Overview

Jumla and Rara lie in the remote Karnali zone in the north-west of Nepal. The region is made-up of long ridges covered with temperate forests and alpine pastures enclosing high valleys. Summer rainfall is low, but winter snow can be heavy and persistent. Since the region is fairly high and free from monsoon thunder-storms, the summer season is ideal for trekking. Winters are cold, but in the autumn season, trekking is rewarded with a profusion of alpine flowers.

Short Itinerary

Day 1 Kathmandu – Nepalgunj
Afternoon flight to Nepalgunj, where we spend the night.

Day 2 Nepalgunj - Jumla: Fly to Jumla
The town is in a delightful valley and here are the highest limits of rice paddy cultivation in the world. The town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali zone.

Day 3 Jumla - Danphe Langa
From Jumla there are two tracks to Rara. Normally people trek the lower route. The trail follows the Tila river, passing through a patchwork of fields and fragrant pine forest. Arriving at Uthugaon, the trail climbs up the Gursini Khola valley, passing through a deep forest of pine, spruce and fir to the village of Padmara. The climb continues in forest over the pass at 3400m and descends to Danphe Langa, where we spend the night.

Day 4 Danphe Langa - Chautha: The trail descends through fir, birch, walnut and bamboo forest. After crossing a bridge we climb to the classic Tibetan style village of Bhara and then descend to Chautha.

Day 5 Chautha – Dhotu
The trail climbs to the Gurchilanga pass through forest and grassy meadows, passing a few local teahouses.

Day 6 Dhotu - Rara lake (3040m.)
It is a short, pleasant trek with fine views to the north. From Dhotu, we traverse a steep north-facing slope and cross a series of fields down to a small stream. Crossing the bridge, we climb up to the hamlet of Jhari (2500m.) From Jhari, we climb steadily up a ridge to a low saddle, from which there are fine views of
the beautiful Rara Lake. From here, it is a pleasant descent to the meadows on the south side of the lake. The former village site of Rara (3040m.) is two hours walk along the western bank of the lake. Designated a National Park in 1975, Rara boasts an abundance of wildlife, including aquatic birds and rich forest around its large lake at a height of 2980 meters. This is an ideal place to relax for a day or two.

Day 7 Rara Lake
Rest and explore Rara Lake.

Day 8 Rara – Ghorasain
After 15 minutes walk from Rara the trail ascends all the way to Gurchimara at 3710m and then descends to Gossain (3271m.)

Day 9 Ghorasain - Sinja: A varied trail with scenic views climbs Lumsa, before descending to the Thakuri village of Sinja.

Day 10 Sinja - Jaljala Chaur
Most of the trek is through forest of pine, birch and oak, as well as a few scattered houses and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a steep climb to Jaljala Chaur (3350m.)

Day 11 Chere Chaur – Jumla
We keep climbing through forest to another meadow, just below the ridge at 3510m, then enjoy a gentle descent to Jumla.

Day 12 Jumla Nepalgunj - Kathmandu