Why Should You Visit Rara Lake?

Rara Lake is located in the Mugu district of Karnali Province. Rara is the largest lake in Nepal, situated at an altitude of 2,990 meters. The lake is 167 meters deep, 5.1 kilometers long, and 3 kilometers wide. The length of the lake's shoreline is 14.6 kilometers, and it takes approximately 4 hours to walk around it. The government has designated Rara as a national park, with an area of 106 square kilometers, established in the year 2032 B.S. When trekking from Jumla, one must cross Ghuchchikot Lake (3,446 meters) and Chuchhemara (3,802 meters). There are two hotels on the banks of the lake, known as Dhanfe and Hermitage. To capture the complete view of the lake, one must hike up to Murmatop. Rara Lake is the ideal place to experience the beauty of the western part of Nepal. Rara, Mugu, and Karnali regions are everyone's dream destinations. The Rara and Mugu regions are as beautiful as heaven. Local cuisine adds an extra flavor to your exploration. Rara National Park, the smallest and most picturesque national park in Nepal, covers an area of 106 square kilometers. It is located 370 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu, in the hilly district of Mugu in

western Nepal. Rara Lake Trek and the national park are surrounded by coniferous forests ranging from 2,300 to 3,200 meters above sea level. Ancient Rara Lake is the main attraction of this national park, which covers an area of approximately 10 square kilometers. In this park, you can find more than 500 species of flowers and plants, including Rhododendron, National Flower, Black Juniper, Oak, West Himalayan Spruce, Himalayan Cypress, and various other varieties.

The beauty of Rara Lake cannot be described in words. The winter season is the best time to visit the Lake. June –July, September- October, Rara Lake is covered with beautiful flowers. The temperatures are below the freezing point from December to March, with heavy rainfall up to one meter and the route to the lake being blocked. Rara National Park is home to 51 species of mammals and 272 species of birds. This lake is also home to the elusive ' Snow Trout' fish, which is not found anywhere else in the world. Although it is suitable to visit Rara Lake throughout the year, to witness Rara Lake covered in snow or adorned with flowers, people usually visit during the winter and spring seasons. To get a

complete view of Rara Lake, Murma Top, located at an altitude of about 4,000 meters above sea level, is the ideal place. From this spot, on clear weather days, one can see up to six districts in

the Mid-Western and Far-Western regions. Due to Rara Lake being located within Rara National Park, vehicular access to Rara Lake is

prohibited. One must stop transportation at Mili Chaur and continue the journey to Rara Lake on foot. However, arrangements for horses are available for those who cannot undertake the journey

on foot. The Rara Lake, situated in a prominent position in the world, is known for its unique snow trout (Asla) fish. It possesses astonishing beauty of its own. It has the ability to change its form and color in an instant, which is a special characteristic of Rara Lake. This lake is one of the top destinations for a remarkable journey in Nepal. Thousands of tourists visit there to witness the

enchanting view of Rara Lake.

Great personalities have written poems dedicated to Rara, among which King Mahendra is considered the most eminent. Natural Beauty, Wildlife and Biodiversity, Trekking and Adventure, Cultural Exploration, Peace and Serenity People go to Rara for these reasons. Rara Lake is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. It is the largest lake in Nepal and is surrounded by pristine alpine forests, snow-capped mountains, and serene landscapes. It offers a

unique wildlife experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. The journey to Rara involves trekking through scenic trails, crossing high mountain passes, and

exploring remote villages. The region around Rara Lake is inhabited by indigenous communities

like Thakuri, Magar, and Bahun.

Visitors have the chance to experience their rich culture, traditions, and hospitality.Rara Lake is

known for its peaceful environment. Away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, it provides a

serene retreat where visitors can relax, meditate, and rejuvenate amidst the beauty of nature.

Rara Lake has been considered sacred and revered by the local communities for generations. The

area around Rara Lake has historical connections with the Malla king, which ruled in the western

region of Nepal during the medieval period. It is believed that the Malla kings used to visit the

lake as part of their recreational activities and hunting expeditions.

In recent, Rara Lake has gained popularity as a tourist destination due to its stunning natural

beauty and unique features. Improved accessibility through road networks and trekking routes

has facilitated the influx of visitors to the area. The development of infrastructure, including

accommodation facilities and trekking trails, has further promoted tourism around Rara Lake.

How to reach:

Kathmandu to Jumla 825 kilometers by bus, taking two days. Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, to

Jumla: One hour and 35 minutes by flight. From Jumla, it takes three days to walk Rara lake.

Alternatively, a 35-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Talcha can be taken. From Talcha, it is a

two-hour trek to reach the lake. From Kohalpur via Surkhet, Kalikot to Gamgadhi: 379

kilometers. From Gamgadhi, it takes three hours to reach the lake by foot. The distance from

Jumla to Gamgadhi by road is 128 kilometers."