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Rara Lake Trekking Detail Itinerary
Day 01 - Arrival in kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport
transfer to your hotel. Short briefing will follow concerning the
necessary formalities and your trekking itinerary. Depending upon your
arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby sanctuaries or
resting.
Day 02 - Sightseeing / Cultural Day in Kathmandu Valley
Half day sightseeing around Kathmandu where your
guide will escort you on a tour of Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines
reflecting ancient local traditions. There is time to explore the city’s
many places of interest on your own or take a rest while trekking permits
are finalised. In the evening sample a 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 of Nepal, and stay overnight in this transit
city.
Day 04 - Nepalgunj to Jumla (2370m)
Fly to North from Nepalgunj crossing several hilly
regions. If weather stay good 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 paddy cultivation, growing red rice. The
town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali zone and
Jumla district. Local regulations have declared Jumla 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 then turn north following the Chaudhabise Khola
passing through fields and pine forests. We will ascent up the Padmara
valley. Our trail keeps following the river until we arrive at the small
village of Uthugaon, where we will have a good 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 the village of Padmara at 2900 m. Our path then
climbs to the Khali Lagna pass at 3550 m through a deep forest of pines,
spurches and firs. Shortly after this pass both routes come together and
the trail then descends gently through mixed forest of spruces, birches
and rhododendrons to arrive at our campsite at Danphe Lagna. Here the
colourful national bird of Nepal (the Himalayan monal, or impeyan peasant)
has been spotted many times at the edge of our campsite (4 hrs).
Day 07 - Danphe Lagna to Chautha (2770m)
The trails descend gently alongside the stream to
two bhattis (teashops) ath Tharamara (3280m) and the descending more steep
passing through fir, birch, and walnut and bamboo forests. After crossing
a bridge at 2680 meter we follow the river downstream before starting a
serious climb passing some water-driven mills to Kabra. Here is a huge
overhanging rock which is the source of silaji, a mineral which is
believed to have “healing” properties. It is exported to India and it is
believed by people that ‘there is hardly any curable disease which cannot
be controlled or cured with the aid of silaji……’ Our steep climb continues
for a while and then levels out before Bhara (classic Tibetan style
village). After this village we then descend to the Chauro Khola river 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 National Park entrance station at 3130 meter. Our path
continues climbing gently to Ghurchi Lagna pass (3450m) which is covered
with an assortment of chortens (round stone Buddhist monuments) and prayer
flags. From the pass the route descends gently at first before dropping
down precipitously through spruce forests. The path levels at about 2900
meter and continues more or less level to 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 traverse a 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). From Jhyari, we climb steadily
up through cedar forest to a huge meadow atop a 3050 meter ridge with
great overhead views of Rara Lake. We will follow the trail along to the
northern side of the Lake, where the park headquarters and the 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 and a day devoted to walk around is well spent.
Designated a national park in 1975, this region offers remoteness and a
wilderness experience unlike any other region of Nepal, where birds,
flowers and wildlife thrive. Among the mammals in this region are
Himalayan bears, serows, gorals, musk deer, red pandas and both rhesus and
langur monkeys. The 170 meter deep lake is a habitat 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 Khatyar Khola river. We will keep following this
river slowly descending before we climb out following a small trail
surrounded by pine, spruce and rhododendron forests. We follow our path
dropping into the Ghatta valley heading towards the small settlement of
Gorosingha where there are several excellent campsites (5 hrs).
Day 12 - Gorusingha to Sinja (2440m)
The route keeps heading down the Ghatta valley from
Gorosingha following the Sinja Khola river downwards to Sinja. 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 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 the river on a series of quaint log bridges.
Most of the trek is through 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 (6 hrs).
Day 14 - Jaljal Chaur to Jumla (2370m)
Keep climbing through forest to yet another meadow,
just below the ridge at 3510m, then a
pleasant descent to Jumla (4 hrs).
Day 15 & 16 - Jumla to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 17 - Kathmandu
Departure from Kathmandu
Days 01 : Arrive at Tribhuwan international
airport, Kathmandu, you are welcomed by the hospitable meeting and then
you will be transferred to your hotel. Short briefing will be followed
about necessary formalities and rest of the program. Depending on arrival
time you will have choice of visiting nearby sanctuaries or have a rest
day.
Days 02 :
After breakfast we drive to Swoyambhunatha stupa has it that Manjushree,
found of Kathmandu valley, and discovered the lotus of ancient valley lake
on which site the great stupa of swoyambhunath was later built. The omni
sighted stare of Buddha greets visitors & residents a like compassion.
This is one of the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world, which has been
registered in UNICEOO heritage side. We then visit to Kathmandu Durbar
Square. Kathmandu durbar square situated the center of Kathmandu where you
can see the House of Living Goddess”KUMARI” Kasthamandup temple” Said that
was built from single tree in 16th century, big bell-big drams, erotic
carving in old temple, old palace etc. We then finally were sightseeing to
Patan Durbar Square. Patan Durbar square is one of the beautiful Durbars
square in Kathmandu valley. It is very famous for woodcarving, Metal
works, Temples and Monasteries. Tour of Patan includes tour of Krishna
temple, Patan king’s palace, Golden temple and much more.
Days 03 :
KATHMANDU - NEPALGUNJ: Fly to west south of Nepal to train. It is warm and
quite humid close border to India.
Days 04 :
NEPALGUNJ – JUMLA (2370m): Fly to North from Nepalgunj crossing several
hilly regions. If weather stay good can see the good views of Snowcaps
Mountains to the east and west. Jumla town is in a delightful valley and
here are the highest limits of paddy cultivation. The town is the
administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali zone and Jumla district.
Days 05 :
From Jumla there are two tracks to Rara. Normally people trek through
lower route the trail follows the Tila River, passing through fields and
pine forest. Arrive Uthugaon; the trail ascends up the Jugad Khola valley.
Arrive Padmara passing through a deep forest of pine, spruce and firs. The
climb continues in forest over the pass at 3400m and descends to
Danfelanga (3130m). Overnight stop at the other side of Dhafelagna.
Days 06 :
The trails descend passing through fir, birch, walnut and bamboo forest.
After crossing a bridge we start to climb and arrive Bhara (classic
Tibetan style village) and then descend Chautha (3183m).
Days 07 :
The trail climbs to Ghurchilagna pass ascending through forest with a few
local teahouses and treeless meadow half way to the pass.
Days 08 :
It is a short, pleasant trek with fine views to the north. From Dhotu, we
traverse a steep north-facing slope and cross a series of fields down to a
small stream. Crossing the bridge, we climb up to the hamlet of Jhari
(2500m.) From Jhari, we climb steadily up a ridge to a low saddle, from
which there are fine views of the beautiful Rara Lake. From here, it is a
pleasant descent to the meadows on the south side of the lake. The former
village site of Rara (3040m.) is two hours walk along the western bank of
the lake. Designated a National Park in 1975, Rara boasts an abundance of
wildlife, including aquatic birds and rich forest around its large lake at
a height of 2980 meters.
Days 09 :
Rest day and explore Rara Lake. Rara area was designated a National Park
in 1975 and it takes about eight hours to walk round the Lake.
Days 10 :
After 15 minutes walk from Rara the trail ascends all the way to
Gurchimara at 3710m.Then the trail descends to Gossain.
Days 11 :
A more interesting trail with better scenic views is to climb Lumsa.
Arrive on the top and descend to Sinja (2440m) the Thakuri village.
Days 12 : Most
of the trek is through forest of pine, birch and oak, as well as a few
scattered houses and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a
steep climb to Jaljala Chour (3270m)
Days 13 : Keep
climbing through forest to yet another meadow, just below the ridge at
3510m, then a pleasant descent to Jumla.
Days 14 : If
some people looking for longer trek going high towards the upper Dolpo
another 2 more weeks if not fly on wards to Kathmandu.
Days 15 :
After breakfast drive to Pashupatinath. The holiest of holy Hindu temple
in south Asia is the focal point of pilgrimage from all over the
sub-continent. The holy river Bagmati flowing nearby is the cremation
ground of the Hindus. Funeral pyres can be viewed from across the
riverbank. We then visit to Boudhanath stupa. Probably the largest stupa
in the world is also found in Kathmandu valley the great stupa of
Boudhanath. Again the omni-sighted eyes of the Budha stare all the
directions. This stupa is the place of worship of Tibetan Buddhists
predominantly. We then drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur is one
of the oldest cities in Kathmandu valley. It is well known as Living
Museum. Old brick paved enclave of old Royal palace, Nyathapola Temple,
Datatriya temple exquisite artwork offers a picture of the grandeur of
medieval Nepal. It is very famous for woodcarving and pottery products.
Then after we have short visit to Changunarayan temple. This is one of the
oldest Hindu temples in Kathmandu valley that exists in the valley dating
back to the 4th century.
Days 16 :
After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the
international airport for your final departure.
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