Rara Lake Trek Langtang Ri Trekking & Expedition

Rara Lake Trek

Rara lake renowned as queen of lake perched at the elevation of 3200 meters and enveloped by lush Rara national park; sanctuary for several diverse wild life including musk deer, Himalayan black bear, danfe, snow leopard, gray langur, is awaiting to stun with its mesmerizing natural beauty generated from rich flora and fauna, rustic lifestyle, mountain scenery, local culture and many more.

Trek to Rara Lake; which fascinates the visitors with the ever-changing nature of the lake within single day, begins after the scenic flight to Jumla airstrip then proceeds navigating via unexplored region. …. Days trek to Rara lake; slice of heaven is awe-inspiring as trek endows moments to perceive the bewildering scenery of the icy blue jewel on the foothills of the mountains that has encircled the lake as well as opportunity to encounter the bird species which has made the lake periphery as breeding hub and migratory water fowl who shift to Rara lake to relish on seasoned atmosphere.

Duration: 17 days

Price: $2049

Group Size: 2

Grade: Moderate

Destination: Nepal

Activity: Trekking

Equiment Lists:

Footwear : Well broken-in walking shoes - these must be suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes.

Clothing : Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, track suit. Rara Lake Trek Langtang Ri Trekking & Expedition

Other equipment: Sleeping bag (5 seasons), lock, day pack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries, lip salve, gaiters.

Other items: Insect repellent, toilet articles, diary, toilet roll, laundry soap, wet ones, pocket knife, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, film, cards and personal medical kit.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

A Lantang Ri Trekking and Expedition representative will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. When you are ready you will be collected from your hotel lobby and driven to our Thamel office where you will be formally introduced to your Trekking Guide. We will go through all your trek itinerary and arrangements with you an ensure every detail is in place. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details so that we can organize any permits required for your trek and the region you will be exploring.

Accommodation Package: 2/3-star hotel in Thamel – Dinner

Day 2: Some Sightseeing in and Around Kathmandu

After breakfast, we start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. Escorting by an English speaking guide (can be provide any language speaking guide on request) be, try to give them a full taste of our vivid culture image and an enchanting manner of its people. In our sightseeing tour we go to Monkey temple Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath and Kathmandu Durbar square.

Bouddhanath: Bouddhanath is a Buddhist religious complex with a history dating back over 500 years. Located on the eastern edge of Kathmandu it is now a site of great pilgrimage for Buddhist followers who circle its massive stupa, spin its many prayer wheels and visit its beautiful monastery. The main feature of Boudhanath is its huge hemispherical white stupa with central golden tower and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. Visitors should circle the stupa in a clockwise direction and spin prayer wheels for good fortune and a good life. Visitors may also enjoy visiting the Thangka painting school within the complex to see highly skilled artists at work on religious mandala paintings.

Pashupatinath: Hindu Temple is a very large and complex and focal point for the Hindu religion. This old and very revered complex of buildings and shrines is dedicated to the Lord Shiva, one of the main deities of Hinduism. While Lord Shiva has multiple forms he is often seen as the destroyer. This has great significance for the Pashupatinath temple as it is the site of many Hindi ritual cremations each day. Pashupatinath is considered by Hindus to be an auspicious site for passing from one stage of life to the next through the purifying and destroying flames of cremation. However, on a happier note, visitors may also get to see the temple in a buoyant festival mode with one of the many Hindu festivals celebrated here through the year.

Swayambhunath: You will first visit the Swayambhunath temple complex that sits atop a high hill overlooking Kathmandu and the entire Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is perhaps the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Nepal. It consists of a very large white stupa with the all-seeing-eye of Lord Buddha plus many small stupa and beautifully carved stone shrines. This is a wonderful place to catch your breath and start to understand and appreciate the deep importance of Buddhist belief to the people of Nepal and the Himalaya region. Make sure you ring the many bells to awaken the gods and let them know you are in Nepal. Take the time to enjoy the view over Kathmandu and have your guide point the many other highlights of the city. In the far distance to the east you may also be able to see the hills of Nagarkot where your hotel for tonight is located. If you feel energetic you might also like to try

2 Rara Lake Trek Langtang Ri Trekking & Expedition some or all of the 350 steps that lead all the way from Kathmandu city up to your Swayambhunath temple vantage point.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: The next stop today is the beautiful Kathmandu Durbar Square, or the royal palace square of the ancient Malla kings of the Kathmandu Valley. This square and all its architectural treasures are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While some damage to buildings occurred in the 2015 earthquake the site still contains many stunning architectural gems. The original royal palace courtyards are open to visitors and you will marvel at the intricate timber carving and beautifully crafted brickwork of the palace. The open square outside the palace has many beautiful multi-storey pagodas and temples with ornate carving and carpentry artwork that tells some of the story of the ancient kings and their mystical time and beliefs. The square also contains many important Hindu temples and statues such as to Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Durbar Square also contains the unique and intriguing Kumari Chok. This is an ancient and ornate house where resides the Raj Kumari – the Living Goddess. She is a young girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. If you are in the courtyard of the home at the right time in the afternoon you may see a brief glimpse of the Goddess at her window.

Day 3: Flight to Nepalgunj

Due to the somewhat remote location of Lake Rara it does take a little effort to get there. Today we start the journey with a one hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on the Nepal-India border in western Nepal. Nepalgunj is a busy city of 74,000 people and a hub for cross-border trade and the local agricultural sector on the Terai Plains. Depending upon your flight arrival time you may like to pay a visit to local attractions such as the Bageswory temple, one of the most important temples for Hindus. It is dedicated to goddess Bageshwori and the temple area also houses another famous temple to the temple of lord Shiva with mustache.

Accommodation Package: 2-star hotel in Nepaljunj – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 4: Flight to Nepalgunj -short flight to Jumla

We fly north today on the short flight to Jumla the main air-hub for central western Nepal. Jumla sits at an altitude of 2,514m so you notice the slightly thinner air on your arrival. The region is a major centre for rice growing and is highly regarded for its unique Kala Marshi rice variety, a unique red rice that is sought after for its special taste – see if you can try some with your evening meal. This afternoon your guide and porters will organise all the trekking equipment and supplies ready for an early start tomorrow morning – so make sure to sort your personal day-pack load and have your essentials with you tomorrow.Accommodation Package: 2-star hotel in Jumla – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 5: Trek from Jumla to Padmora

We hit the trekking trail early today and start our first ascent immediately we depart Jumla. We head north from the cultivated Jumla valley and ascend a long ridge trail through beautiful pine forests. We make our way to a high valley cleft through the ridge where we cross our first 3,200m high pass and then descend down a winding valley trail to the river below. From here we must ascend again, but the trail now gets much steeper as we ascend just over 800m in altitude and our next high pass. This pass between Chere and Patmana take us to about 3,800m altitude before we wind our way down again to our destination for today, Padmora (2,920m). You will have plenty of time this afternoon to explore this busy village. Make sure to find the beautiful Buddhist chortens and Hindu temple that this village is well know for. They will also help explain the interesting religious and cultural mix of the people

3 Rara Lake Trek Langtang Ri Trekking & Expedition in this region of Nepal.

Accommodation Package: Tent – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 6: Trek from Padmora to Bhadgaon

Initially we head west along the ridge from Padmora. At time this delivers views to the snowy Himalayan peaks of the Upper Dolpo region, so make sure you cease these vista opportunities. Our trail winds its way west and north-west through forests of pine, oak and bamboo as we head for the Khari La Pass (3,050m) and start the descent into the next valley. We continue down through forests and then cultivated terraces to reach a suspension bridge over the small Nyawer Khola River. The walking is easy now as we descend gently down the valley to reach Bhadgaon (2,690m). You will have plenty of time this afternoon to explore the village and visit its monastery.

Accommodation Package: Tent – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 7: Trek from Bhadgaon to Pina

Our trek starts with a short descent westward alomg the Nyawer Khola River much as we were yesterday afternoon. However, we soon turn north again and start a not too steep ascent up the Chautha Khola Valley towards Bhulbule (3,130m). This is the southern entrance to the Rara National Park and your guide will process the paperwork and permit for you to proceed. The trail then ascends steeply through thick forst as we head for the top of the valley and the Ghurchi La Pass (3,460m). From here we descend through more forest before a short ascent over another lower pass and the final descending walk to Pina. We are likely to take six or seven hours today to complete this stage.

Accommodation Package: Tent – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 8: Trek from Pina to Gamgadhi

The walking today is much easier as we pretty much follow the waters of the Gum Khola River as they descend the valley from Pina towards our destination of Gamgadhi. Most of the trail will wind through forests of juniper and rhododendron and terraced farmlands with many tiny farming settlements. There will be plenty of opportunities for your guide to help you meet some local people and understand a little of the way of life in this part of Nepal. You will find Gamgadhi as reasonably busy village as it is a cultural and business hub for this region and also the “gateway” to Lake Rara itself.

Accommodation Package: Tent – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 9: Trek from Gamgadhi to Lake Rara

Today we head for and reach Lake Rara – however not without a little effort. We need to ascend about 800m from Gamgadhi to the lake. The trail winds steeply up the valley wall as we head west and climb higher and higher. Each step delivers bettwe views to the east and the Dolpo region. At the ridge crest we get our first spectacular views of the beautiful little jewel – Lake Rara. As we near the lake we descend again through pine, spruce and juniper forests and then make our way to the shore. The lake is very small, just 5.1km long and 2.7km wide, but it is the deepest lake in Nepal, 167m or 548 feet. Now you can relax as the hard work of reaching this hidden gem is completed.

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Accommodation Package: Tent – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 10: Acclimatisation at Lake Rara

Take things easy today and let the natural beauty of the lake and its environment heal your body and soul. There are countless fantastic photo opportunities from dawn to sundown from endless vantage point around and above the lake – so you are sure to return home with some photographic masterpeices of nature photography. Also keep a lookout for birds and wildlife that thrive in the national park forests. The park was established in 1976 to preserve the beauty of the lake and protect it from sedimentation and adverse human activities. The park flora consists of 1,074 species of which 16 are endemic to Nepal. The fauna includes 51 species of mammals and 214 species of birds.

Accommodation Package: Tent – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 11: Rara Lake circuit and to Jhyari

Today we get to explore the lake from every vantage point as we complete a morning circumnavigation of the lake. The trail winds along the shore and through the open forest. Just before we reach our starting point we will head south and ascend the main forest- clad ridge. Once over the crest (3,090m) we descend to the tiny settlement of Jhyari (2,600m).

Accommodation Package: Tent – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 12: Trek from Jhyari to Bhadgaon

Our return trek takes us first back to Pina where we rejoin our trail from some days ago. From here we retrace out steps back up to the Ghurchi La Pass (3,460m) and then the steep descent to Bhadgaon. The walking will be a bit hard today after our few days of rest and easy walking around Lake Rara.

Accommodation Package: Tent – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 13: Trek from Bhadgaon to Padmora

We continue to retrace our steps and wind our way up the ascent to the Khari La Pass (3,050m) and then back to Padmora.

Accommodation Package: Tent – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 14: Trek from Padmora to Jumla

Our last day on the trail as we “unwind” the trail back to Jumla. We have two high passes to traverse but we’ve done it before and know what to expect and that we can do it. The extra fitness you will have built during the trek will make the task much easier than the first time over these passes.

Accommodation Package: 2-star hotel in Jumla – Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

Day 15: Jumla to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu flight

Since the flights from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu are reasonably frequent we should make the connection and make it all the way back to Kathmandu tody.

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Accommodation Package: 2/3-star hotel in Thamel – Breakfast – Dinner

Day 16: Kathmandu free day

Time for some more independent sightseeing and gift shopping before celebrating your trekking achievement with a farewell dinner in Thamel.

Accommodation Package: 2/3-star hotel in Thamel – Breakfast – Dinner

Day 17: Flight Departure for Home

We will collect you in good time from your hotel and whisk you out to the airport for check-in. Make some time to start thinking about your next adventurous exploration of Nepal and the wider Himalaya Mountain region. We hope to see you again very soon on a new adventure.

Accommodation Package: 2/3-star hotel in Thamel – Breakfast

Cost Include:

Airport transportation by private vehicle Accommodation 2/3-star in kathmandu; 2-star in Nepalgunj/Jumla; tent on trekking trail Sightseeing in Kathmandu escorted with English speaking guide – all entrance fees Domestic return flights Kathmandu-Jumla Hire of down jacket and sleeping bag All necessary paper work and trekking permits Rara National Park pernit and fee and TIMS All cost for a Langtang Ri staff – trained and licensed Guide and one porter between two trek clients; 10kg load limit per client Accommodation, meals, salary, equipment, transportation and insurance of Langtang Ri trekking staff Experienced cook, sherpas and kitchen crew Tents, mattress, cooking utensils and camping equipment First Aid Kit Farewell dinner

Cost exclude:

International airfare Nepal Visa fee (US$ 50 per person for 30 days) Excess baggage charges Drinking water; hot shower; electricity during trek Soft/hard drinks Tips, any expenses of personal nature, client’s insurance Personal gears and clothing Medical evacuation in case of emergency Expenses incurred due to mishaps, landslide, strikes, political unrest etc. In such case extra will be charged as per actual Anything not specified in cost include section

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