Trip Facts
Off the Beaten Treks
14 days
English, Hindi, Japanese, Urdu
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Guided tour to Kathmandu’s World Heritage sites.
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj.
Day 04: Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal.
Day 05: Trek Jumla to Uthugaon.
Day 06: Trek from Uthugaon to Danphe Lagna.
Day 07: Trek from Lagna to Chautha.
Day 08: Trek from Chautha to Dhotu.
Day 09: Trek from Dhotu to Rara Lake.
Day 10: Free day at Rara Lake.
Day 11: Rara Lake to Gorusingha.
Day 12: Trek from Gorusingha to Sinja.
Day 13: Trek Sinja to Jaljala Chaur.
Day 14: Trek Jaljala Chaur to Jumla.
Day 15: Flight from Jumla to Nepaljung then flight to Kathmandu.
Day 16: Final departure. Drop to airport as per flight schedule.
Any
- Rara Lake (3,010 m) – Nepal’s largest freshwater lake with striking, color-changing blue waters
- Rara National Park – Alpine forests, meadows, and rich wildlife in a pristine setting
- Mugu & Jumla Regions – Remote, less-traveled landscapes offering true solitude
- Surrounding Himalayas – Pine, juniper, and spruce forests framed by snow-capped peaks
- Cultural Villages – Blend of Buddhist, Hindu, Shamanistic, and ancient Bonpo traditions
- Required numbers of time Airport pick up and drop off as per your flight schedule (international and domestic). All required transfers in Kathmandu too.
- 3 Night’s accommodation in touristic town of Kathmandu in BB Plan (one can choose budget, standard and deluxe).
- Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal in Flight.
- Jumla – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu in Flight.
- Standard tea house (lodge) accommodation during the entire trekking as per mentioned in itinerary.
- Three meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the entire trek as per mentioned in itinerary.
- A duffel bag, Trekking Map .
- Trekking pole, Sleeping Bag, Down Jacket, Nepali SIM card (Rental basis, if needed).
- TIMS (Trekker’s Information Manual System) permit.
- Required Permits.
- Tent Camp
- An experienced government certified local Trekking Guide.
- Required numbers of highly experienced trekking porters (2:1 ratio).
- Staff’s foods, salary, insurance, accommodation, meals, transportation etc.
- General first Aid Kit.
- A certificate of appreciation (experience certificate) after completing the Trek.
- Farewell Dinner in Kathmandu with cultural program.
- All government taxes and applicable paperwork.
- International Airfare.
- Personal Travel Insurance (essential for high altitude trekking).
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu.
- Personal expenses for bar, laundry, personal shopping, internet usages, hot shower and battery charge during the trek.
- Alcoholic beverage.
- TIPS for Staff.
Rara Lake Trek Introduction
Rara Lake is renowned as Nepal’s largest freshwater lake, situated within Rara National Park in the districts of Jumla and Mugu. Positioned at an altitude of 3,010 meters, the lake spans 5.1 kilometers in length, 2.7 kilometers in width, and reaches a depth of 167 meters, covering a surface area of over 1,000 hectares. A trek to Rara Lake offers an exceptional journey through remote landscapes, featuring expansive mountain views and a unique cultural experience off the main tourist trails.
Rara Lake Trek – A Secluded Himalayan Escape
Notably, the lake’s vivid blue waters are known to shift in hue throughout the day, with the surrounding scenery transforming accordingly. This less-traveled route is ideal for trekkers seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature. Along the way, you’ll encounter distinctive local cultures and vistas that differ from other parts of Nepal. The high-altitude lake is nestled among pine, spruce, and juniper forests, with alpine meadows and snow-dusted Himalayan peaks framing the view. In winter, snow often blankets the surrounding ridges, enhancing the area’s serene beauty.
Key Features of the Trek:
- The journey traverses the remote and lesser-known regions of Mugu and Jumla, which see relatively few foreign trekkers.
- Rara Lake, with a shoreline of roughly 13 kilometers, is not only Nepal’s largest lake but also a habitat for otters and various fish species.
- The trek offers cultural immersion in villages where Buddhist, Hindu, Shamanistic, and ancient Bonpo traditions intertwine.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Duration: Approx. 20-30 minutes drive
Distance: Approx. 7 km
Our company representative will welcome you at Tribhuwan International Airport and drive you by private vehicle to hotel. Preparation and briefing about the trip.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,592 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 02: Guided tour to Kathmandu’s World Heritage sites.
Explore historic UNESCO sites: Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,592 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj.
A scenic 45-minute flight transports you to the western lowland city of Nepalgunj.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Nepalganj (150 m/ 540 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 04: Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal.
After breakfast, a flight of about 45 minutes will take you to Juphal.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Juphal (2,475m/8,118ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges
Day 05: Trek Jumla to Uthugaon.
Duration: Approx. 5 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 10.8 km
Hike along paths shaded by trees and through minor farming communities.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Uthugaon (2,530m/8,096 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 06: Trek from Uthugaon to Danphe Lagna.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 13 km
Ascend through forests of pine and oak to reach a picturesque pass.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Danphe Lagna (3,500m/11,480ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges
Day 07: Trek from Lagna to Chautha.
Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 11.8 km
Descend across high meadows and along river valleys.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Chautha (2,770 m/9,085 ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges
Day 08: Trek from Chautha to Dhotu.
Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 10.4 km
The path offers a gentle walk through stepped agricultural fields and hillside villages.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Dhotu (2,380 m/7,806 ft)
Accommodation: Tented Camps
Day 09: Trek from Dhotu to Rara Lake.
Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 12 km
Step into Rara National Park and arrive at the shores of its spectacular lake.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Rara Lake (2,980m/9,774ft )
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges
Day 10: Free day at Rara Lake.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 10.8 km
The day is for rest, with options to stroll the lake perimeter, enjoy a boat ride, or take brief walks.
Meals: Full Board
Max Altitude: Rara Lake (2,980m/9,774ft )
Accommodation: Tented Camps
Day 11: Rara Lake to Gorusingha.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 13 km
The route follows woodland paths where you might encounter yak herders.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Gorusingha (3,190m/12,824ft).
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges
Day 12: Trek from Gorusingha to Sinja.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 14 km
Trek through a historic valley dotted with old ruins and scenic river views.
Meals: BB/Full Board
Max Altitude: Sinja (2,440m/8,003ft)
Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
Day 13: Trek Sinja to Jaljala Chaur.
Duration: Approx. 6-7 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 10.8 km
The walk passes meadows bright with alpine blooms, leading to vast high-altitude grazing lands.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Jaljala Chaur (3,270m/10,725ft).
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges
Day 14: Trek Jaljala Chaur to Jumla.
Duration: Approx. 5-6 hrs trek
Distance: Approx. 10.3 km
The final descent winds past secluded communities and along ridgeline tracks.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Jumla (2,514 meter)
Accommodation: Teahouses/ Lodges
Day 15: Flight from Jumla to Nepaljung then flight to Kathmandu.
Duration: Approx. 2 hrs flight
Return to the capital via two connecting flights.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,592 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 16: Final departure. Drop to airport as per flight schedule.
Duration: Approx. 20-30 minutes drive
Distance: Approx. 7 km
Our representative will drop you at International Airport as per your flight schedule.
Meals: BB/ Full Board
Max Altitude: Tribhuvan Internation Airport (1,338 m/4390 ft)
Recommendation
Embarking on the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake is a thrilling adventure that requires meticulous preparation. Ensuring you have the right gear can make the difference between a comfortable journey and a challenging one. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential equipment needed for the trek, from clothing layers to personal items. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, our comprehensive packing list will help you get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
1. Clothing
Base Layers: Thermal tops and bottoms for warmth.
Mid Layers: Fleece jacket for insulation.
Outer Layer: Insulated down jacket (recommended for high altitudes).
Rainproof/Windproof Jacket and Pants: Essential for unpredictable weather.
Trekking Pants: Lightweight, quick-drying pants for daytime trekking.
Warm Hat and Sun Hat: A warm beanie for cold weather, and a wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection.
Gloves: Waterproof insulated gloves and lightweight inner gloves.
Socks: Wool socks for cold weather and moisture-wicking socks for trekking.
Gaiters: To keep mud, snow, and debris out of your boots.
2. Footwear
Hiking Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots with good ankle support.
Camp Shoes/Sandals: For comfort when relaxing in the tea houses or lodges.
3. Sleeping Gear
Sleeping Bag: Rated for -10°C to -20°C to withstand cold nights in higher altitudes.
Sleeping Bag Liner: Adds warmth and keeps your sleeping bag clean.
4. Backpack and Accessories
Daypack (25-30 liters): For carrying essentials like water, snacks, and layers.
Duffel Bag: Large, durable bag for porters to carry; waterproof covers are recommended.
Rain Cover: For protecting your daypack from rain.
Trekking Poles: Helpful for stability and reducing stress on knees.
5. Hydration and Nutrition
Water Bottles and/or Hydration Bladder: With at least 2-3 liters capacity.
Water Purification Tablets or Filter: To treat water on the trail.
Snacks: High-energy snacks like energy bars, nuts, and chocolates.
6. Personal and Miscellaneous Items
Headlamp with Extra Batteries: Essential for early morning treks or dark trails.
Sunglasses: UV-protective, high-quality sunglasses to protect against the intense high-altitude sun.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF for sun protection.
Basic First Aid Kit: Include band-aids, blister treatment, antiseptics, painkillers, altitude sickness medication, and any personal medications.
Toiletries: Eco-friendly soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
Camera and Extra Batteries: Since charging can be costly and unreliable at high altitudes.
7. Documents and Money
Passport and Permits: Passport, visa,TIMS card, and entry permit.
Cash: ATMs are not reliable in the mountains, so bring enough Nepali cash for personal expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Rara Lake Trek is considered as moderate trek. Although there are numerous challenges like the rugged terrain, steep slopes, trekking route through stone stairs and continuous walk of 5 to 6 hours per day. That being said, Explore Rara Lake Trekking can be done by travelers who have the right attitude and are physically fit.
The best season for Trekking Rara Lake is during Spring (March, April and May) and Autumn (October and November). During these seasons the weather will be clear, you will get long sunlight hours, fewer bugs, flowers will bloom on the way, the charm of the atmosphere can be felt by the heart, magnificent views of the Himalayas can be seen and you can escape the crowd and enjoy the pleasure of trekking.
Yes!! The Internet is accessible during Explore Rara Lake Trek. You can access the 3G network on mobile phones. The mobile internet is fast enough to browse and even make video calls. You will get continuous signal during the whole trek but there will be certain dark spots along the trek where connection may drop. There are limited WiFi hotspots during the trek which will charge for usage only some will let you use it for free. So, for internet access we recommend you to buy a SIM and use 3G.
The permits required for Explore Rara Lake Trekking are:
- Rara National Park Entry Permit
Normally, Within 12-24 hours after ascending a certain height(1,500 to 2,500 meter above sea level) altitude sickness symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems, loss of energy, and shortness of breath are seen. In case of any altitude sickness symptoms we will apply medication and descend immediately for acclimatization.
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Cancellations
Full refund if cancelled 15 days prior; 50% refund if cancelled 8–14 days prior; no refund if cancelled within 7 days due to finalized arrangements. Cancellations to be made in writing (email/message); in cases of severe weather, natural events, or government restrictions, tours may be rescheduled/credited for future use; travel insurance is recommended.
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