Rara Lake Trek Difficult
The Rara Lake Trek is generally considered moderate level difficulty, so you don’t need to be an extremely strong hiker or experienced hiker. Most of its trail is mild, with minimal ups and downs that can be done by even beginners. Rara Lake View Trek is not like other popular difficult trek, where you have to climb and walk difficult route. Rather, the walk feels more comfortable and easier, and you have plenty of time to rest and appreciate the beauty of the scenery during the Rara Lake View Trek.
For the Rara Lake Trek, having average fitness is enough. The most challenging part comes at Day 4 while hiking through Jaljala Pass at 3,585 meters but you can enjoy this journey without any major issues if you can walk for 4 to 6 hours daily with some short breaks.
Also, there’s a lower chance of altitude sickness because the altitude of Rara Lake isn’t very high compared to other well-known journeys like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp. Still, you should walk slowly at your natural pace and drink plenty of water because not every person’s body works same. For numerous people the most difficult part isn’t trekking through different routes, but rather the isolated location. Since the area is less developed, and it has very limited rescue and medical facilities.
Overall, this Rara Lake Trek is not too hard that even beginners can do it comfortably which gives trekkers a satisfying and peaceful journey.
Preparation
Preparation is what makes a journey exciting. When preparing for the Rara Lake Trek, it is essential that you start your physical exercises six to eight weeks before your planned trip. It would be helpful if you are capable of walking continuously for five to six hours carrying a small backpack.
Cardio exercises will be useful when you are readying yourself for the trek. Jogging, riding a bike, swimming, and even fast walking will give you the endurance necessary to trek. Don’t forget to climb stairs or go for walks in the hills to train your legs.
Legs, core, and lower back strength training will benefit you greatly. It is important to maintain an upright posture throughout the trek, and core strength will assist in maintaining this posture without feeling exhausted.
When it comes to gear, trekking boots are a must, but a new trekking boot is a no. Used trekking boots are much comfortable and it has taken its shape according to your foot and new one will just give your blister when trekking. Base layer clothing, an insulated jacket, a sleeping bag rated up to -10 degrees, trekking poles, rain cover, and a basic medical kit are some essential items that you should carry for the Rara Lake Trek Itinerary.
Remember to buy travel insurance that will cover your expenses for trekking in high altitude areas and helicopter evacuation.
Cultural Festival on the Rara Lake Trek
If you happen to travel during a local festival is something that turns a good trip into a memorable one. Each village visited as part of the Rara Lake View Trek has its own calendar of festive events.
Maghe Sankranti is a major festival that falls between January which marks then end of winter period. Various festivals are organized in different part of western Nepal celebrate with family members and relatives.
Gauri Festival is another festival celebrate by Tharu community honoring the goddess Gauri which involves folk singing, dances and prayers. This festival takes place either in August or September.
The Buddhist community in Rara National Park also celebrates Losar, the New Year celebrated by Tibetans, which take place in February and March. It is celebrated with mask dances, prayers, and other rituals are performed at monasteries during Losar.
If you plan your Rara Lake Trek Itinerary to coincide with any one of these festivals, you will have an amazing cultural experience in addition to the spectacular natural scenery that you get during your trek.
Language & Communication
The official language of Nepal is Nepali, and this is the common language used throughout Nepal. But trekkers will have no problem in communicating in Kathmandu. English is spoken by everybody, especially hotel staffs, tourist agencies, restaurant owners, and even guides speak English. Thus, language will not be an obstacle while traveling in Kathmandu.
In the case of the Rara Lake trek, everything is quite different because the villages where you will pass through on this trail are located at remote areas, and most local people speak Nepali or their native languages. It might be difficult to communicate directly, but with some gesture and some Nepali word like “Namaste” and “Dhanabaad”, it creates a positive relationship with the locals.
For most of the time, communication in the trekking will be handled by your trekking guide himself, who will also take care of all negotiations in teahouses and directions through villages. This becomes a reason why having an expert and locally known guide becomes imperative for your trek.
Mobile Network, Internet & Charging Facilities
Connectivity during the Rara Lake Trek is very poor and limited, and it is what makes the trek special. You will have no distraction of social media or any notification. When in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, you will have full mobile connectivity and good internet connectivity available throughout your stay in hotels and cafes.
Once you start trekking from Jumla, connectivity becomes poor. There are two major mobile network operators in Nepal: Ncell and NTC. The NTC network usually performs better in the western regions of Nepal, which means that if you buy an NTC SIM card in Kathmandu, you will have some signal on the trekking route.
Internet connectivity on the trek route is simply non-existent. Email check-ins, photo uploading, and keeping up with social media accounts will not be possible during the trekking days. And this is the time where you will enjoy the most.
To charge you devices, it is possible only until Jumla. This area is very remote and there are not many tea houses with charging facilities, if they do it will cost few bucks per device. You will spend most of the night in tent, so make sure to carry a power bank that can charge your device at least 3 to 4 times
Permits Required for Rara Lake Trek
Sorting out your papers before landing helps save you a lot of trouble. If you plan on coming into Nepal as an international traveler, then you will need a valid tourist visa. Luckily, Nepal has a relatively simple procedure whereby you can get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can also apply online via the Nepal Immigration website.
Visitor visas last for 15, 30, or 90 days and cost around $50 for a 30-day visa. Ensure that your passport has more than six months until expiration from the date of entry.
You will need a couple of permits because Rara Lake is located inside Rara National Park.
- Rara National Park Permit: This permit is required by trekkers if they want to enter inside the Rara National Park. It is issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). It takes around NRs 1,000 to 1,500 per person.
- Trekkers’ Information Registration: The trekkers should also get their information registered in the local district forest office or tourism office in Mugu. It is done for safety and management purposes in the park, and it does not cost much.
- TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System): The Tims card depend on the trek and it is no longer necessary to bring Tims card for Rara Lake Trek.
Tips:
- If you trek with a reliable trekking agency like Epic Trek Nepal, travelers don’t need to worry about this process, all the permits will be arranged by us.
- Carry a photocopy of all the permits.
- Keep your permit safe, as you need to show the permit in every check along the trek.
Travel Insurance
When you trek through one of the remotest regions in northwest Nepal where no proper health care services are available, your only option is helicopter evacuation if something goes terribly wrong. And the cost of helicopter evacuation is very expensive. So, buying travel insurance is not only an option but a life saver.
While buying a travel insurance make sure it cover above 3,000 meters. Some travel insurance policies don’t cover trekking above certain elevations, so do some research before purchasing the insurance package. Your insurance policy must include the cover for helicopter evacuation and repatriation.
Reliable insurance companies that trekkers trust when going on a journey to the Himalayas are World Nomads, Allianz, and IMG Global. Depending on your citizenship, your agency might even recommend some insurance company. Let your guide know the name of your insurance policy as soon as you join on the Rara Lake Trek.
A good insurance covers up all your worries on the trail. This way you can completely concentrate on enjoying your journey.
Safety Tips and Emergencies
The Rara Lake Trek is a beginner friendly trek, but you still need to take precautions because the trail goes above 3000 m. At this altitude some people might feel slight altitude sickness. You can usually stay safe and comfortable while travelling if you walk slowly, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep.
Some Additional Tips
- Take your time and don’t rush: Even if the trekking route is not as difficult as other popular trek, rushing can quickly wear you out. You need to take your time and trek slowly and calmly while enjoying the scenery.
- Drink plenty of water: Above 3,000 m you need to drink plenty of water even if you do not feel like drinking. Without your knowledge, the dry mountain air causes your body to dehydrate.
- Listen to your body: A headache, appetite loss, fatigue or nausea are some of the early signs of altitude sickness, so don’t ignore it or it will make it even worse. Instead, take some rest, drink warm water and inform your guide about your condition.
- Travel insurance: You need to have travel insurance before the trek that will help to cover emergency evacuation in case of any emergencies.
In the event of serious medical emergency helicopter evacuation can be arranged to the nearest hospital in Nepalgunj or Kathmandu A guide can also arrange small health post or basic clinic in nearby village, which can handle minor injuries.
Trip Extension and Side Trails
Rara Lake Trek itself is already quite an enjoyable one, but there are many side trails for those who want to spend more time on western part of Nepal. There are several routes to choose from and explore, all of which complement the main route perfectly.
One of the most interesting routes that you can combine with Rara Lake Trek Is upper Dolpo Trek. Upper and Lower Dolpo are located close to the Rara and offer one of the stunning and unique landscapes you can see anywhere in Nepal. In addition, the ancient culture of Bon Buddhism is something special to experience, along with high-desert landscape that is completely different than Rara Lake.
Another possibility is spending more time in Sinja Valley. This valley has preserved the Nepal’s most important archaeological and historical treasures, such as the history of the Khasa Kingdom. Spending one or two more days to visit Sinja’s stone constructions, inscriptions, and religious sites enriches your trekking experience with an extra layer of culture without any major changes to your itinerary.
For those have limited time can visit Chhuchh Waterfall near Jumla makes for a pleasant half-day excursion before or after your main trek. The waterfall sits within easy walking distance of Jumla town and offers a gentle, scenic start or finish to your journey.
If you are more interested in wildlife and photography, you can add extra day around Rara National Park. This park has over 200 species of birds that you can spot them on while roaming around.
Please discuss these extension ideas with us if you want to add them to your itinerary while doing the Rara Lake Trek. Most of these excursions need proper planning and arrangements.
With Epic Trek Nepal, your trek is organized smoothly, from flight and accommodation to guides and porter, making the trek safe, reliable, and unforgettable. For those who wants a peaceful, remote, free from crowds, and serene Himalayan adventure without the risk of high altitude this Rara Lake Trek Itinerary is perfect.
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