An off beaten trek to Karnali is the trek towards the wildest part of Nepal. The Karnali trek is an amazing trek to the beautiful part of the country with rich natural beauty and the unique lifestyle.
The Jumla and Rara Trek takes the trekkers to the Rara National Park. Situated 370 kilometers north-west of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, the national part is the most scenic national park of the country despite being the smallest. The park covers an area of 106 sq km, lying most of its part above 3,000 meters and dominated by the conifers.
The trek will offer an experience of the nature and the untouched remote lifestyle and culture. Starting the trek form Talcha, trekkers will explore the beautiful Rara Lake and return via Jumla. The Jumla is the regional headquarter of Karnali zone.
While the beauty of the Rara awaits the trekkers in the starting days, the hot water spring will provide some relief while returning.The trail runs through the mid hills ridges in the south and the glorious mountains in the north. Trekkers will walk through the Danphe Lagna Pass at 3691 meters which is also the highest point in the trek.
The Rara Jumla trek is a wonderful experience of the least explored trail in Nepal. The trek encircles around the Rara National Park and provides the trekkers with a chance to explore the beautiful alpine and sub alpine ecosystem of the Himalayas. The trekkers can’t take your eyes off the pristine Rara Lake.
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 TALCHA AND THEN TREK TO RARA (45 MIN FLIGHT, 2-3 HOURS TREK)
After breakfast, we will drive to the Nepalgunj airport for the flight to Talcha. Nepalgunj to Talcha is the only route by air that connects the Rara Lake. This makes the flight probably the most popular domestic flight in Nepal. The flight covers the distance of 165 km and will take around 45 minutes. The flight offers the tourists with the amazing views of the landscapes and the hills around. The landing and the take off are somewhat dangerous because the runway is little narrower and shorter. However, the scenic flight of maximum 45 minutes is worth taking.
The Rara Lake is only an hour trek away from the Talcha airport. Along the trail, you can see the direction boards that will lead you towards the Rara Lake. After an hour walk, when you get the first sight of the lake, you will surely feel the peace and emotions all at once.
Overnight in Rara Lake, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 5 – EXPLORE RARA LAKE (3010 m)
Today, we will spend quality time around the Rara Lake. The beautiful lake is also called Mahendra Taal after the name of late king Mahendra. The Rara Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Nepal and is home to several fish varieties. The deep colored lake lying at the middle of the lush green vegetation is like a piece of heaven landed on the earth. The picturesque atmosphere around the lake is a perfect place to get lost in nature and have some fresh air.
The lake also offers the trekkers with the boating opportunity to explore the beauty of the lake. Floating on the surface of the lake, one can admire the Chuchhemara peak on the south and the Ruma Kand and the Malika Kand peak on the north.
Overnight in Rara Lake, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 6 – RARA LAKE TO PINA (2440 m)
The next morning, we will leave the Rara Lake. Our destination for today will be Pina. The route begins with an easy way and takes us through the straight path until we reach Gamghadi. The Gamghadi is the headquarters of the remote Mugu district of Nepal. The trail will start getting steeper as we leave Gamghadi. We will start descending down the steep trail until we reach Pina village.
Overnight in Pina village, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 7 – PINA TO BUMRA (2850 m)
We start our trek towards Bumra. We will follow the descending trail and cross the Ghurchi Lagna pass at 3480 meters. Before reaching Bumra, we will also cross some villages on the way. We will even cross the long bridge and descend down the Chautha (3100 m) before we reach Bumra.
Overnight in Bumra, includes breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 8 – BUMRA TO JUMLA (2540 m)
After breakfast, we will start trekking towards Jumla today. This is the final day of the trek. On the way, we will cross the Hima River by crossing the two suspension bridges. Climbing down the hill for about an hour, there occurs a hot spring. The hot spring is a perfect place to relax you after the real walk after the trek. You can take a dip on the hot spring if you want.
After some time in the hot spring, we will continue our trek towards Jumla. After a short walk, trekkers will reach the Danphe Lagna Pass at 3691 meters. The Danphe Lagna Pass is the highest point in the whole 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 9 – 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 10 – 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 11 – 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
