Rara Lake
In Nepali: रारा ताल · Also known as: Mahendra Tal · रारा ताल
Rara covers about 10 km² and is protected by Rara National Park, Nepal's smallest national park, created in 1976. Its colour changes through the day from turquoise to deep sapphire, and the surrounding forest is home to musk deer, Himalayan black bears, red pandas and many birds; in winter migrating waterfowl rest on the lake.
The villages of Rara and Chhapru were relocated when the park was created, so the shores are wild and quiet. Walk the lake circuit (about a day), climb Murma Top for the panoramic view, and stay in the few lodges near the park office.
What to see and do
Walk the trail around the lake (about 12–13 km), passing through blue pine and spruce forest with views across the water to the Chuchemara ridge. Climb Murma Top (about 3,700 m) for a panorama of the lake and the Himalaya of Karnali, and watch sunrise and sunset colours on the water. Boating is sometimes available near the park office.
The approach itself is part of the adventure: from Talcha airport it is a short walk; from Jumla, a classic 3–4 day trek through Sinja, Chalachaur and pine forests. By road, jeeps now reach the park from Surkhet via the Karnali Highway.
Good to know
Park entry fees apply. Accommodation is limited to a few lodges and the park area's homestays; book ahead in peak season. Flights to Talcha are weather-dependent. Nights are cold, and the lake may freeze at the edges in winter.
Quick answers
- Where is Rara Lake?
- Rara Lake is in Mugu district, Karnali Province, in the Himal belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Rara Lake?
- About 2,990 m (9,810 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Rara Lake?
- For a 5-day trip from Nepalgunj, about NPR 67,000 (≈ US$495) per person on a budget, or NPR 73,500 (≈ US$545) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 32,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Rara Lake?
- Plan 3 nights there; with travel from Nepalgunj and back, about 5 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Rara Lake?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 3,000 / US$22 to enter Rara National Park (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- When is the best time to visit Rara Lake?
- April–June; September–November
- How do I get to Rara Lake?
- Fly Nepalgunj–Talcha (Mugu), then 2–3 hours' walk; or a long drive via Surkhet and Jumla. It is about 170 km (straight line) from Nepalgunj, and usually reached by flight.
- What is Rara Lake called in Nepali?
- रारा ताल
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