Rara lake tour package (Budget)

Rara lake on a budget
12 Days to explore what we call “Heaven”

There is no doubt, the most beautiful spot in all of the Himalayas is a place called Rara Lake. Situated in the very northern part of Nepal, it has not always been easy to get to. You can fly in, which is very costly, or do the much difficult trek which requires crossing some very high passes. However, there is an easier, less expensive way to get to Rara Lake. Basically, take the bus! Rara Lake is the largest natural lake in Nepal. It’s incredible blue waters reflect the snowcapped peaks to the north. The lake features some great trekking around it, plus the scenery is exquisite. Nepalis claim this is heaven, and once you’ve been there, you can’t help but agree.

The last few kilometers of the trip must be done on either by foot or by horse. It’s not a difficult trip from where the road stops, and for those who are not really into long distance trekking, the Rara Lake on a Budget trip is really a good way to go. You won’t find the Rara Lake on a Budget trip with other companies. This is an exclusive one developed by your friends at Summit International Travels & Tours. Understand that once you pass Birendranagar you will be taking local bus which has few comforts. But if you like adventure, plus an opportunity to meet the local people, then this trip is for you! And once you have seen Rara Lake, you will be glad you made it. Ask Summit International Travels & Tours about the beauty and accessibility of Rara Lake.

Short itinerary:

DAY 1 – 2 OVERNIGHT BUS TRIP TO BIRENDRANAGAR

DAY 3 – 4 TRAVEL TO PINA IN MUGU DISTRICT
DAY 5 – RARA LAKE (elev. 2980 m/9,777 ft.)
DAY 6 – EXPLORE RARA LAKE

DAY 7 – FURTHER EXPLORATION OF RARA LAKE NATIONAL PARK

DAY 8 - RETURN TO PINA VILLAGE
DAY 9 & 10 – TRAVEL TO BIRENDRANAGAR

DAY 11 & 12 – RETURN TO KATHMANDU

Trip itinerary:

DAY 1 – 2 OVERNIGHT BUS TRIP TO BIRENDRANAGAR
Rara Lake National Park is located in the western part of Nepal. It is a good, luxury bus that leaves Kathmandu in the afternoon and travels down into the Terai and then up the road to Birendranagar. This is the principle city of the Surkhet District (Birendranagar is sometimes called Surkhet). We arrive around noon. We recommend that you stay at a local hotel where you can get a hot shower and some good local food. Birendranagar is a nice city in a valley, ringed with high green hills.

DAY 3 – 4 TRAVEL TO PINA IN MUGU DISTRICT
On day three, you pick up a local bus which takes two days to reach Pina village near the entrance to Rara Lake National Park. You are traveling to the far north in Mugu district. This is a very remote area that sees very few visitors. The people are quite friendly and will be curious about you.

The journey there is two days as the road is only paved part way and is basically one lane of traffic and two way traffic. The bus will climb some high passes including Ghurchi Lagna Pass (elev. 3446 m/11,306 ft.) and stops frequently as people get on and off. It’s a local bus, so the seats are not luxury by any means, but it’s a good ride. Buses in the rural areas do not run at night by law, so the bus will stop at a local hotel for the night. The hotel isn’t much, but you can get a private room (no indoor plumbing) and local food is served. On Day 4, arrive in Pina.

DAY 5 – RARA LAKE (elev. 2980 m/9,777 ft.)
We can catch a ride to the trail head to Rara Lake. We are at a high elevation and we can see some really clear views of the Himalayas and snowcapped peaks. The trail will be downhill through pine forests. The Humla Range is very visible from here. The trail will wind its way through the forests and March and April, the rhododendrons are in full bloom. The lake will come into view without warning as you suddenly stop and stare at the incredible beauty of this dark turquoise gem in the midst of the snowcapped peaks.

There are only two basic resorts to stay at, situated on the western side of the lake. Rooms are small and basic but do feature western commodes. Food is basic and good and served nice and hot. There are verandas to sit and just watch the sun set over the lake.

DAY 6 – EXPLORE RARA LAKE
The best way to see Rara Lake is to trek its 17 km circumference. It’s an easy trek with many wonderful vantage points. It is relatively level, although you may want to hike up out of the valley to get an exquisite view of the lake and the mountains. Rara Lake is 5. 1 km long and 2. 7 km wide. You will discover several Hindu temples along its shores. Take your time hiking around the lake, stopping often for pictures as well as reflecting on its incredible beauty.

DAY 7 – FURTHER EXPLORATION OF RARA LAKE NATIONAL PARK
Sure, you can start your return trip today, but it took you just over four days to get here, so why be in a hurry to leave? The lodging here is very inexpensive. Your spirit rises in you as it is so incredibly relaxing to be by these beautiful blue waters. Today, take a hike to some higher elevations to look down at the lake as well as see the snowcapped peaks of the Humla Range. There are numerous waterfalls and wildflowers and other hidden gems to look for. Or simply relax with a good book near the water’s edge. At night, look up at the Himalayan skies and see the myriad of stars that dot the night sky like you’ve never seen before! Watch for shooting stars. Those are signs of good luck here.

DAY 8 - RETURN TO PINA VILLAGE
Don’t be in a hurry to leave. You can sleep in and leave late morning after breakfast if you desire. It’s about a 2 to 2 ½ hour trek uphill to reach the place where you can get a vehicle back to Pina village to spend the night. Stay at local tea houses with minimal facilities. They don’t see that many visitors here, so they will treat you like royalty.

DAY 9 & 10 – TRAVEL TO BIRENDRANAGAR
It’s two days on the local bus, with a stop overnight at a local hotel. You follow the Karnali River with its deep gorges and pretty little villages. You arrive in the evening at Birendranagar where you can return to your hotel for the night and get a hot bath and a good meal.

DAY 11 & 12 – RETURN TO KATHMANDU
The bus for Kathmandu leaves in mid-afternoon, so there is time to do email here in Birendranagar (there is no internet in Mugu or Rara Lake). It is also a good time to relax. The bus is an a/c bus which will take you on the overnight journey back to Kathmandu, arriving in early afternoon.