration Department of Nepal’s on-line site. Complete the form, print it out and bring it with you. Bring USD cash (exact money) to make payment on arrival at the airport.
- 90 Days – 125 USD
- 15 Days – 30 USD
- 30 Days – 50 USD
Trekking Permits You Need for this Trek
For the Jumla Rara Lake Trek you need the following permit.
Rara National Park Permit: USD25 per person for the duration of your trek. (SAARC nationals pay approx. USD10)
This fee goes towards the preservation of Rara National Park, including the lake area.
We shall organize this on your behalf.
Safety on the Trek
This trek is classed as a moderate trek, partly because it does not take you into very high altitude areas. There are three nights when you are sleeping at just above 3,000 m / 9,842.5 ft and a couple of mountain passes to cross at around 3,500 m / 11,482.9 ft, but overall, it is a low altitude trek.
However, since 3,000 m / 11,482.9 ft is considered the height where some people may start feeling some slight irritations related to altitude, it is a good idea to take some basic steps while trekking.
Drink plenty of water – 4 ltrs per day is recommended.
Hike slowly and take plenty of breaks.
Our guides are trained in first aid and in recognising signs of altitude so do not hesitate to inform them if you are feeling unwell.
Do not go off hiking / exploring on your own. Always tell your guide if you are heading off somewhere, even if it looks very near. The mountain landscape can be deceptive.
Tips for Safety on the Trek:
- Trekking poles for stabilizing yourself are great.
- Do not go off on your own at the rest/ overnight stops without telling your guide.
- Drink at least 4 ltrs of water per day. While camping you will be provided with boiled drinking water.
- It is important not to skip meals – you need the energy. But the odd power bar for lunch will not do you any harm.
- Do tell your guide if you feel even slightly unwell.
- Have the correct insurance.
- Wear the correct trekking gear. Good footwear is important.
- Bring your own regular medicines and a medical kit.
- Pay attention to the guide on trails that may be a bit tricky.
Expenses You May Encounter
The cost of the trek, namely, food, accommodation, guide, chef and porters has already been covered. Because it is a remote camping trek, there really isn’t many places to spend your money.
You will require money for donations at any religious sites you may visit. And if there are teashops / shops in the larger settlements you might want to buy a soft drink or fruit (if available).
You will require money for lunch and dinner in Nepalgunj. While we provide you with accommodation and breakfast in Nepalgunj; lunch and dinner are not included. This gives you the opportunity to try out local restaurants. Your time is short in this city, but you might also see some souvenirs to take home!
We can suggest you bring around USD5-10 in Nepali rupees, per day. A bit more for your day in Nepalgunj.
What is Included and Not Included in the Cost of Your Trek
Transport: Four domestic flights.
Accommodation: Tents, and sleeping mats are provided.
Food: At the camp site you will get breakfast, dinner, and afternoon snacks. You will also get a packed lunch to eat on the trail.
Permits: The permit required for this trek is included in the cost of your trip.
Tips: Tips are not included in the cost of your trek. Please calculate the tips for your guide and porters. Tips can be in Nepali rupees or other currencies.
Before you come expenses:
- Flight ticket, visa fee, and insurance.
- Trekking / camping gear, good trekking boots.
Tipping the Guide, Chef and Porters
Please tip your guide and porters on your treks. For camping treks, you also have a camp chef who you should tip too. This has now become the standard practice in Nepal, although it is not mandatory. Keep in mind 100% of your tips goes to the staff.
We suggest the following:
- Tip the guide 10% of your trip cost.
- For the porters tip around a total of USD150 for each porter.
- Tip the chef USD200.
- The tips for the guide and crew members are divided by the number of trekkers on a trip. So, the larger your group, the less you pay as an individual!
The tips for the guide and crew members are divided by the number of trekkers on a trip.
Trip Extensions
Bardia National Park
The last day of your trek sees you flying out of Jumla to Nepalgunj and then flying from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
You can extend your trip to take in Bardia National Park as it is only two hours by private vehicle from Nepalgunj airport.
Bardia National Park is similar to Chitwan National Park as it has wildlife safaris. It is much more rural and quieter than Chitwan and sees fewer visitors.
A little background information: Bardia (or Bardiya) was established as a wildlife reserve in 1976 and was given national park status in 1988. Being the biggest lowland national park in Nepal at 968 square km, Bardia is home to a wide range of wildlife and flora. The area is sub-tropical, so the forests are lush and the grasslands rich with mammals and birdlife.
There are 61 species of mammals and 513 species of birds in the park. Most interestingly there is the largest community in Nepal of Royal Bengal Tigers. Bardia National Park also has wild elephants (who are migratory) and Gangetic dolphins. One Horned Asian Rhinos are not native to this area but have been relocated from Chitwan National Park where their number is high.
There are a number of hotels and homestays around Bardia National Park and within the buffer zone area, offering a range of facilities. All hotels offer walking and jeep safaris into the park.
Most visitors spend 3 nights / 4 days there due to its distance from Kathmandu but since you are already in Nepalgunj you may wish to stay a shorter time – or even a longer time!
Should you be interested in visiting the park, please ask us about this.
Other Trips With Magical Nepal
We can assist you with other trips or treks in Nepal too. We can also help you with trips to Bhutan and Tibet. Feel free to explore our website or ask us directly.
Why Book with Magical Nepal
Diversity – Equality – Inclusion: Keys to a Great Experience
We at Magical Nepal are a team of highly trained travel enthusiasts.
We started Magical Nepal in 2017 and pride ourselves in growing a great team. From our climbing guides, trek guides, and liaison staff to our camp staff, porters and camp chef, we all love to explore and travel in the Nepal Himalayas. We also love to introduce our beautiful country to our clients.
We are committed to human dignity, security, and safety for all – for our clients and for the communities we visit. We are also committed to the environmental sustainability of the landscapes, flora, and fauna of the Himalayas.
We also pride ourselves on offering great value for money and a price guarantee – if you can find the same trek at a lower price, we will match it – guaranteed.
Please check the reviews from our past clients to see what they say about us.
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Jumla Rara Lake Trek Map
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