Rara Lake is Nepal's largest lake, sitting at 3,062m in the far western Karnali province, surrounded by one of Nepal's most pristine pine forests. It receives very few visitors, simply because it is genuinely difficult to reach. There are no road connections: access requires domestic flights to Jumla and several days of trekking. This remoteness has kept the lake and its national park in better condition than almost any other protected area in Nepal, with populations of red panda, Himalayan bear, musk deer, and thousands of migratory birds.
The 16-day Dolpo Rara Lake Trek links this destination with Phoksundo Lake in Dolpo, creating a cross-country route through remote western Nepal that combines two of the country's most spectacular and least-visited lake landscapes. Beginning from the mountain airstrip at Jumla, the trail passes through traditional Thakuri and Chhetri villages, terraced farmland, and rhododendron forests before reaching Rara, then continues into the Dolpo region and the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake. The contrast between the two lakes, one lush pine-forested, one stark high-altitude turquoise, defines the journey.
This trek is for trekkers who specifically want western Nepal's remote terrain and who understand the logistical commitment of getting there. For Dolpo-focused routes, see our Lower Dolpo Round Trek or Phoksundo Lake Lodge Trek.
Duration: 16 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu) | Max Altitude: 3,062m (Rara Lake) | Trek Grade: Moderate to Strenuous — remote, domestic flights required | Best Season: October-November, March-May | Permits Required: Dolpo RAP, Shey Phoksundo NP Permit, Rara National Park Entry Permit
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What is Rara Lake?
Nepal's largest lake at 3,062m in Rara National Park, far-western Nepal. At 10.8km long and surrounded by pine forest, it is one of Nepal's most pristine natural environments with very few visitors.
How do you get to Rara Lake?
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj then to Jumla, then 2 to 3 days trekking to reach Rara. The Dolpo Rara Lake Trek approaches from Dolpo, linking two remote lake destinations in one journey.
What is the difference between Rara Lake and Phoksundo Lake?
Rara Lake is Nepal's largest lake (10.8km), forested and green, at 3,062m. Phoksundo Lake in Dolpo is deeper, turquoise, with stark cliffs, at 3,611m. This trek links both.
What permits are needed?
Dolpo Restricted Area Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit, and Rara National Park Entry Permit. We arrange all permits as part of your package.
Getaway Nepal Adventure (P.) Ltd.
Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 98510 38 908
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