Rara Lake

The quickest way is to fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then Nepalgunj to Talcha (Rara Airport), and walk 2–3 hours to the lake. The classic way is to fly to Jumla and trek three to four days. Rough roads via Surkhet and the Karnali Highway also reach Mugu, but take about two days.

Late September to November gives the clearest skies and deepest colours, and April to May brings spring flowers and mild days. From December to March snow often blocks the trails and lodges close. June to August is the monsoon, with cloud and leeches.

Yes. Rara is Nepal's largest lake, with a surface of 10.8 sq km and a maximum depth of 167 m, at 2,990 m in Mugu district. It is bigger than Phewa in Pokhara and much deeper.

You need to pay the entry fee for Rara National Park, at the park office or through your agency. Since April 2023 foreign trekkers in national parks must walk with a licensed guide. Fees and rules change; check current status before you travel.

Yes, a few simple lodges and guesthouses near the park headquarters and on the approach from Talcha, plus designated camping sites. Rooms are basic, with shared toilets and no heating. In October and November they can fill with domestic groups, so book ahead.

In October nights drop to around freezing and days reach about 15–18 °C in sun. By November nights are well below freezing. In April and May days are mild, about 15–20 °C, with cold nights. Bring a down jacket and a four-season sleeping bag.

At 2,990 m some people feel mild symptoms such as headache or poor sleep, especially if they fly straight in to Talcha from the plains. Take it easy on the first day, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Serious altitude sickness is uncommon at this height, but descend if symptoms worsen.

Talcha is a small mountain airstrip that only operates in good visibility. Cloud, wind or rain at Nepalgunj or Talcha can ground flights, sometimes for several days. Flights also may not run daily outside the main seasons. Always build at least one spare day into a Rara trip.

Yes. A popular plan is to fly into Jumla, visit Sinja, trek to Rara and fly out from Talcha. Because all flights pass through Nepalgunj, it is easy to add three nights in Bardia, two hours away, before or after the mountains.