Rara Lake, located in Nepal’s Mugu district and known as the Queen of Lakes, is a magnificent sight. It sits at an elevation of 2,990 meters and is Nepal’s largest lake by volume with breathtaking mountain views on all sides. It is an important source of fresh water but also serves a vital role as a major tourist attraction; many trek to the lake each year to admire its serene beauty.
This oval-shaped lake features crystal clear emerald waters and is flanked by lush green forests which provide refuge for exotic wildlife including musk deer, Himalayan black bears, and monal pheasants, among others. As such, it provides a great opportunity for birdwatching and photography; reeling in photographers from far and wide.
Getting to Rara Lake
Getting to Rara Lake is an adventure! To get there, you are likely to need some combination of plane, bus, and shared jeep ride. From Kathmandu, a flight or bus journey is needed to reach Mahendranagar and then a shared jeep will likely be required to get all the way to Jumla.
You can then take either a two-day walk or hire horses or mules for transportation into Rara National Park. It may take longer than this if you plan on visiting any surrounding villages along the way for cultural immersion as you make your way up into Nepal’s high mountains and lakefront valleys. With its alpine climate and impressive snowcapped peaks that tower over its deep blue waters, Rara Lake truly offers a breathtaking sight—one which makes it well worth getting there!
Rara Lake, What to expect?
Visiting Rara Lake is an absolute must if you’re traveling to the Karnali region of Nepal. Located inside beautiful Rara National Park, it’s quite a breathtaking experience. The crystal clear water and picturesque mountains surrounding it make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a postcard. It’s a great spot for camping, hiking, and exploring nearby villages; but most importantly, it gives visitors the chance to unplug from the outside world and relax amidst nature. Plus, there are boat rides available that take you around the lake so you can soak in more of its beauty!
Rara Lake, the Experience Shared
“Hiking to RARA Lake was an incredible experience that I will never forget. The scenery was breathtaking and the nature around me was so peaceful and calming. Not to mention the added bonus of reaching a beautiful mountain lake nestled at the base of a massive glacier at the end of it! The trail itself was quite challenging, and with an elevation gain of 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) it took some effort to get up there. But as we gained altitude, we were rewarded with spectacular views every step of the way, making it all worth it. I’m definitely looking forward to my next hike to RARA Lake!” – Sarah Walker
“My experience of hiking to RARA Lake was pretty amazing. The scenery on the route was stunning, ranging from lush green valleys filled with wildflowers to craggy grey cliffs and snow-capped peaks. It started off as a relatively easy hike, gradually getting more difficult as the altitude increased. The final stretch was a steep climb up the mountain face, but the effort was worth it for the glorious view from the top of the pass, looking out over RARA Lake below. There wasn’t a soul around, just me in awe of nature’s beauty surrounded by peace and tranquillity. I stopped for lunch at the edge of the lake before making my way back down, feeling exhilarated and incredibly grateful for such an incredible outdoor experience.” – Bidhyut Lama