Rara National Park was established in 1976.
Area: 106 km2 Bufferzone:198 km2
Rara National Park, located in north-western Nepal, was established to conserve the unique beauty of Lake Rara and protect the representative flora and fauna of the Humla-Jumla region. Rara is Nepal's smallest protected area, comprising an area of 106 sq. km. Situated at an elevation of 2990 m, Rara Lake is the main feature of the park. Surrounded by magnificent conifer forests, this oval-shaped lake with an east-west axis has a maximum length of 5 km and a width of 3 km. Rara, with a depth of 167 m, is the biggest lake (10.8 sq. km) in Nepal. Its radiant blue waters are home to snow trout, the only fish recorded in the lake.
The elevation of the park ranges from 2800 m to 4039 m. Located on the southern side of the lake, Chuchemara Peak (4039 m) is the highest point in the park. The snow-capped summits of Ruma Kand (3731m) and Malika Kand (3444 m), located on the northern side of the lake, provide beautiful views of the lake to the south and the beautiful Mugu-Karnali River valley to the north. Murma Peak also provides an excellent view of the lake and park area. The majority of the vegetation in the park is dominated by blue pine.
The Largest lake of Nepal Rara Lake (2990 M), a Ramsar site of wetland importance located in North-Western Nepal was established to conserve the unique beauty of Lake Rara and to protect the representative flora and fauna of the Humla-Jumla region. Rara is Nepal's smallest protected area, comprising an area of 106 sq. km. Surrounded by magnificent conifer forests this oval-shaped lake with an east-west axis has a maximum length of 5 km and a width of 3 km. Rara with a depth of 167 m is the biggest lake (10.8 sq. km) in Nepal. Its radiant blue waters are home to the snow trout, the only fish recorded in the lake.
The elevation of the park ranges from 2800 m to 4039 m. Located on the southern side of the lake, Chuchemara Peak (4039 m) is the highest point in the park. The snow-capped summits of Ruma Kand (3731m) and Malika Kand (3444m) located on the northern side of the lake, provide beautiful views of the lake to the south, and the beautiful Mugu-Karnali River valley to the north. Murma Peak also provides an excellent view of the lake and park area. The majority of the vegetation in the park is dominated by blue pine.
The first view of Rara after a small climb will be like seeing a clear blue sky at the edge of the forest. Like everyone, we will rush to reach a wide-open space, to feel crystal blue water after such hardship, enjoyment, and struggle. Rara will be a heaven-on-earth moment with a flowing breeze. the sound of water hitting pebbles at the shore. The sound like the heartbeat of the life stage with floating fishes, birds, and ducks will add music to the constant ripples of waves deep inside the heart and mind.
In the evening the moon will lighten up the sky, and the twilling setting sun rays will add beauty to our journey. At night we could hear the sounds of wild animals roaming around in search of food and mates.
The next morning the boat ride across the lake, with 360 views around will be a different experience. We will also hike to Murma top, here we could see the largest lake of Nepal in a single frame with a far and wide view of Karnali, the mountains and forest will be another different experience.
With the recent road network now Rara can be explored in different ways.
Tentative Travel Plan Including arrival and departure days)
Jeep Safari
This 3 and half-day adventurous journey travels across Terai Plain and then through mountain roads to reach Rara. From Surkhet, the two-way lane takes us through mid hills, picturesque landscapes, some bumpy roads, quiet and innocent, and the countryside with the longest river Karnali flowing uninterrupted downstream. The road gets steeper and more interesting as we cross the bridge to enter the unexplored Karnali region of Nepal. On the way we will come across numerous streams, isolated communities, people living simple lives, farmlands, and developing roadside hotels.
Sinja Valley, the ancient farming town on the way, is believed to be the origin of the Nepali language. After Sinja the recently opened trail gets a little rough especially while crossing beautiful Huchi lek (Pastureland), A pasture full of different domesticated animals grazing freely. The Further we drive from Huchi Lek the surrounding changes to a drier environment.
After we park our vehicle at Talcha Airport a couple of hours walk will reach our final destination Rara.
After spending a couple of nights at Rara we will head back to Kathmandu. On the way, we will stop at The birthplace of Lord Buddha to pay homage to world peace and prosperity.
Tentative travel plan
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Kathmandu
Day 3/4/5: Drive to Rara
Day 5/6 : Rara
Day 7/8/9: Drive Back to Kathmandu with a night at Lumbini
Day 10/11 : Kathmandu
Day 12: Onwards
Fly-in/fly-out (8 days)
This is another way to explore Nepal and feel the adventure. The flight also served as a viewpoint journey as while flying we could see Langtang, Annapurna, Manasulu, and Dhaulagiri range.
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Kathmandu. We will fly to Nepaljung in the evening
Day 3: Morning mountain flight to Rara( Subject to weather conditions)
Day 3 and 4: Exploring Rara
Day 5: Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 6 and 7: Kathmandu and also one buffer day if the flight gets delayed
Day 8: Onwards
Trek in via Jumla and fly or diver out ( 10 days)
This is a classic trek to Rara. This journey will take us to less explored Nepal. traveling through villages far away from mainstream tourism. Walking through ancient trails now connected and in some ways destroyed via road. Yet this beautiful trail will take you back in time, connect you to nature, inspire you with simple living, and encourage you to keep on walking in every phase of life.
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Kathmandu.
Day 3: Drive to Nepaljung
Day 3: Fly/drive to Jumla
Day 5 /6/7 : Trek to Rara
Day 7/8 : Exploring Rara
Day 8: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 9: Kathmandu
Day 10: Onwards