Dolpo Region

Rara isNepal's largest lake and lies at an altitude of 2980m. An outstanding snowcappedpanorama of Dolpo and Tibetan mountains overshadows the sceneacross the deep clear waters of the lake. The National park consists of Himalayanblack bear, leopard, black panther, musk deer, red panda, wild boar,Rhesus and languor monkeys and numerous species of birds.The final four days of the trek offer superb views over Mugu, the southernmountains of Humla and the border ranges of Tibet. The trail takes us throughgrassy alpine pastures and remote villages, before descending steeply off thesecond pass to Jumla. From here, we fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.Highlights of the trekUnsurpassed views of Rara Lake and mountain scenery, chance of spottingwildlife such as musk deer and black bear, ruins of the Malla dynasty's oldpalace.

Detailed itinerary

Itinerary can be customized according to your needs and length of stay.

Day 01 - Arrival in kathmandu

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport transfer to your hotel. Shortbriefing will follow concerning the necessary formalities and your trekkingitinerary. Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visitingnearby sanctuaries or resting.

Day 02 - Sightseeing / Cultural Day in Kathmandu Valley

Half day sightseeing around Kathmandu where your guide will escort youon a tour of Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient localtraditions. There is time to explore the city's many places of interest on yourown or take a rest while trekking permits are finalised. In the evening samplea delicious traditional Nepali dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 03 - Kathmandu to Nepaljung

Fly to Nepalgung, a small town near the Indian border in the Terai region ofNepal, and stay overnight in this transit city.

Day 04 - Nepalgunj to Jumla (2370m)

Fly to North from Nepalgunj crossing several hilly regions. If weather staygood can see the good views of snow-capped mountains to the east and west.Jumla town is in a delightful valley and here are the highest limits of paddycultivation, growing red rice. The town is the administrative headquarters ofthe entire Karnali zone and Jumla district. Local regulations have declaredJumla a dry district, so no alcohol is available.

Day 05 - Jumla to Uthugaon (2530m)

We start our trek by following the north bank of the Tila Khola river and thenturn north following the Chaudhabise Khola passing through fields and pineforests. We will ascent up the Padmara valley. Our trail keeps following theriver until we arrive at the small village of Uthugaon, where we will have agood campsite close to the school on the opposite site of the river (4 hrs).

Day 06 – Uthugaon to Danphe Lagna (3500m)

After our breakfast we will follow the trail through this narrow canyon to thevillage of Padmara at 2900 m. Our path then climbs to the Khali Lagna passat 3550 m through a deep forest of pines, spurches and firs. Shortly after thispass both routes come together and the trail then descends gently throughmixed forest of spruces, birches and rhododendrons to arrive at our campsiteat Danphe Lagna. Here the colourful national bird of Nepal (the Himalayanmonal, or impeyan peasant) has been spotted many times at the edge of ourcampsite (4 hrs).

Day 07 - Danphe Lagna to Chautha (2770m)

The trails descend gently alongside the stream to two bhattis (teashops) athTharamara (3280m) and the descending more steep passing through fir,birch, and walnut and bamboo forests. After crossing a bridge at 2680 meterwe follow the river downstream before starting a serious climb passing somewater-driven mills to Kabra. Here is a huge overhanging rock which is thesource of silaji, a mineral which is believed to have "healing" properties. It isexported to India and it is believed by people that 'there is hardly any curabledisease which cannot be controlled or cured with the aid of silaji……' Oursteep climb continues for a while and then levels out before Bhara (classicTibetan style village). After this village we then descend to the Chauro Kholariver to the village of Chautha (6 hrs).

Day 08 - Chautha to Dhotu (2380m)

Our trail continues to follow the stream uphill to Bhulbule, the Rara NationalPark entrance station at 3130 meter. Our path continues climbing gently toGhurchi Lagna pass (3450m) which is covered with an assortment of chortens(round stone Buddhist monuments) and prayer flags. From the pass the routedescends gently at first before dropping down precipitously through spruceforests. The path levels at about 2900 meter and continues more or less levelto the small settlement of Dhotu were our camp of the day will be (5:30 hrs).

Day 09 - Dhotu to Rara lake (2980m)

It is a short, pleasant trek with fine views to the north. From Dhotu, we traversea steep north facing slope and cross a series of fields down to a small stream.Crossing the bridge, we climb up to the Thakuri village of Jhyari (2630m). FromJhyari, we climb steadily up through cedar forest to a huge meadow atop a3050 meter ridge with great overhead views of Rara Lake. We will follow thetrail along to the northern side of the Lake, where the park headquarters andthe camping ground are situated (4 hrs).

Day 10 - Rara Lake

Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal. It is almost 13 km around the lake anda day devoted to walk around is well spent. Designated a national park in1975, this region offers remoteness and a wilderness experience unlike anyother region of Nepal, where birds, flowers and wildlife thrive. Among themammals in this region are Himalayan bears, serows, gorals, musk deer, redpandas and both rhesus and langur monkeys. The 170 meter deep lake is ahabitat for otters and an important resting place for migrating water fowl.

Day 11 - Rara Lake to Gorosingha (3190m)

From the bridge at the western end of Rara lake the trail will follow the KhatyarKhola river. We will keep following this river slowly descending before weclimb out following a small trail surrounded by pine, spruce and rhododendronforests. We follow our path dropping into the Ghatta valley headingtowards the small settlement of Gorosingha where there are severalexcellent campsites (5 hrs).

Day 12 - Gorusingha to Sinja (2440m)

The route keeps heading down the Ghatta valley from Gorosingha followingthe Sinja Khola river downwards to Sinja. From the 12th to 14th century, Sinjawas the capital of the Malla dynasty that ruled western Nepal. The ruins of theold palace can be seen across the river. There is an interesting temple herededicated to Bhagwati, the goddess of justice who rides atop a tiger (5 hrs).

Day 13 - Sinja to Jaljala Chaur (3270m)

From Sinja, the trail crosses the Sinja Khola on a wooden cantilever bridge.After passing a few small villages, the trail crosses back and forth across theriver on a series of quaint log bridges. Most of the trek is through forest ofpine, birch and oak and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a steepclimb to Jaljala Chaur, a gigantic meadow full of horses (6 hrs).

Day 14 - Jaljal Chaur to Jumla (2370m)

Keep climbing through forest to yet another meadow, just below the ridge at3510m, then a pleasant descent to Jumla (4 hrs).

Day 15 & 16 - Jumla to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 17 – KathmanduDeparture from Kathmandu.