Rara Lake & Sinja Valley Trek
The Rara Lake & Sinja Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s most enchanting hidden gems, located in the remote Karnali region. This trek combines serene high-altitude landscapes, traditional villages, and rich cultural heritage, offering an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure.
The journey includes a visit to Rara Lake (3,010 m), the largest freshwater lake in Nepal, set amidst Rara National Park. Trekkers also explore the historic Sinja Valley, the cradle of the ancient Khas Kingdom, famous for its ruins and stone inscriptions.
This trek is ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking solitude, cultural immersion, and spectacular natural beauty. Along the route, you will pass through forests, alpine pastures, ridges, and remote settlements, experiencing authentic village life, breathtaking mountain panoramas, and the untouched charm of far-western Nepal.
Highlights
- 🌊 Visit Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest and one of the highest freshwater lakes
- 🏘 Explore the historic Sinja Valley, home of the ancient Khas Kingdom
- 🏞 Trek through forests, alpine pastures, and remote villages
- ⛺ Experience traditional rural life in far-western Nepal
- 🌄 Enjoy panoramic mountain views across the Karnali region
- 🛖 Stay in comfortable lodges and guesthouses along the trail
- 🧘 Optional exploration and acclimatization days for photography and leisure
Basic Information
- Destination
- Duration
- Start / End Location
- Accommodation Type
- Difficulty Level
- Max Altitude
- Age Limit
- Transportation Mode
- Rara
- 14 Days
- Kathmandu / Kathmandu
- Teahouses/Lodges during trek,Hotels in KTM & Nepalgunj
- Strenuous
- 3010
- -
- -
Best Season
Spring (Mar–May), Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Inclusions
- Airport pickups and drop-offs in Kathmandu
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Jumla – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
- 3 meals/day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during trek
- Lodges/guesthouse accommodation along the trek
- Licensed English-speaking guide and porter (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- First-aid kit and oximeter
Tour Plan
- Early morning departure from Kathmandu.
- Drive via Prithvi Highway through scenic rivers and hills.
- Cross major towns like Mugling and Narayanghat.
- Lunch en route at a local restaurant.
- Evening arrival in Butwal.
- Dinner and overnight stay at hotel/guesthouse in Butwal.
- Drive through mid-hills with winding roads and lush forests.
- Pass through rural villages and enjoy panoramic views of valleys.
- Lunch en route.
- Evening arrival in Surkhet/Kohalpur.
- Dinner and overnight stay at hotel/guesthouse.
- Journey continues into remote mid-hill regions.
- Experience authentic rural life and culture along the way.
- Lunch en route at a local eatery.
- Evening arrival in Kalikot.
- Dinner and overnight stay at hotel/lodge in Kalikot.
- Adventurous drive through off-road sections toward Rara National Park.
- First glimpses of Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest lake.
- Lunch en route.
- Evening arrival near Rara Lake.
- Dinner and overnight stay at lodge/guesthouse near the lake.
- Morning hike around the crystal-clear Rara Lake.
- Ascend to Murma Top (~3,700 m) for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
- Spot wildlife like musk deer and Himalayan birds.
- Lunch during the hike or lakeside.
- Evening relaxation by the lakeside.
- Dinner and overnight stay near Rara Lake.
- Return drive through remote landscapes.
- Pass small villages and forested areas.
- Lunch en route.
- Evening arrival in Rakam or Kalikot.
- Dinner and overnight stay at lodge/guesthouse.
- Depart from Kalikot in the morning.
- Drive through winding mid-hill roads and forested areas.
- Pass through remote villages and enjoy panoramic hill and valley views.
- Stop for lunch at a local eatery en route.
- Evening arrival in Surkhet.
- Dinner and overnight stay at hotel/guesthouse in Surkhet.
- Depart from Surkhet in the morning.
- Drive mostly on paved roads via Kohalpur → Narayanghat → Mugling → Butwal.
- Descend gradually from mid-hills to Terai plains.
- Stop for lunch or refreshments along the way.
- Evening arrival in Butwal.
- Dinner and overnight stay at hotel/guesthouse in Butwal.
- Final drive back to Kathmandu.
- Stops for local cuisine or scenic photography along the way.
- Arrival in Kathmandu by evening.