Rara Lake

How do you reach Rara Lake?

Fly from Nepalgunj to Talcha Airstrip in Mugu District, then hike for two to three hours along gentle pine ridge trails to the lake's eastern shore.

Adventurous travelers can also reach Rara by overland four-wheel-drive jeep along the Karnali Highway via Surkhet and Jumla.

Trekkers seeking an authentic walk can hike 4 to 5 days along ancient trading trails from Jumla via Danphe Lagna.

Boating across the lake connects the national park headquarters to lakeside community lodges.

What makes Rara Lake an ecological sanctuary?

Covering nearly 10 square kilometers at an altitude of 2,990 m, Rara Lake is surrounded by dense forests of blue pine, black juniper, Himalayan spruce, and rhododendron.

The lake reaches a maximum depth of 167 meters and is home to three endemic species of snow trout found nowhere else.

During spring and autumn, Rara serves as a vital resting stop for migratory trans-Himalayan birds such as coots, grebes, and mallards.

The surrounding park shelters rare mammals including musk deer, red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and leopards.

What is the view from Murma Top?

Murma Top at 3,726 m is the primary panoramic viewpoint above Rara Lake, reachable in a 3 hour uphill hike from the western shore village of Murma.

The viewpoint provides a bird's-eye perspective of the entire shimmering blue expanse of Rara ringed by green forest.

To the north and east, snowy summits along the border of western Tibet stretch across the horizon.

Watching early morning mist lift off the deep blue waters from Murma Top is an unforgettable highlight.

Things to do in Rara Lake

1. 01

   Walk the lake perimeter trail

   A gentle 13 km circuit trail follows the shoreline through fragrant pine woodlands with wooden viewing docks.

2. 02

   Climb Murma Top (3,726 m)

   Hike up past rural farming hamlets to the highest ridge for full aerial panoramas of Rara and western peaks.

3. 03

   Wooden boat tour

   Rent a paddle boat or electric watercraft with park rangers to cruise the deep cobalt waters.

Nearby

• Dhorpatan

Frequently asked questions