Rara Lake Trek

Trip Duration

11 Days

Trip Grade

Moderate

Highest Altitude

2990 m

Accommodation

Teahouse/Lodge

Transportation

Bus/Car

Group Size

1-10

Best Season

Autumn, Spring

Rara Lake Trek Overview

The Rara Lake Trek is a well-liked trekking route in Nepal. It is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Since it lies in a remote and hilly area of the country, the trek is more fascinating. 

 

Rara Lake is the biggest lake in Nepal. It has a water surface of 10.8km square, a maximum depth of 167m, is 5.1 km long, and is 2.7 km wide. The pride of our country, the Rara Lake steadily lies at the elevation of 2990 m in Jumla and Mugu district, Karnali province.

 

The biggest attraction of Rara Lake Trek beside the lake is Rara National Park itself. The park covers a surface area of 106 km square. Even though it is the smallest National Park in our country, it is highly rich in diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to 51 species of mammals including red panda, musk deer, Indian leopard, yellow-throated Marten, Langur, etc. 241 species of birds, 2 species of reptiles, and 3 species of fish. Rare flora like brown oak, fir, birch, juniper, Rhododendrons, etc. is available here.

 

Rara Lake is one of the most popular and explored tourist destinations in Nepal. The Rara Lake Trek is not only covered with green vegetation, but also a stunning close-up view of snow-capped mountains, cultural villages, glaciers, and rivers. No doubt why Rara Lake is the most explored and popular tourist destination in Nepal.

 

Since Rara Lake lies in the Far-North western region of Nepal, it is still behind and relatively undeveloped. Local people of the Rara lake area still get very excited and genuinely happy whenever they see any tourists.

 

Due to the altitude and rugged terrain, the trek to Rara Lake normally lasts between 7 and 10 days. And the walk is moderate to challenging. However, the journey is well worth it because of the breathtaking scenery and distinctive cultural encounters along the route.

Highlights of Rara Lake Trek

  • The largest lake in Nepal, Rara lake
  • A peaceful and serene off-the-beaten-path experience
  • Hike through breathtaking landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and high mountain passes
  • Enjoy a beautiful flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj or the other way around
  • Discover Rara National Park’s diverse wilderness
  • Take in Jumla district’s unique culture and way of life

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1- Kathmandu - Nepalgunj, (50 minutes flight/8-9 hours drive)

Trek Distance :

366 km

Highest Altitude :

1400 m

Trek Duration :

50 minutes

Meals :

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

If you are planning a trip to Nepal, there are a few things you should know about traveling from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.

By flight: The quickest way to get from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj is by taking a 50-minute flight. There are several airlines that offer daily flights between these two cities, including Nepal Airlines and Buddha Air.

By road: If you prefer to travel by road, it will take you approximately 8-9 hours to get from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The journey is around 600 kilometers and involves driving through scenic mountain roads and villages. You can hire a private vehicle or take a bus from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.

Nepalgunj is a city in the Banke District of Nepal, located in the western Terai region near the border with India. It is an important transportation hub and a gateway to the mid- and far-western regions of Nepal. The city is known for its hot and humid climate and is home to a mix of cultures and religions.

Day 2- Nepalgunj - Jumla, (45 minutes flight)

Trek Distance :

203 km

Highest Altitude :

4,679 metres (15,351 ft)

Trek Duration :

45 minutes flight

Meals :

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Jumla is a town located in the Karnali Zone of Nepal, about 250 kilometers northwest of Nepalgunj. It is the administrative center of the Jumla District and is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

The quickest way to get from Nepalgunj to Jumla is by taking a 45-minute flight. There are several airlines that offer flights between these two cities, including Nepal Airlines and Tara Air. The flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla involves a scenic route over the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of the mountains.

If you prefer to travel by road, it will take you about 2 days to get from Nepalgunj to Jumla. The journey involves driving through rugged mountain terrain and is not recommended for travelers who are not comfortable with long drives on winding roads.

Day 3- Jumla - Chere Chaur,(4-5 hours walk)

Chere Chaur is a small village located in the Jumla District of Nepal, about 4-5 hours walk from Jumla. It is a remote village with limited access to modern amenities and transportation. The walk from Jumla to Chere Chaur involves traversing through mountainous terrain and may be challenging for some travelers.

Chere Chaur is a peaceful and quiet village surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. It is an excellent destination for travelers who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the rural lifestyle of Nepal. The village is home to a mix of ethnic groups, including Chhetri, Thakuri, and Magar, and offers a unique cultural experience.

When traveling from Jumla to Chere Chaur, it is recommended to carry water, snacks, and other essentials with you as there may not be any facilities available along the way. It is also advisable to wear comfortable shoes and clothing and to be prepared for changes in the weather.

Day 4- Chere Chaur - Chalachau, (5-6 hours walk)

Chalachau is a small village located in the Jumla District of Nepal, about 5-6 hours walk from Chere Chaur. It is a remote village with limited access to modern amenities and transportation. The walk from Chere Chaur to Chalachau involves traversing through mountainous terrain and may be challenging for some travelers.

Chalachau is a peaceful and quiet village surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. It is an excellent destination for travelers who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the rural lifestyle of Nepal. The village is home to a mix of ethnic groups, including Chhetri, Thakuri, and Magar, and offers a unique cultural experience.

When traveling from Chere Chaur to Chalachau, it is recommended to carry water, snacks, and other essentials with you as there may not be any facilities available along the way. It is also advisable to wear comfortable shoes and clothing and to be prepared for changes in the weather.

Day 5- Chalachaur - Sinja Valley,(5-6 hours walk)

The Sinja Valley is a beautiful and culturally significant region located in the Jumla District of Nepal, about 5-6 hours walk from Chalachaur. The valley is home to the ancient Sinja Kingdom, which was one of the first independent states in Nepal. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, and is an excellent destination for travelers who are interested in history and culture.

The walk from Chalachaur to the Sinja Valley involves traversing through mountainous terrain and may be challenging for some travelers. The valley is located at an elevation of around 2,000 meters above sea level, and the weather can be cool and pleasant in the evenings.

When traveling from Chalachaur to the Sinja Valley, it is recommended to carry water, snacks, and other essentials with you as there may not be any facilities available along the way. It is also advisable to wear comfortable shoes and clothing and to be prepared for changes in the weather.

Day 6- Sinja Valley-Ghorosingha, (5-6 hours walk)

Day 7- Ghorosingha-Rara Lake,(5 hours walk)

Day 8- Rara Lake-Pina,(5-6 hours walk)

Day 9- Pina-Bumra,(5-6 hours walk)

Day 10- Bumra-Jumla, (6 -7 hours walk)

Day 11- Jumla-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu, (45 minutes flight, 50 minutes flight)

Trip Map

Difficulties and Safety

Rara being a remote area, trekking to this place can be slightly challenging. This is a moderately difficult trek. However, the level of difficulty entirely depends on the route and mode of transportation.

 

Physical and mental fitness is something important to be considered. You can always build your muscle strength, and make your body flexible by practicing some light exercise, running, and jogging.

 

The trek to Rara Lake is all about walking 5-6 hours per day for at least 15 days. This reason solely is enough to make this trek challenging. The trails are rugged, steep, and maybe snowy on off-seasons. There is a high risk of mountain sickness. You might have to camp overnights and prepare food by yourself. These all factors can make your trek challenging but the adventure is all about this.

Symptoms of Mountain sickness

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fast heartbeats

Preventing mountain sickness

  • Walk slow
  • Stay hydrated
  • Have nutritional food
  • Have enough rest
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol

Medicines for mountain sickness

  • Acetazolamide
  • Ibuprofen, paracetamol (for headache)
  • Promethazine (for nausea)

Trekking Equipment List

Woolen t-shirts/shirts/thick sweaters. Backpack/Duffle bag
Thermal top/bottoms Passport
Jackets (Fiber or down) Passport size photographs
Raincoat Permit and travel insurance
Pair of sandals Suns cream and lip balm
Underwear Travel towel
Trekking trousers Wash kit
Sleeping trousers First aid kit
Hiking shorts Power bank
Waterproof pants Summer/winter hat
Daypack Buff/bandana
Sleeping bag/Sleeping bag liner Water bottles and water purifiers
Hiking boots Trekking poles
Hiking shocks Charger/adapter
Camp shoes Money/cash
Gloves and beanies Camera
Snow glasses and sunglasses trekking map
Down jacket/Gore-Tex Toiletries
Neck gaiter Water purification
Sun hat/woolen hat Water bottles

Other Requirements

Travel Insurance 

Trekking to high altitudes can always be risky. Travel Insurance is something you might want to do before trekking anywhere. Sometimes in emergency cases, people need to be evacuated through a helicopter and get medical service. So, in such cases, your travel insurance will be bearing the cost for you.

 

Seeing all these benefits, the government of Nepal has made travel insurance mandatory thing before trekking. However, it is very important to mention the heights and all the places you will be reaching during your trek. Your insurance entirely depends on the details you provided earlier. Travel insurance costs you around 150$ which is good for 1 month. 

 

Visas/Passports

If you are not a Nepalese or Indian citizen, then a visa and a passport are mandatory. You can get your Nepalese Visa at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. The passport must hold a visa of a minimum of 6 months. 

Payment and Cancellation

Policy regarding Payment and Cancellation Payment:

Payment:

1) To confirm a reservation, a deposit equal to 30% of the total price is required.
2) If the payment is made online, the remaining balance is due 10 days before the Tour, Trekking, Peak Climbing, or Expedition begins. If the payment is made in cash, it can be made after arrival.
3) If the booking is made within 30 days of the expedition beginning, full payment must be made at the time of booking.

 

Cancellation:

1) A full refund of the deposit will be given if a Tour, Trek, Peak Climbing, or Expedition is canceled more than 60 days before the start date.
2) The deposit will not be refunded if a Tour, Trek, Peak Climbing, or Expedition is canceled within 30 days of its start date.
3) A tour, trek, peak climbing, or expedition will not be refunded if it is canceled prior to or on the start date.
4) All participants should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations or other occurrences.

 

Note: We reserve the right to modify or cancel any trek in the event of a natural disaster, political unrest, or any other unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, a full refund or an alternative option will be provided.

Dates of Trip

PRICE
DEPARTURE DATE
TRIP STATUS
2300

1850Save 450

11 Days
March 1, 2023 - March 11, 2023
Guaranteed
2300

1850Save 450

11 Days
March 12, 2023 - March 22, 2023
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11 Days
March 23, 2023 - April 2, 2023
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11 Days
April 3, 2023 - April 13, 2023
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11 Days
April 14, 2023 - April 24, 2023
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11 Days
April 25, 2023 - May 5, 2023
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11 Days
May 6, 2023 - May 16, 2023
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11 Days
May 17, 2023 - May 27, 2023
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11 Days
May 28, 2023 - June 7, 2023
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11 Days
June 8, 2023 - June 18, 2023
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11 Days
June 19, 2023 - June 29, 2023
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11 Days
June 30, 2023 - July 10, 2023
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11 Days
July 11, 2023 - July 21, 2023
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11 Days
July 22, 2023 - August 1, 2023
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11 Days
August 2, 2023 - August 12, 2023
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11 Days
August 13, 2023 - August 23, 2023
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11 Days
August 24, 2023 - September 3, 2023
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11 Days
September 4, 2023 - September 14, 2023
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11 Days
September 15, 2023 - September 25, 2023
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11 Days
September 26, 2023 - October 6, 2023
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11 Days
October 7, 2023 - October 17, 2023
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11 Days
October 18, 2023 - October 28, 2023
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11 Days
October 29, 2023 - November 8, 2023
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11 Days
November 9, 2023 - November 19, 2023
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11 Days
November 20, 2023 - November 30, 2023
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11 Days
December 1, 2023 - December 11, 2023
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11 Days
December 12, 2023 - December 22, 2023
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11 Days
December 23, 2023 - January 2, 2024
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11 Days
January 3, 2024 - January 13, 2024
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11 Days
January 14, 2024 - January 24, 2024
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11 Days
January 25, 2024 - February 4, 2024
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11 Days
February 5, 2024 - February 15, 2024
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11 Days
February 16, 2024 - February 26, 2024
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11 Days
February 27, 2024 - March 8, 2024
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11 Days
March 9, 2024 - March 19, 2024
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11 Days
March 20, 2024 - March 30, 2024
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11 Days
March 31, 2024 - April 10, 2024
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11 Days
April 11, 2024 - April 21, 2024
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11 Days
April 22, 2024 - May 2, 2024
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11 Days
May 3, 2024 - May 13, 2024
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11 Days
May 14, 2024 - May 24, 2024
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11 Days
May 25, 2024 - June 4, 2024
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11 Days
June 5, 2024 - June 15, 2024
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11 Days
June 16, 2024 - June 26, 2024
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11 Days
June 27, 2024 - July 7, 2024
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11 Days
July 8, 2024 - July 18, 2024
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11 Days
July 19, 2024 - July 29, 2024
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11 Days
July 30, 2024 - August 2, 2024
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11 Days
August 3, 2024 - August 13, 2024
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11 Days
August 14, 2024 - August 24, 2024
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11 Days
August 25, 2024 - September 3, 2024
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2300

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11 Days
September 4, 2024 - September 14, 2024
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2300

1850Save 450

11 Days
September 15, 2024 - September 25, 2024
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2300

1850Save 450

11 Days
September 26, 2024 - October 6, 2024
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2300

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11 Days
October 7, 2024 - October 17, 2024
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2300

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11 Days
October 18, 2024 - October 28, 2024
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2300

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11 Days
October 29, 2024 - November 8, 2024
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2300

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11 Days
November 9, 2024 - November 19, 2024
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2300

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11 Days
November 20, 2024 - November 30, 2024
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2300

1850Save 450

11 Days
December 1, 2024 - December 11, 2024
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2300

1850Save 450

11 Days
December 12, 2024 - December 22, 2024
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2300

1850Save 450

11 Days
December 23, 2024 - January 2, 2025
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Group Discount Prices

No. of Persons
Price per Person
1 Person
2 Persons
3-5 Persons
6-9 Persons
10-14 Persons
15-17 Persons
17-25 Persons

Frequently Asked Questions

Temperature and weather
Summer/monsoon season (June-August) is quite warm and pleasant while winter (December-February) can be extremely cold and harsh. In the winter season, the temperature normally falls below freezing point, and there is heavy snowfall, sometimes blocking the way to Rara Lake itself. During the summer/monsoon season, the trails are slippery and muddy due to heavy rainfall. Considering the facts, the best season to trek Rara Lake is in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). The days are very clear with favorable temperatures. There is very less or no amount of rainfall or snowfall during these seasons. The trails are in their best condition offering us the view of green vegetation, Rhododendron forest, and many mountains.
Food and accommodation
Rara Lake has been greatly successful to attract many national and international tourists. They have been able to open a few teahouses or homestays where you are welcomed heartily. They have comfortable beds, blankets, and pillows. The toilets and bathrooms however have to be shared. Due to the few numbers of teahouses, they get packed Easily. In such cases, you need to camp. All the necessary equipment like tents, mats, cooking gas, etc are highly recommended. In the teahouses, hygienic, delicious home-cooked meals are available. Traditional food like Dal, Bhat, Vegetables, and noodles, pasta, eggs, bread are available. If you are camping, you need to prepare food by yourself or you can hire a cook.
Transportation
There are few options available to reach Rara Lake. You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Jumla which takes you 2 days and 2 nights. Once you reach Jumla, it again takes around 2 days for you to reach Rara Lake. This option is very tiring and not very common among people. The other option you have is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj or Surkhet. From both the places, a flight to Jumla is available.e, you reach Jumla, again it takes 2 days for you to reach Rara Lake. The easiest option is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and to Mugu airport (Talcha) and 3 hours walk to reach Rara Lake. This option is common among people. The 3rd option is a helicopter tour which is best suited for those who are under limited time or want to have a more luxurious journey, or for physically disabled people. The helicopter tour to Rara Lake begins from Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu, and offers you the beautiful Ariel view of all the green vegetation of Rara National Park, snow-capped mountains, Mugu valley, and glaciers. The tour is about 4-5 hours long and might cost you around 200$ per person. It is always better to travel in a group.
Electronics and communication
Facilities like electricity, internet, and telephones or mobile coverage are available in every teahouse. However, you might have to pay an extra charge for using these facilities. There might be slight difficulty in finding these facilities in higher altitudes or in the lake itself. Power banks and extra batteries could be helpful. Permits and fees
Permits and fees
Rara National Park entry Permit SAARC countries- 1500NRS (15$) excluding VAT NON-SAARC countries- 3000NRS (30$), excluding VAT Trekkers Information Management System Card- 1000NRS (10$) All permits are available in Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu
Guides and porters
Rara Lake is a much-explored area, you will definitely meet many trekkers on your way. You can always ask for help or the local people themselves are very friendly and helpful who can help you with the directions and also offer homestays. With this fact, guides are merely an option for you. However, guides always make the journey more interesting and informative. If you are fit enough to carry your own belongings you don’t need a porter either. Or, if you are carrying the camping stuff, it is quite difficult for you to walk with that burden. In such cases, porters are always there to help. The basic charge for a guide is 25-30$ and for a porter is 15-20$.

Booking Details


Price: US$1850 per person
  • A detailed certificate from Marvel Treks and Expedition (after accomplishment)
  • A complimentary raincoat to shed you during the rainy season.(returnable)
  • A Complimentary Duffel Bag throughout the trek from our company. (returnable)
  • A warm complimentary Down Jacket during the entire trek on behalf of Marvel Treks. (returnable)
  • A complimentary sleeping bag for your icy trek. (returnable)
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner throughout the trek.
  • The essential climbing gears like mountain axe, trekking sticks etc, for your need throughout the trek. (returnable)
  • Delightful complimentary Authentic Nepali cuisine as dinner to embark on your arrival and departure
  • Critical complimentary First Aid Service (in times of need)
  • An informative trekking map for you to cherish on behalf of our company
  • Trendy Sunhat and t-shirt as souvenirs on behalf of Marvel Treks and Expedition.
  • All the crucial services about airport transfer to and from the hotel via a private tourist vehicle ($40)
  • TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems )($10)
  • National park entry fees / ACAP permits / Conservation entry fees. ( $30)
  • All essential local tax and office service charges Gov tax ($100 )
  • Miscellaneous ($40)
  • 2 nights accommodation in a Kathmandu (Kathmandu hotel or similar) ($40)
  • Porter Guide ($350)

  • Marvel Treks and Expedition won’t be responsible for all the Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
  • Extra nights in any city that’s not accommodated in the itinerary of Marvel Treks and Expedition.
  • All the International flight checks and airfares.
  • Marvel Treks and Expedition won’t be responsible for alcoholic/ non-alcoholic liquors.
  • Additional porter fees along with tips for guides and porters.
  • Electronic gadgets like chargers, and headphones.
  • Individual costs like a hot shower, phone calls, laundry, and souvenirs.
  • Travel coverage and emergency evacuations.
  • Tips for our staff’s drivers.

Rara Lake Trek

$1,850.00 $1,850.00,



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