Rara Lake is a freshwater lake in Nepal's far western Karnali Province's Mugu district. As the deepest lake in Nepal, it is situated at a height of 2,990 meters (9,810 feet) above sea level and has a maximum depth of roughly 167 meters. Also, in terms of volume, it is Nepal's largest lake (548 feet). The lake has an area of 10.8 square kilometers (4.2 square miles), is 5.1 kilometers (3.2 miles) long, and 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) wide. The stunning Himalayan mountains, some of whose summits reach 4,000 meters (13,120 feet) above sea level, encircle the lake. Alpine woods, lush slopes, and lovely meadows surround the lake, attracting a variety of flora and fauna, including uncommon species of birds and animals.
Several little streams and rivers feed Rara Lake, and the Nijar River, which is the lake's primary outflow, eventually merges with the Karnali River. The lake is a significant source of freshwater for the nearby inhabitants, who depend on farming and animal raising for their subsistence. Rara Lake is still a relatively undiscovered and pristine destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers because of its isolated position and challenging access. Red pandas, musk deer, and black bears are just a few of the many endangered species that call this area home. It was designated as a Rare National Park. The park offers a number of lovely hiking routes, including the Rara Lake Trek, which leads travelers through some of Nepal's most breathtaking scenery.
Forests of pine, oak, and rhododendron form a large portion of the landscape in the area surrounding Rara Lake, which is characterized by alpine and sub-alpine vegetation. Together with the variety of wildflowers, visitors can find Himalayan blue poppies, primroses, and iris.
Many rare and endangered kinds of wildlife can be found in the Rara National Park. These are some illustrations of the local fauna:
Red Panda: This little, arboreal creature is one of the park's top drawcards and is considered endangered.
Musk Deer: These timid creatures are killed for their musk, which is utilized in conventional medicine. Another endangered species is the musk deer.
Snow Leopard: These secretive big cats are considered fragile and are located in the park's high-altitude sections.
Black Bear: Known for their unique black fur, these bears can be seen all across the park.
Visitors must get permits from the Nepal Tourism Board or the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu to access the Rara National Park and trek to Rara Lake. Moreover, visitors must purchase a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card, which costs USD 10 per person per week. Permits cost about USD 30 per person.
It is possible to hike to Rara Lake without a guide, however it is strongly advised that you work with a local who is knowledgeable with the area's geography and culture. Depending on the length of the trek and the services offered, guides and porters can be hired in Kathmandu or Jumla.
The seasons from September to November and from March to May are ideal for hiking to Rara Lake since they are typically dry and clear. The region sees significant snowfall from December to February, and the monsoon season (June to August) brings significant rains that make navigating the hiking routes challenging.
Rara Lake is located at a high altitude, so anyone hiking there should be mindful of the possibility of getting altitude sickness. Visitors should properly acclimatize by spending a few days at lower altitudes, consuming lots of water, abstaining from alcohol, and quitting smoking in order to prevent altitude sickness. Visitors should promptly descend to lower elevations if they have severe altitude sickness symptoms.
