Simikot – Rara Lake Trek – 19 Days
  • Duration19 Days
  • Trip DifficultyModerate / Strenuous
  • Best SeasonSpring / Early Autumn
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • Departure CityKathmandu
  • Altitude maximum3195m (Apsia Lek)
  • TransportVehicle
  • AccomodationCamping
  • MealsFull Board

Overview

Once in a while, it is vehemently important to rupture your daily quotidian cycle and lose yourself into a rapturous rhapsody of Nature, It is to actualize something bigger and better is out there, and for this, the trek is a popular way. This time here, you have perfectly chosen the Simikot – Rara Lake Trek.

The lake Rara is rhapsodic—its placid presence and aquamarine appearance are likened to a rhapsody. Appropriately it is the deepest and biggest freshwater lake in the far North-West of Nepal; the lake is a part of the smallest national park the Rara National Park.

The trek to the lake at an altitude of 2990 m begins after landing at the Simikot Airport. The flight will be from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, and Nepalgunj to the aforementioned airport.

Right from the beginning, you will be uplifted by lush landscapes, colorful culture, and friendly folks.

The Rara National Park along with the Rara Lake is home to some ecologically important flora and fauna. Moreover, it has some rare species, and the entire ecosystem has uniquely evolved into something significant; consequently, it has some species endemic to Nepal—Nepalese snow trout, Rara snow trout, Rara Lake frog are a few of them.

On top of that, you might luckily be able to view some beautiful migratory birds. It will be an otherworldly experience.

The craggy route with sporadic ups and downs peacefully and jubilantly shrouded in the serenity of pine, juniper, and spruce is quite ethereal. The view of snow-capped peaks is not less magical. You will be swept away.

Furthermore, trekking ahead all the way to Jumla eventually adds extra adventure, more thrills. This region, too, is culturally and naturally prodigious—rolling hills, evergreen forests, snow capped mountains and so forth; and the people of this region practice the Bonpo, and intriguingly pre-Buddhist shamanism.

The region is remote and rustic. The people are peace-loving and kind; their hospitality is something to be admired.

The Simikot-Rara Lake Trek is more than worthwhile. Through the trek and travel, we discover our own vast and missing selves, something grander than the diminished daily chore.

Detailed Itinerary

You will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel

Start our tour visiting Swoyambunath, a magnificent Buddhist stupa located on a high hill which is just 10 minutes drive from Thamel followed by a visit of Patan, a true open air museum with its pagodas, temples, and monasteries.
Overnight: Hotel

A scenic flight to Nepalgunj; a city in western Nepal.
Flight Time: 45 minutes
Overnight: Hotel

Early morning flight to Simikot for about 40 minutes. Then we spend the day exploring Simikot Bazaar to get well acclimatized with the suddenly gained altitude.
Flight Time: 40 minutes
Overnight: Camping

As we start our trek, we descend down to the Karnali River where we stop for the lunch enjoying the view of Karnali river valley. After lunch we walk for about 2 hours following this river all way to Yanchu, a Thakuri village.
Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Overnight: Camping

We start our day following Karnali river valley that goes through Bokche Gauda. There is a traditional saying about this place “The Sheep can jump over this river and get to Bokche Gauda” means the river there goes through very deep canal so the two banks of the river is really narrow so even sheep can jump over that river and reach to Bokche Guada in no time. stop at a place called Piusa for the lunch. Then, continuing our trek goes through several small streams and settlements.
Walking Time: 6 hours
Overnight: Camping

Continuing our trek towards Mugu valley, we go through Bagkunyauna Danda, Bhubre Lagna (3412m) and Simali then taking the side route of Hidden Himalayan trek we trek to Apsia Lek (Hepse).
Walking Time: 6 – 7 hours
Overnight: Camping

Early morning hike to the view point to catch the view of some of the mountains in western Himalayan range such as Saipal Himal, Chankheli, Dharma and Jethaju Buhari Himal. Then, after our breakfast, we continue our trek walking through the Melchham and Piplan to Dharma. It is about 6 hours trek to Darma Bazaar. Darma Bazaar is famous for its’ red and brown rice and Apples.
Walking Time: 6 hours
Overnight: Camping

Following the new trekking route called Hidden Himalaya trek suggested by Nepal tourism board and Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal, we trek towards south going through Rimi and Milchham Bagar.  It is about 6 hour’s trek to Saaththaple.
Walking Time: 6 hours
Overnight: Camping

As we start our day, we descend down to Jogimara followed by a climb towards the pass called Chankheli pass (3594m) which offers the magnificent view of Saipal Himal and other mountain ranges. Then we trek down to Darke Khola camp and continue our trek to Bam which is in Mugu District.
Walking Time: 7 hours
Overnight: Camping

It is fairly easy and short trek for today that goes through several settlements and crossing over few suspension bridges to reach Gamgadi, districts headquarter of Mugu district.
Walking Time: 5 hours
Overnight: Camping

Another short trek for about 4 hours takes us to Rara Lake, the largest lake in Nepal. It is surrounded by the Himalayas, beautiful forest and alpine grazing land.
Walking Time: 4 hours
Overnight: Camping

We spend the day exploring Rara Lake and surroundings and trekking to Murma Top to get the best view of Rara Lake.
Overnight: Camping

Walking along the lake of West Side, we trek down to Jhyari gaun in about three hours. it is fairly easy and short day again.
Walking Time: 3 hours
Overnight: Camping

As we continue our trek, we walk through several small settlements like Pina and Chautha; also goes through the pass called Ghurchi Lagna. It is one of the longest days of the trek taking about 8 hours to reach Nauri Ghat.
Walking Time: 8 hours
Overnight: Camping

Another long day through the Khali gaun and Daphe Lagna (pass) takes us to Jumla, the hub of the far western Nepal. It is about 7 hours trek to Jumla from Nauri Ghat.
Walking Time: 7 hours
Overnight: Camping

Early morning flight to Nepalgunj and afternoon / evening flight to Kathmandu.
Flight Time: 35 minutes (JUM – KEP)
Flight Time: 45 minutes (KEP – KTM)
Overnight: Hotel

We drive for an hour to visit an ancient city, Bhaktapur. It is one of the oldest cities of Kathmandu valley.
Overnight: Hotel

Note: Name of the places could be different than given names on the itinerary as local names are more popular in the region which are not mentioned on this itinerary / map. Also, some overnight places / route could be different than the given places / route depending on current conditions of the route and places.

Note: Far western Nepal is one of the remotest areas of Nepal so standard of the service in this part will be really basic.

Tour Price Includes

  • Transfers airport/hotel/airport
  • Hotel in Kathmandu / Nepalgunj on BB basis
  • Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants
  • Transport, guided visits and entry of the monuments in Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight tickets Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight tickets Nepalgung – Simikot / Jumla – Nepalgunj
  • Domestic airport taxes
  • Trekking permit /TIMS, and National park entry fees
  • Special permits of Simikot region
  • Professional tour / trekking guide, cook, assistant guides / cooks and porters
  • Village Development Committee entry charge
  • Accommodation in tents / camp during the trek
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
  • Necessary camping equipment
  • Mules or porter to carry luggage and camping equipment

Tour Price Does Not Include:

  • International Flights
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident/repatriation, helicopter/medical care)
  • Alternative / additional transportation (flights / vehicles), Accommodation in case of bad weather, flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade etc.
  • Personal expenses such as cold drinks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, Hot shower etc
  • Emergency evacuation rescue charge, if needed
  • Tips for tour/trekking staff

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group size.

Climate

Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.

Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year.  Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer.  Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C.  Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.

The summer/monsoon period – It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions “trans-Himalayan”, Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.

Autumn: mid September – mid December – Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.

In winter: mid-December – mid-February – Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to – 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.

Equipments

  • Day back-pack
  • Gore-Tex Jacket
  • Down Jacket
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Micro Fleece
  • Trekking Trousers
  • Hiking shoes (Boots)
  • Runners (sport shoes)
  • Trekking Socks
  • Rain poncho
  • Sun-glasses
  • Water bottles
  • Thermal underwear(long)
  • T- shirts
  • Sunscreen/lotion
  • Flip flop (sandal)
  • Towel
  • Hat(Baseball cap)
  • Pristine drops (Water purifier)
  • Head light / flash light
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Gloves
  • Wind Proof Trouser(s)
  • Personal medical kid
  • Toiletries