The wild Karnali trek to Jumla and Rara is a offbeat trek which takes the trekkers into the wildest
part of Nepal gorgeously make up with natural beauty and lifestyle.
370 kilometers north-west of the capital city of Nepal, the Rara National Park is the smallest yet
most scenic national park. The park covers an area of 106 sq km with most of its part lying above
the 3,000 meters and covered by the conifers.
The trail from Jumla to Rara will take the trekkers through the mid hills ridges in the south and
the glorious mountains in the north. Out trek passes through the Sinja which used to be the
ancient winter capital of the Malla kingdom.
Beginning the trek from Jumla, the regional headquarter of Karnali zone, the trail offers the
trekkers with an experience of the nature and the untouched remote lifestyle and culture.
Since the trek roams around the Rara national park, the trek is also a wonderful option to
experience the least experienced trail in Nepal. The unspoiled lakes and the beautiful alpine and
sub-alpine ecosystem of the Himalayas are something you can’t take your eyes off.
DAY 1 – ARRIVE KATHMANDU
You will be met at the airport and be taken to the hotel. You may relax or explore until the group meets at dinner.
DAY 2 – TOUR AROUND KATHMANDU
After breakfast, you venture out for the full day sightseeing (6-7 hours) in a fascinating medieval city, its streets, bazaars, temples, shrines and Buddhist stupas are crowded with peoples of every creed, color and race. Rickshaws, taxis and hooting motorists add to the din and create that special atmosphere that Kathmandu is so famous for. You visit the Swayambhunath Temple (also known as the Monkey Temple) and the Durbar Square in the heart of the city. This is where the Kumari is. Many of Kathmandu’s most historic and important temples are located here. Next you will drive to Patan, once a beautiful city in its own right which rivaled Kathmandu in terms of the splendor of its temples and squares. You cross a bridge over the Bagmati River that links Kathmandu with the city of Patan, its neighbor to the south. Patan has more excellent architecture and has long been a centre of Newari craftsmanship. There will also be time to purchase any last minute supplies for the mountains.
Day 3 – FLY FROM KATHMANDU TO NEPALGUNJ (150 m) 1 hour flight
We will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The scenic flight is about an hour long. Nepalgunj lies in the western region of Nepal and is near to Nepal-India border. Nepalgunj is the gateway to Simikot and Humla. The town in itself is a huge storehouse of the diverse culture of Nepal. The local market is worth making a visit.
Overnight in Nepalgunj, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 – FLY FROM NEPALGUNJ TO JUMLA (2350 m) 30 minutes flight
A maximum of 30 minutes flight from Nepalgunj will bring you to Jumla. The flight will leave the plains of Terai and take you to the hilly landscape of Jumla. Jumla lies in the foothills of Sisne Himalaya and is one of the hard to access districts in Nepal. The Jhapa is the second highest paddy production district in Nepal after Morang. The Jhapa town is a valley and the administrative headquarters of Karnali Zone. Jumla is the gateway for the trekkers to explore the remote Karnali region of Nepal.
Overnight in Jumla, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 – FLY FROM JUMLA TO CHERE CHAUR (3055 m)
Our trek starts from today. After breakfast, we will leave Jumla towards our first destination Chere Chaur. We will walk along the Jugad Khola and pass the Khalanga bazaar on the way. The Khalanga bazaar is a small market place for the nearby villages. After passing few more villages and a temple we will reach our destination for today: Chere Chaur
Overnight in Chere Chaur, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 – CHERE CHAUR TO CHALA CHAUR (2980 m)
Starting our trek from Chele Chaur, we will head towards the west. We will slowly ascend along the western trail until we reach the Jaljala Pass at 3580 meters. After crossing the pass, we continue to walk on a relatively plain path until we reach the Jaljala Chaur. Moving forward, we ascend the steep trail and enter the Rara Lake Circuit before we reach Chala Chaur.
Overnight in Chala Chaur, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 7 – CHALA CHAUR TO SINJA VALLEY (2490 m)
After breakfast, we will begin to trek to Sinja valley. We start with an uphill climb and continue to pass through several villages. The Jaljala Khola occurs on our way. The Sinja valley is a place of historical importance in Nepal. The valley is the ancient capital city of Khasa: the Kingdom that rules the place between 12th to 14th centuries. The ancient palaces, temples, and the remains of the settlement are the important historical elements of Sinja valley.
Overnight in Sinja valley, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 8 – SINJA VALLEY TO GHOROSINGHA (3050 m)
We will start our trail from the Sinja valley on an uphill trail. The trail will lead us alongside the Hima River. Climbing the steep trail for some more time, the trail will turn out to be little easier until we reach the Laha village. Leaving the Laha village, trekkers will again follow the steep trail along the Ghatte Khola and reach the Ghorosingha.
Overnight in Ghorosingha, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 9 – GHOROSINGHA TO RARA LAKE (3010 m)
We will begin our trek after breakfast in Ghorosingha. The steep ascent awaits us alongside the Chuchhemara Danda. You will admire the beautiful Himalayas panorama from the hill. The beautiful Rara Lake and the lush vegetation of the Rara National Park make the whole scenario amazingly spectacular. Before we reach the Rara Lake, we will pass through the Khatyar Khola Camp and some villages including the Murma. The trail becomes a bit easier after we pass the Murma village. We will continue to walk towards the Chapri village where lies the headquarter of Rara National Park.
Overnight in Rara Lake, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 10 – EXPLORE RARA LAKE
We will spend a day exploring the beauty of the Rara Lake. The lake is also called Mahendra Taal after the name of late king Mahendra. The beautiful lake is the largest freshwater lake in Nepal and is home to several fish varieties. Tourists can also enjoy the boating in the pristine lake and admire the picturesque atmosphere around the lake. The Chuchhemara peak lies on the southern side of the Rara Lake whereas the Ruma Kand and the Malika Kand peak stand on the northern side.
Overnight in Rara Lake, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 11 – RARA LAKE TO PINA (2440 m)
We will leave the Rara Lake the next day. The trail is relatively easy and includes the straight path until we reach Gamghadi. The Gamghadi is the headquarters of the remote Mugu district of Nepal. From Gamghadi, the trail beings to get steeper. We will descend the steep trail until we reach the Pina village.
Overnight in Pina village, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 12 – PINA TO BUMRA (2850 m)
From Pina, we will start descending and cross the Ghurchi Lagna pass at 3480 meters. We will continue to descend and pass through few villages before we reach Bumra. The Bumra village is also called Nauri Ghat. On the way we will walk across the log bridge and descend down the Chautha (3100 m).
Overnight in Bumra, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 13 – BUMRA TO JUMLA (2540 m)
Today is the last day of the trek. The destination for today is Jumla. We will start to trek after breakfast. We will cross two suspension bridges over the Hima River. After walking downhill for about an hour, we reach a hot spring. You can take a dip in the hot spring to relax your tired body for a while. After some time in the hot spring, we will continue to move forward. Not much far from the hot spring, trekkers will now stand on the Danphe Lagna Pass at 3691 meters. The Danphe Lagna Pass is the highest point in the trek. After, crossing the Danphe Lagna Pass, we will follow the trail that will take us to Jumla.
Overnight in Jumla, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 14 – JUMLA TO NEPALGUNJ AND THEN AGAIN TO KATHMANDU
We will catch an early flight to Nepalgunj from Jumla. As we reach the Nepalgunj airport, we will catch another flight to Kathmandu. After reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You will get plenty of time to freshen up and have some rest after the long trek.
DAY 15 – LEISURE DAY AT KATHMANDU
A spare day in Kathmandu will be a relaxing day after the successful completion of the long Rara Lake and Jumla trek. Since this will be your last day stay in Nepal, you can also enjoy the traditional dinner in Kathmandu. They provide beautiful environment with the cultural performances. Also, you can make a short trip around the Kathmandu city in the afternoon and have some snaps to add on some extra flavor to your trip.
DAY 16 – FINAL DEPARTURE
Well, you vacation now comes to an end. We will give you a short farewell and our representatives will drop you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your convenience.
Inclusions
Government Trained License Holder English-speaking guide/leader
All domestic and International airport transfers on arrival and departure
Good standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/cities with twin sharing bed and breakfast basis
All road transport by private vehicles
All domestic airfares
All meals and accommodation on trek including tea and coffee
Morning bed-tea on trek
A free high-quality Dolma Treks duffel bag/relative trekking map and Tee-shirt
Trek staff and full porteragem
All camping gears in our camping treks
High altitude Sherpa/porters properly insured and equipped
