RARA LAKE & KHAPTAD CIRCUIT TREK

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destination Mugu - Rara
duration 15 Days
grade High Advance
start/end point Kathmandu/Kathmandu
region Mugu
max altitude 3802
group size 2-12
meal All inclusive
activity 6-7 Hrs
accommodation Camping + Homestay
season Spring-Summer-Autumn

We Offer Group Discount

No. Of People Price Per Person
Pax 1 USD 3,590
Pax 2 USD 3,490
Pax 3 USD 3,390
Pax 4 to 6 USD 3,290
Pax 7 to 12 USD 3,190
Pax 13 to 18 USD 3,090
Pax 19 to 24 USD 2,990
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • Hassle-Free Booking
  • Team of highly experienced Experts
  • 24/7 Customer Support

All Inclusive Cost

USD 3,290

Per Person

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RARA LAKE & KHAPTAD CIRCUIT TREK

The road less traveled to a place of solitude, peace, and alpine beauty. This has to be one of the best treks, taking you to Nepal’s biggest lake, Rara Lake (2990m), while venturing into this far-away from the crowd Khatpad National Park situated in the very remote west of Nepal.

Rara Lake is the biggest and deepest freshwater lake in the Nepal Himalayas. It is the main attraction of Rara National Park, located in Jumla and Mugu Districts. In September 2007, it was declared a “Ramsar site”  -  (wetland), and one of ten wetlands of international importance in Nepal covering an area of 1583 hectares. 

This trek will leave you fulfilled, and with a feeling of contentment, as you discover a vast array of scenery and wildlife, with over 500 species of flowers, 20 species of mammals and 214 species of birds have been cataloged in the Rara National Park region.  Due to its remoteness, this is mostly a camping trek that will literally open your eyes to a place where few people have travelled. Our journey begins after we land at Talca Airport in Mugu from Nepalgunj which is relatively easy to access from Kathmandu via land or flying.

Highlights of Rara Lake and Khatpad Circuit Trek

  • The beauty of the pristine Rara Lake – Nepal’s biggest.
  • Experience of authentic Nepalese culture and lifestyles of people in this remote area.
  • The serene and stunning landscape of Khatpad National Park.
  • Biodiversity – hundreds of species of flora and fauna in this lush lakeside..
  • Tibetan religious sites – chortens, Mani walls and Gompas (Buddhist temples)

ITINERARY

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Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by a Sherpa Expedition & Trekking representative, and taken to your hotel. After checking in at the hotel, you will be briefed on what to expect on your trek to Rara Lake and Khaptad Circuit Trek.

Today we take a fifty-minute flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu, or alternatively we can travel by road and take a bus.

Today we fly to Talcha in Mugu District, a 45-minute scenic flight with awesome views of the surrounding mountains. We then follow the trail to Rara Lake which will take us around three and a half hours. Tonight we will set up camp near the lake.

After an early breakfast, we can explore this pristine body of water of about eight square kilometers in area. Due to the abundance of water, there is a huge variety of wildlife in the area. Because of its location within the Khatpad National Park there is no hunting or threat to the wildlife, hence all animals live without fear of human intervention. Besides the numerous species of birds, there are also large areas of Nepal’s national emblem, the rhododendron tree with its vibrant pink flowers in springtime. You may also get to see Himalayan bears, Red Panda, and musk deer in the surrounding woods. After exploring Rara Lake we will trek to Murma Top (3726m) that offers a panoramic view of the mountains and back over the lake. Tonight we will stay at Rara Lake.

We begin our trek descending to the Khaytad River and continue to Majghat and then on to Murma. The trail takes us via Jhaudi Khola (river), Bapani, Nigalbot and Masane villages. Tonight we make camp at Sirkot.

A seven-hour trek today takes us to Jholunge Pul Khola (river) with its swaying suspension bridge. Tonight we will camp here.

We head out today on a six to seven-hour trek, firstly crossing the Karnali River where we enter the Bajura District and then continue to Kurane Jugala via Chepi Village. Further along the trail, we pass the villages of Alange, Chaur, Chulighat, Badhu, Badhu Bagar, Badhu Matela, Pipal Dali, Raut Badhu, and Partola before reaching Kolti where we set up camp for the night.

We have an early start today for it is going to be a long day with a nine to ten-hour trek as we head to Martadi. We will camp overnight at Martadi.

Today we have a six-hour trek to Dogadi where we will make camp for the night.

We make a relatively early start ahead of an eight to nine-hour trek to Khaptad where we will set up camp overnight.

We will spend today exploring the Khaptad National Park, first visiting the Khaptad Museum and trek towards Khaptad Danda and trek through the sub-alpine forest and hopefully see many of the unique species of this region that includes numerous medicinal herbs, birdlife (270 species) and mammals. After exploring the national park we will head to Khaptad Baba’s Ashram and Triveni. At the ashram, you will have an opportunity to listen and talk with the Baba! We will camp here the night.

We have a nine-hour day ahead of us as we head to Bajhang through peaceful forests and through a number of villages. Tonight we will camp at Bajhang.

This is a day less demanding as we drive for about nine hours until we reach Dhangadhi in the Siraha District in the Sagarmatha Zone in the southeast of Nepal.

We can either go by road or take a one-hour scenic flight back to Kathmandu. The flight will certainly put things in perspective as you look down at the scattered villages and nearby mountains. .We will drop you back at your respective hotels in Kathmandu.

Sherpa Expeditions & Trekking staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us!

SERVICES

Costs included in your package.

  • Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
  • Two night’s standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Fresh fruit every evening after dinner.
  • Trekking Lodge (Tea House) accommodation during the trek.
  • Rara National Park and Khapad national park permit fee
  • Flight from Kathmandu- Nepalgunj-Talcha & Dhangadi to Kathmandu.
  • A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
  • Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
  • Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
  • Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
  • Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
  • Government taxes and official expenses.
  • Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
  • Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.

Costs Exclude

  • Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
  • Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa.
  • Personal travel and medical insurance.
  • International airfare.
  • Your personal expenses.
  • All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
  • All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
  • Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
  • Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
  • Kathmandu sightseeing monument entrance fees($30 USD per person)
  • Excess baggage of more than 15 kg for Talcha flight.

EQUIPMENTS

The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.

General

  • All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it,  but has to be returned after the trek)
  • Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
  • A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
  • Daypack

Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear

  • A pair of half gloves
  • A warmer hat that covers the ears
  • Sunglasses 
  • Neckwarmer
  • Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
  • Headlamp and an extra set of batteries

Hands

  • A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
  • Warmer shell gloves and liner

Upper Body

  • long sleeve t-shirts
  • Thermal tops
  • wool jacket or pullover
  • Sports bras for women and girls
  • Water and windproof shell jacket 

Lower Body

  • Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
  • windproof and waterproof trousers
  • warmer trousers
  • Comfortable trekking pants
  • Extra casual sport pants

Footwear

  • A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
  • Pair of sandals
  • 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
  • Sock liners
  • Light shoes and sneakers
  • First Aid Kits and Medicines
  • Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
  • Blister treatment cream or similar
  • Insect / anti-itch ointment
  • Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
  • Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
  • Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
  • Water purifying pills

(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)

Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek

  • 4  passport size photos with original passport
  • Water bottle & filter
  • Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
  • Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)

Extra things

  • Comfortable trekking poles
  • Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
  • Power bank and music players 
  • Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)

GOOD TO KNOW

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may not find comfort and better quality teahouses -During the trek, We sleep in the very simple tea house/tent and our guides will pick the best Camping site with a nice view of the Himalaya.

Meals during the trek

In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these mountain regions are potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpas started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

Transportation

We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We do not have to use public transportation or local buses during the trek. Our only flights are from Kathmandu- Nepalgunj-Talcha.

Physical fitness

Rara Lake and Khaptad Circuit Trek is a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus!. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake. 

Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!

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Departures

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FAQS

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The Rara Lake and Khaptad Circuit trek is located in the western region of Nepal. Rara Lake is situated in the Rara National Park, while Khaptad is a protected area in the far-western region of the country.

The Rara Lake and Khaptad Circuit trek usually takes around 10-14 days, depending on the specific itinerary and the pace of the trekking group.

The Rara Lake and Khaptad Circuit trek is considered to be a moderate to difficult trek. It involves both uphill and downhill sections, as well as some challenging terrain. It is recommended for experienced trekkers or those with a good level of fitness.

The best time to do the Rara Lake and Khaptad Circuit trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These times offer stable weather conditions and clear mountain views.

As the trek reaches high altitudes, there is a risk of altitude sickness. It is important to acclimatize properly and take necessary precautions, such as drinking plenty of water, taking rest days, and ascending gradually. It is also recommended to consult with a doctor before embarking on the trek.

For the Rara Lake and Khaptad Circuit trek, you will need to obtain a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card and a permit for Rara National Park. These can be obtained in Kathmandu or at the entry point of the national park.

Accommodation on the trek is typically in teahouses or lodges along the trail. These are basic but comfortable, with facilities such as beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms. In some remote areas, camping may be necessary, so it is advisable to carry appropriate camping gear.

Yes, it is possible to hire a guide and porter for the Rara Lake and Khaptad Circuit trek. A guide can provide valuable information about the route, culture, and local customs, while a porter can help carry your backpack, allowing you to trek with less weight.

Some essential items to pack for the Rara Lake and Khaptad Circuit trek include a good pair of hiking boots, warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, a water bottle, a first aid kit, and a good quality backpack. Additionally, you should carry snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera.

Yes, it is possible to customize the itinerary of the Rara Lake and Khaptad Circuit trek according to your preferences and time constraints. You can discuss your requirements with a trekking agency or guide, who can help create a personalized itinerary for you.

We Offer Group Discount

No. Of People Price Per Person
Pax 1 USD 3,590
Pax 2 USD 3,490
Pax 3 USD 3,390
Pax 4 to 6 USD 3,290
Pax 7 to 12 USD 3,190
Pax 13 to 18 USD 3,090
Pax 19 to 24 USD 2,990
  • Best Price Guarantee
  • Hassle-Free Booking
  • Team of highly experienced Experts
  • 24/7 Customer Support

All Inclusive Cost

USD 3,290

Per Person

BOOK NOW QUICK ENQUIRY

Latest Traveller’s Reviews

Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.

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Based On 7 Reviews

Facundo Alvarez

Norway

October 18, 2023

Peaceful and Tranquil

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One of the most remarkable aspects of the Rara Lake & Khaptad Circuit Trek is the peaceful and tranquil environment. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can truly disconnect and find inner peace amidst the serenity of nature.

Max Braxton

Norway

September 25, 2023

Well-Managed Trails

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The trails on the Rara Lake & Khaptad Circuit Trek are well-managed, making the trekking experience comfortable and enjoyable. From well-marked paths to sturdy bridges, every effort has been made to ensure a smooth journey.

Elaine Booth

Australia

May 23, 2023

A Journey to Paradise

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The Rara Lake & Khaptad Circuit Trek is a journey to paradise. From the serene and crystal-clear waters of Rara Lake to the lush green meadows of Khaptad National Park, every step of the trek is a feast for the eyes and the soul.

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