Mugu, Karnali Province
Rara Lake
Nepal’s largest lake, deep blue at 2,990 m in the pine forests of the remote far west.
- Region
- Mugu, Karnali Province
- Best time to visit
- September to November and April to May; winter brings snow and closed flights.
- How long to stay
- 4–6 days including travel
- Experiences
- 2 nearby
Overview
Rara is a 10 km² alpine lake inside Nepal’s smallest national park, ringed by pine, spruce and juniper and overlooked by snow peaks. It is one of the least visited corners of the country simply because it is hard to reach: a flight to Nepalgunj, a second small plane to Talcha airstrip, then a three-hour walk, or two long days by jeep from Surkhet.
Those who make the trip find a lake that changes colour through the day, red pandas and Himalayan black bears in the forest, and almost nobody else. Facilities are basic: a few lodges and tented camps at Rara village.
- Rara Lake
- Bardiya National Park
Plan your visit
Planning time in Rara Lake?
Tell the assistant how many days you have and who you’re travelling with.
Ask Recent Visits AI →Why visit Rara Lake
- The largest and arguably most beautiful lake in Nepal, almost without crowds
- Forest walks and the Murma Top viewpoint above the lake
- A glimpse of Karnali, the least developed and least visited province
What to see
Murma Top
A 3–4 hour climb to a ridge at about 3,700 m with the whole lake below and the peaks of Kanjirowa and Dolpo beyond.
Lakeside walk
The circuit of the lake takes most of a day through forest and meadows; boats can be hired at the village.
Rara Lake
Rara National Park forest
Talcha airstrip
Jumla valley
Good to know
- Flights to Talcha are small, weather-dependent and often cancelled; keep two spare days.
- Bring cash for everything; there are no ATMs or card payments in Mugu.
- The park entry permit is paid at the gate; lodges are simple and warm clothing is essential outside summer.
Frequently asked questions
Photo gallery
Rara Lake in pictures
Things to do
Experiences in Rara Lake
Moderate
Trekking
Multi-day walks between mountain lodges, from gentle ridges to high passes.
- Typical duration
- 4–18 days
Easy
Day Hiking
Short walks to viewpoints, villages and monasteries, no permits or porters needed.
- Typical duration
- 2–6 hours
Plan
Suggested itineraries with Rara Lake
Day-by-day trips by our team. Ask local agencies for a quote on any of them.
Suggested itinerary
7 days: Rara Lake by air
Nepal’s largest lake in the remote far west: fly via Nepalgunj to Talcha, walk to the lakeshore and spend three nights among pine forest, with the climb to Murma Top.
- Places
- Rara Lake
- Trekking
- Moderate
