Nepal / Far West: Bardia & Rara / Rara LakeRara Lake
Nepal's Largest Lake in the Remote Karnali
A blue lake at 2,990 m ringed by pine and juniper in Rara National Park, Nepal's smallest park and one of its least visited. Getting there is the adventure: a flight from Nepalgunj to Talcha airstrip (Mugu), about an hour's walk from the lake, or a flight to Jumla and 5-6 hours by jeep, or two to three days by road from Surkhet. Small planes fly only in good weather, so keep a spare day either side. Lodges are few and simple; snow closes much of the area from December to February.
Highlights
- Walk round the lake (about 13 km)
- Murma Top view over the lake
- Boating on the lake
- Pine forest and red pandas (rarely seen)
- Thakuri villages of Mugu
Things to do
- Rara Lake circuit walkMorning · 5h
- Hike to Murma TopMorning · 3h
- Lakeside sunsetEvening · 1h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: April – June, September – November
Worth knowing
Rara Snowbound in Winter
From December to March snow covers Rara and the trails to it, Talcha flights are fewer and often cancelled, and most of the few lodges close. April–June and September–November are the seasons.