Rara Lake (Nepali: रारा ताल) is the biggest and deepest freshwater lake in the Nepal Himalayas. It is the main feature of Rara National Park, located in Jumla and Mugu Districts. In September 2007, it was declared a Ramsar site, covering 1,583 ha (6.11 sq mi) including the surrounding wetland. Rara Lake is at the height of 2,990m. It is surrounded by green hills on all sides, covered in juniper trees. One can camp by the sparkling waters of the lake. Go boating in the clear waters, hike to nearby hills for a closer view of the mountains and lake, get acquainted with the charming local people, or just walk around the large lake watching out for wildflowers or a rare bird along the way.
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Rara National Park
The park is surrounded by alpine coniferous vegetation and offers a representative sample of the region’s flora and fauna. More than 500 different kinds of flowers, 20 species of mammals and 214 species of birds can be observed in the Rara National Park. As for life in the lake, the snow trout is one of the fish varieties recorded here so far.
The rich vegetation of the park supports diverse species of wildlife including the endangered red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jackal, Himalayan tahr, Yellow-throated martin, wild dog, wild boar, common langur, rhesus macaque and the common otter. During winter the park abounds in bird varieties like coots, great-crested grebe, black-necked grebe, red-crested pochard, mallard, common teal, merganser and gulls. Migrant waterfowl and gallinaceous birds can also be seen during certain seasons.
Rara in the far northwestern part of Nepal is the smallest national park in the country, while Rara Lake is Nepal’s biggest lake. The lake is 167m deep at some places and drains into the rivers Mugu Karnali via Nijar Khola. Chuchemara Hill at 4,087m is the best vantage point to enjoy magnificent views of the deep blue lake, the forested hillsides and the snow-capped peaks.
How to reach Rara
Option 1: By Air :
Jumla is Connected by Flight only from Nepalgunj Airport. One can reach Talcha airport from Nepalgunj Airport. After landing in Talcha Airport one can proceed to Rara.
Option 2: Jeep service, Bus service
Early in the morning Drive to Kalikot through surket and Dailekh. After Reaching Kalikot there you can stay the night. Early in the morning Drive to Rara on the way you will visit Jumla and Mugu. After that Next Day, you can Visit Haven of World Rara.
Best Time to Travel
The best time to visit the park is in the spring, summer and autumn. As more people are now visiting the park, tourist services and infrastructure have developed over the years. However, for a great experience, it is still advisable to be self-sufficient if you are traveling alone. Lake Rara is also a popular pilgrimage site for Nepalese.
Things to do in Rara
Ride a boat in the lake
There are paddle boats available, no motorboats here, and a morning ride is like gliding along with a mirror. this is the best time for the nature lover.
Hike to Murma Viewpoint
Hike to Murma Viewpoint, a viewpoint that allows you to see the whole lake and surrounding area, and the mountain peaks in the distance. There are some villages around the lake, but none at the edge of the water.
Horse Ride.
Talk to the local people about riding a horse, saddles provided and guides if you need them. There is a trail all the way around the lake that is lovely. and going away from the lake are open pastures if you want to take it a little faster.
Set the hammock and sleep in tent
Take a hammock, find a good shady spot. And if you don’t bring your own tent, (You want to sleep outside so you don’t miss the millions of stars). There is a hotel by the lake that will rent you rooms or even tents.
Jungle Safari
Rara National Park is very beautiful so have a good time with Jungle Safari.
Photography
If You Love Nature and Photography then this is the Best Place. Enjoy.
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