Trekking · Rara Lake
Walk the full shore of Rara in a day
Follow the trail right around Nepal's largest lake through blue pine and spruce forest and open meadows, with the water changing colour beside you and long stretches with no one else in sight.
The shore trail is the best way to understand Rara's size. Starting near the park headquarters, it winds through stands of blue pine, spruce and juniper, crosses open meadows where the old village fields once lay, and dips to small beaches and rocky points where you can stop and look across the water.
The full loop is roughly 13 km with gentle ups and downs, and most people take five to seven hours with breaks. On the north side the forest is darker and quieter; on the south the views open to the high ridge of Chuchemara. Listen for danphe and woodpeckers, and look for coots and grebes on the water.
Carry water, a packed lunch from your lodge, a warm layer and a rain jacket, as weather changes quickly at 3,000 m. A licensed guide must accompany foreign trekkers in the park under current rules. Start early in autumn, when afternoons turn cold and the light fades soon after 5 pm.
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Questions
How long does it take to walk around Rara Lake?
Most people take five to seven hours for the full loop of roughly 13 km, including stops for photos and lunch. The trail has gentle climbs and descents but no steep sections. Fit walkers can do it faster, but there is no reason to hurry.
Is the Rara shore trail difficult?
No. It is a moderate walk at almost 3,000 m, with some short climbs, roots and muddy patches after rain. The altitude makes it feel harder than the same walk at sea level, so go slowly and drink plenty of water. Most reasonably fit walkers manage it comfortably.
Can I swim in Rara Lake?
No. Swimming and bathing are not allowed, as the lake is protected inside a national park, and the water is very cold. Enjoy it from the shore. Park and army staff patrol the lake and enforce the rules.
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