If you want   a complete break from the monotonous city life , rejuvenate yourself by being one with Nature and you are willing to spare some time for an unforgettable  experience then lets embark on a journey to the ethereal Rara Lake in Nepal. Often heralded as Queen of Lakes in Nepal ,Rara lake surrounded by the forests of Rara National park is home to almost 200 species of colourful birds, butterflies and endangered animals. The pristine waters of the lake holds a mirror to the exquisite surrounding beauty of the Nature. The trail decorated  with snow clad mountains, pine-rhododendron birch forests,alpine meadows and the ever welcoming occasional sound of birds and animals make it a journey worth toiling for. While sitting by the lake, staring at the reflections of the surroundings you will feel a sense of tranquility ,hear so many stories  of the silence, breathe in the blessings of the blue azure sky and see the beauty, nature is capable of--- even with your eyes closed. One can go on and on describing the beauty of the place, talk about the extensive array of  flora and fauna found there, but nothing can ever describe the sense of calm, peace,serenity one feels while sitting by the lake..watching it change its colour as the day progresses. Hence this off beat trail rich in bio-diversity is a  great option for those who are  looking  to renew their bonds with Nature.

LOCATION- Rara lake,height 2990 mts, is located in Rara National Park in the mountainous Mugu disctrict of remote north west part of Nepal.

BEST TIME TO VISIT- Spring season(March-May), Autumn (September- October) seasons are the most suitable time for this trek. The weather remains very pleasant and clear sky ensures an unhindered picturesque view of the Himalayan mountains. In spring the flowers are also in bloom---making the nature more colorful and welcoming.

HOW TO REACH--- Reach the capital city of Kathmandu by flight. There is no direct train to Kathmandu. Hence, flight will be the best option. The trek actually begins from Jumla which requires two more charter flights,details of which are shared in itinerary.

DURATION-- 12-15 DAYS 

DETAILED ITINERARY: 

DAY 1- NEPALGANJ Reach Nepalgang from Kathmandu via Dolpo by a chattered flight of about 50 mins-1 hour----stay put in hotel---enjoy the rest of the day enjoying the alleyways of Nepalganj ---a hilly town in South west Nepal.

DAY 2-  JUMLA to CHAURIYA CHAUR(5-6 HRS) --early morning breakfast---short connecting flight of 40 mins to Jumla---trek begins----5 to 6 hours trek along Jugad Khola---on the way pass through hilly villages, temples and a local marketplace called Khalanga Bazar---overnight camping at Chauriya Chaur

DAY 3 CHAURIYA CHAUR TO CHALACHAUR(5-6 HRS)—Trek starts initially on an easy trail---reaches Jaljala pass( 3580m)----visit the village at Jaljala Chaur----now the path turns a bit challenging ---steep  gradient towards Chala Chaur—the trail will take you through forests of birch,rhododendron,pine accompanied by fabulous views of surrounding snow capped mountain peaks---camping for the night at Chala Chaur.

DAY 4 CHELA CHAUR TO SINJA VALLEY( 6 HRS)—Trek begins downhill for a few hours---follows the Jaljala Khola(stream)downstream----the landscape is covered with terraced farming,pine forests---there is also an ancient temple ---ruins of which are mossy, haunting and intriguing—giving an eerie feeling ---also en route is a deep gorge---overnight hault at Botan village in the Sinja Valley

DAY 5 SINJA VALLEY TO GHOROSINGHA(4-5 HRS)----Another half day trek ----following the Ghatke khola stream---passing through  typical quintessential Nepalese rural landscapes---with patch fields, dreamy quaint villages---primitive water-mills grinding corns,wheats ---trek end at the edge of Rara National Park---camping at Ghorosingha—a small village having a police post

DAY 6 –GHOROSINGHA TO RARA LAKE(5-6 HRS)---Next morning trek begins from Ghorosingha---it,s an uphill trek---climbing upto a height of 4260mts at Chuchemara Danda---for a panoramic view of the distant Himalayan peaks, marvellous green surroundings---gasping at fresh air---now begins the descent---walking on a winding path through bamboo-pine-birch forest ,crossing Khatiyar Khola—walk upstream and find the apt climax to a rewarding journey---Rara lake welcomes you with its mesmerizing beauty---overnight camping on the banks of Rara lake

DAY 7-- EXPLORING RARA LAKE---enjoy the day relaxing and resting in Nature”s cradle---admire the beauty that Rara lake unveils in each passing hour---the lake changes its look as the day progresses--to keep the onlookers hooked---stroll in the lush green meadows---climb the watch tower and soak the beauty of the surroundings with a 360 degree view.

DAY 8 ---RETURN TREK BEGINS—RARA LAKE TO PINA( 5-6 HRS)---Moderate trek begins---ridge top at Jhyari- a hilly hamlet---follow the Jhyari bira downstream---then walk along Dhauli Khola all the way to reach Pina- a small village with few home-stays, local tea shops and a police post---overnight halt.

DAY 9---PINA TO BUMRA VIA GHURCHI-LAGNA(6-7 HRS)---uphill trek begins through the enchanted forest---continues ascend---till one reaches Ghurchi Lagna(3480 m)—the highest point of this trek---this place is a significant Buddhist spot—hence it is decorated with many chortens(Buddhist Monuments),Buddhist prayer flags----the trail descends through alpine meadows,walnut groves,pasturelands—passing through many cosy villages dotting the surroundings----finally leading to a narrow steep valley crossing which we reach Bumra---the site for night stay—a quiet little village where local homes and shops cater to the trekkers and hikers for fooding and lodging.

DAY 10 BUMRA TO JUMLA(6-7 HRS)---Final day of trek begins---on  a magical trail through the beautiful rhododendron,pine ,alpine forests---agriculture fields---on the way encounter innocent children from  adjacent villages waving enthusiastically at every hiker that passes by---you cant help but wave back---keep following the Padmara river---and finally you reach Jumla---back where you started---a perfect end to a glorious trek---spend the day relaxing ,reflecting on your journey .

DAY 11—REACHING KATHMANDU VIA NEPALGANJ---Take early morning flight to Nepalganj---connecting flight to Kathmandu available---stay for one day at Kathmandu to enjoy the capital city or start homeward journey on same day.

SOME IMPORTANT POINTS: 

• The trek is long one, hence days may vary depending on the route and haults
• As the ascend is gradual and covers a number of days it provides  sufficient time for acclimatization 
• Although the trek is lengthy yet its not a difficult one—hence suited for beginners
• Accommodation options are limited, mostly camps, home stays
• Basic medical assistance is available with the trek guides.