Jumla to Rara Lake Trek

Early in the morning flight to Jumla (35 minutes), Jumla airport is one of the best Nepal's remote airstrips-900m long and an easy approach- so flights operate more regularly than at places such as Lukla. This is the gateway to the wild northwest and one of the highest rice-growing areas in the world. The unique red rice is tastier than white rice but scorned by most Nepalis. Jumla Bazar is 10 minutes more from airport and explores the Jumla Bazar and surrounding area. Overnight in lodge

Today we start trek after having breakfast, the trail to Rara follows the north bank of Tila Khola, then turn up the other small stream. The Jumla Valley disappears behind the ridge as the trail follows the river, keeping fairly level and passing through fields and pine forests. Now trek begins an ascent up the Padmara Valley and becoming steeper as the climb continues. We have our lunch in proper place. Along the Padmara valley, the canyon becomes very narrow with vertical cliffs on both sides as the trail ascends through a deep forest of pines, spruces and firs. Finally we arrive in the last village of Patmara. Stay overnight in lodge homestay.

In the morning after breakfast, the trail descent becomes steep, through forests of firs, birches, walnuts and bamboo and some a short level stretch the trail zigzags down to the Sinja Khola, crossing it on a log bridge and follow the river downstream to Nyawre. Then we continue the serious climb, passing through marijuana fields and over a ridge into a side valley. Now the steep climbs continues for a while and the trail makes a turn into a big valley then descends until reaching Chautha. Stay overnight in homestay or lodge.

In this day, the rocky trail follows the stream uphill, crossing it as the wooded valley becomes narrower. The climb continues to the Bhulbule where entry our permit and above Bhulbule the trail emerges into an immense treeless meadow and climbs gently but steadily to an assortment of Chhortens, cairns and prayer flags atop the Ghurchi Lagna. From here, there are views of the Mugu Karnali River and snowy peaks bordering Tibet. The route descends gently on a broad path to a hut, and then drops precipitously down a rough trail through spruces forests. Follow the direct trail to Rara Lake, which stays more or less level through pine forests, and then descend to the Jhyari Khola. Stay overnight in homestay or lodge.

This day, cross s stream and make a steep climb to Thakuri Village of jhyari, in a picturesque grove of giant cedars. Then continue climbing through cedar forests to a huge meadow a top ridge with a great view of Rara Lake. Descends on the northern side of the lake where camping ground is available. Stay overnight homestay or lodge.

We have a complete day to explore the lake shoreline and its environs. We can visit the National Park headquarters and climb up to the wooden observation tower for fine views of the lake and surrounding hills. Swimming is allowed in the lake but be warned that at this altitude it will be quite refreshing! We spend a second night at the lake.

From the bridge at the western end of Rara Lake the trail will follow the Khatyar Khola River. We descend slowly this river and climb up a small trail surrounded by pine, spruce and rhododendron forests. Our path drops into the Ghatta valley heading towards the small settlement of Gurosingha. 

The route keeps heading down the Ghatta Valley following the Sinja Khola River. From the 12th to 14th century, Sinja was the capital of the Malla dynasty that ruled western Nepal. The ruins of the old palace can be seen across the river. There is an interesting temple here dedicated to Bhagwati, the Goddess of justice with its tigress.

From Sinja the trail crosses the Sinja Khola on a wooden cantilever bridge. After passing a few small villages, the trail goes on back and forth across the river on a series of quaint log bridges. Most of the trail is passing forest of pine, birch and oak and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a steep climb to Jaljala Chaur, a gigantic meadow full of horses.

For the last day of our trek we keep climbing through forests and meadows, head to the ridge at 3510m, and continue a pleasant descent to Jumla, the finishing point of our trek. We fly back to Kathmandu on the next morning. 

We take the early morning flight from Jumla to Nepalgunj, where we connect with our onward flight to Kathmandu. Arriving in the city we check into our hotel and this evening we will go out to enjoy a celebratory dinner in one of Kathmandu’s excellent restaurants. This is an important contingency day in case of delays to our flight from Jumla. If we have already flown back to Kathmandu, there is an optional complimentary half-day guided sightseeing tour of the city. Alternatively, especially if you have been to Kathmandu before, you can wander through the bazaars, perhaps do some shopping for souvenirs or you can make your own independent sightseeing tour either in Kathmandu or one of the outlying towns such as Bhaktapur or Patan. This evening we have our ‘end of holiday’ dinner and our final night in Nepal.