Rara Mugu & Jumla Treks packages

Rara, Mugu, and Jumla are among Nepal’s most enchanting locations. However, it’s hard to believe that they are a lesser-known trekking destination. The crown of the region is the Rara Lake. Furthermore, it’s known worldwide as the Queen of Lakes. That’s not the only thing offered in the area!

The Rara, Mugu & Jumla regions hold pristine alpine views. You witness a unique cultural diversity and untouched wilderness. You’ll trek through traditional villages and landscapes frozen in time. You get a rare opportunity to travel off the beaten path. Unlike the Everest and Annapurna trails, you’ll find a handful of fellow travelers. 

Rara, Mugu & Jumla are in the Northwestern part of Nepal. The region spans Mugu and Jumla districts. Moreover, the land sees varying elevations. Altitudes range from 1,500 meters to 4,000 meters. The coordinate for Rara is 29.5667° N, 82.0833° E. Now, here’s why you need to trek in the Rara, Mugu & Jumla regions:

Why Trek in the Rara, Mugu & Jumla Region?

Trek through one of Nepal’s true wildernesses. On your journey in the Rara region, you’ll be detached from the modern world. Find authentic adventure and serenity during your travel in the area. The territory is a lot less crowded than Everest and Annapurna.

• Pristine Beauty of Rara Lake

  • It is the largest and among the most beautiful lakes in Nepal.

  • Rara spans nearly 11 sq. km.

  • Turquoise waters reflect snow-capped peaks and forests.

  • Located at 2,990 meters above the alpine meadows.

  • Sunrises and sunsets at Rara are unforgettable.

• Biodiversity of Rara National Park

  • Home to rare Wildlife

  • Find: Himalayan Black bear, musk deer, and red panda.

  • Over 200 bird species, including the Danphe, Nepal’s national bird.

  • Forests of pine, juniper, oak, and spruce add scenic beauty.

• Authentic Village Experience:

  • Stone-built villages of Thakuri, Tibetan, Chhetri, and Hindu hill communities.

  • Opportunity to stay in homestays and experience local traditions.

  • Taste authentic regional dishes and enjoy warm hospitality.

  • Experience hearty mountain meals. Try barley Dhido, yak butter tea, and wild mushroom dishes.

• Off-the-beaten-path adventure

  • A remote region with very few tourists.

  • Peaceful trails and untouched valleys.

  • Treks here often lead through areas without roads or lodges.

  • Multi-day stretches without encountering other trekkers.

• Dramatic landscapes

  • Diverse terrain: alpine meadows, dense forests, waterfalls, and rugged mountains.

  • High passes with panoramic Himalayan views.

  • Wildflower-covered slopes in spring and snow-covered trails.

  • Fertile terraced fields and remote valleys make for varied scenery every day.

How to Reach the Rara, Mugu & Jumla Region? A Step-by-Step Guide

Like most trekking destinations in Nepal, you have two ways to reach your destination.  First, you can take a flight, followed by a road trip. The second way is by road. Both options have their pros and cons. Now, let’s look at the guide:

Reach the Rara, Mugu, & Jumla Region by Flight:

Step 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

• Duration: 1 Hour

• Airlines: Buddha Air, Shree Airlines, Yeti Airlines

• Cost: approx. USD 130 – 150 One-way Per Person

• Nepalgunj is the main southern hub for connecting flights further north.

Step 2: Nepalgunj to Jumla or Talcha (Mugu)

• Duration: 35 – 45 minutes

• Airlines: Tara Air, Summit Air

• Cost: 

  • Nepalgunj – Mugu: Approx. USD 110 – 125 

  • Nepalgunj – Jumla: Approx. USD 100 – 200 

Step 3: Trek or drive to Rara Lake

• From Talcha:

  • Short trek: 2 – 3 hours 

  • Local Jeep: NPR 1,000 – 1,500 (USD 10 – 15)

• From Jumla:

  • 2 to 3-day trek (no transport cost if trekking)

  • Hiring a porter/guide costs NPR 2,500–3,500 (USD 20–28) per day.

Reach the region by Road:

Step 1: Kathmandu to Surkhet or Nepalgunj

• Duration: 14–18 hours by road

• Cost:

  • Tourist bus: NPR 2,000–2,500 (USD 15–20) per person

  • Local bus: NPR 1,500–2,000 (USD 12–15) per person

  • Private jeep: NPR 25,000–35,000 (USD 190–260) 

    • Note: You can split the cost of the Private Jeep with passengers.

• Highlight: Scenic drive through western mid-hills and rural Nepalese towns.

Step 2: Surkhet to Jumla or Mugu

• Duration: 2–3 days on rough mountain roads

• Cost:

  • Local jeep/bus: NPR 3,500–4,500 (USD 26–35) per person

  • Private jeep hire: NPR 35,000–45,000 (USD 260–340) (ideal for groups, includes stops).

Step 3: Final approach to Rara Lake

• From Mugu/Talcha:

  • Jeep ride and short trek to Rara Lake: 

    • NPR 1,000–1,500 (USD 8–12) per seat 

  • Or trek: 2–3 hours (free)

• From Jumla:

  • 2–3-day trek (no transport cost if trekking)

  • Porter/guide: NPR 2,500–3,500 (USD 20–28) per day

Culture & Community in the Rara, Mugu & Jumla Region

Exploring the region offers a chance to experience ancient ways of life. They have remained unchanged for centuries. It’s one of the key elements that attracts many tourists to the area. Rara, Mugu, and Jumla stay in harmony with nature. These places remain far from the modern cities of Nepal. 

You can find languages and traditions that have passed the test of time. Yes, it’s a living tapestry of cultures. The area is a melting pot of diverse ethnicities and beliefs. The ancient trade routes influenced the culture and community. These paths connected to Tibet. 

The people of the land follow Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. You’ll find gompas and Hindu temples on your trek in the area. You can experience Dashain and Tihar in the Autumn season. The place comes alive with Buddhist ceremonies with butter lamps and prayer wheels.

Shamanistic practices are common in the remote villages. The region’s people visit shamans for healing and centuries-old rituals. These traditions have been passed down from one generation to the next.

The People in Rara, Mugu, & Jumla

The communities in Rara are as diverse as the landscapes. People of different ethnical backgrounds live in this region. Here’s a list of people you can encounter:

Thakuri and Chhetri:

They are the communities that dominate the mid-hills. Known for their hospitality, they welcome trekkers with warm smiles. Similarly, visitors love the hearty home-cooked meals from their community.

Tibetan-origin groups:

Lamas and other ethnic minorities live in higher-altitude settlements. These people are known for preserving Buddhist traditions. You can find a unique architecture and dialects.

Brahmins and Dalit communities:

These communities form part of the vibrant social fabric. Furthermore, Brahmins and Dalits are found particularly in the lower valleys.

Life here is deeply tied to subsistence farming. Expect to see terraced fields of millet, barley, and potatoes. Find the local herders tending yak and sheep in the high meadows. And children helping their families collect firewood or graze cattle.

Varying Landscapes that Shape Culture

Notice how the landscape and culture shift dramatically with elevation. You travel through the lower valleys to the most remote alpine stretches. These places bring forth awe and wonder in your journey through the region.

You begin your journey through lush pine and rhododendron forests. Here you can see terraced fields and clustered villages. Hindu temples are at the heart of settlements here. 

As you move higher, the forests start thinning out. The forest is replaced by alpine meadows and cliffs in the upper parts. Life becomes tougher, and the settlement becomes thinner. Tibetan Buddhism is the prominent religion here. You travel through monasteries and prayer flags.

In the most remote parts, you can trek for hours without coming across a settlement. You walk through untamed wilderness and rugged mountainsides.

Popular Packages in the Rara, Mugu & Jumla Region

Rara Lake Motorbike Tour:

Explore the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, Lumbini. A look inside the lives of people in remote Nepal. Ride through breathtaking Rara Lake. Here’s what to expect from the Rara Lake Motorbike Tour package!

• Duration:                       11 Days

• Max Altitude: 3,000 Meters

• Coordinates:         29.5200° N, 82.0600° E

• Difficulty:               Moderate Ride

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Motorbike: Royal Enfield 500cc Included in the package

• Accommodation:  Resorts/Hotels/Teahouses/Guest Houses

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        10°C to 20°C 

• Night Temperature: 2°C – 5°C 

• Group Size:           2-15

• Best Season:        All Year Round

Rara Lake Helicopter Tour:

Experience a scenic helicopter tour to Rara Lake. Scenic flight back to Kathmandu or Pokhara. Go on a short boating trip on the Lake. Here’s what to expect from the Rara Lake Helicopter Tour package:

• Duration:                       1 Day

• Max Altitude: 2,990 Meters Rara Lake

• Coordinates:         29.5200° N, 82.0600° E

• Difficulty:               Easy Ride

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  NA

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        10°C to 20°C 

• Night Temperature: 2°C – 5°C 

• Group Size:           2-15

• Best Season:        All Year Round

Great Himalaya Trail – Rara Lake to Humla Simikot Trek:

Find magnificent views from Ghurchi Langa pass. Watch the splendour of Rara Lake. Travel off the beaten path in the region. Here’s what you can expect from the trek package:

• Duration:                       28 Days

• Max Altitude: 4,620 Meters Nara La

• Coordinates:         30.0000° N, 81.7833° E

• Difficulty:               Moderate Trekking

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Resorts/Hotels/Teahouses/lodges/Tent

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        10°C to 20°C 

• Night Temperature: 2°C – 5°C 

• Group Size:           2-15

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Rara Lake via Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve & Lower Dolpo:

Ample opportunity to watch the wild species of flora and fauna. Get to know the lifestyle and culture of locals. Dolpo is the land where people follow Bonpo culture. Here’s what you can expect from the package:

• Duration:                       37 Days

• Max Altitude: 5,360 Meters Numa La

• Coordinates:         30.0000° N, 81.7833° E

• Difficulty:               Intermediate Trekking

• Trip Start:               Kathmandu

• Trip End:                Kathmandu

• Accommodation:  Resorts/Hotels/Teahouses/lodges/Tent

• Meals:                    Included in the package

• Day Temperature:        10°C to 20°C 

• Night Temperature: 2°C – 5°C 

• Group Size:           2-15

• Best Season:        Spring/Autumn

Difficulty Levels in the Rara, Mugu & Jumla Region:

The Rara, Mugu & Jumla Region offers treks suitable for all experience levels. You can experience everything from gentle lakeside walks to demanding high-altitude expeditions. 

Beginner-Friendly Treks: 

• The Rara Lake Trek is ideal for first-time trekkers. Find a relaxing adventure with minimal altitude risk.

• Most routes take you to the shimmering blue waters of Rara Lake (2,990m). Travel through forested trails and friendly villages.

• Trekking days are typically short (4–6 hours), with moderate ascents and descents.

• Perfect for travelers who want cultural immersion. Find scenic beauty without extreme physical demands.

• You can also take a motorbike tour to Rara Lake. The treks are significantly cut down. It is a 2 to 4-hour hike to the lake. 

Moderate Treks: 

• Rara Lake to Humla Simikot Trek is a step up in difficulty. It features longer days and trek hours.

• The elevation gains also rise. The max altitude is 4,620. This trek is ideal for trekkers with some prior hiking experience

• Accommodations are either tented camps or teahouses. Offers more wilderness time than the shorter Rara Lake trek.

Intermediate Treks: 

• Rara Lake via Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve & Lower Dolpo has longer trekking distances. 

• It needs to clear multiple high passes and more remote sections.

• Expect a variety of landscapes:

  • alpine lakes, meadows, dense forests, and wildflower-covered hills.

• Recommended for experienced trekkers comfortable with off-the-beaten-path trails.

Best Time to Be in the Rara, Mugu & Jumla Region: Seasons and Temperatures

The Rara, Mugu & Jumla Region is accessible all year round. It's just that the experience varies every other season you decide to visit. Depending on the season, you see different views. Yes, weather patterns affect temperatures and visibility. But it also impacts the culture and nature you encounter. 

Spring (March – May)

• Temperatures: 

  • Day: 5°C – 20°C (41°F – 68°F) 

  • Night: 0°C – 5°C (32°F – 41°F)

• Why Visit the Rara region in Spring:

  • This is one of the most beautiful times to trek in the Rara region.

  • Rhododendrons and wildflowers cover the hillsides.

  • Turns the forests around Rara Lake into a painter’s palette.

  • Days are long, warm, and skies are generally clear.

  • Perfect season for photography and Himalayan views.

  • Wildlife in Rara National Park is more active.

  • Often spot birds and mammals coming out after winter.

• Things to Note:

  • Early March can still be chilly at night, especially at higher altitudes.

  • Trails are relatively quiet. It makes it an ideal time for those seeking fewer crowds.

Summer & Monsoon (June – August)

• Temperatures: 

  • Day: 10°C – 22°C (50°F – 72°F) 

  • Night: 5°C – 10°C (41°F – 50°F)

• Why avoid this season:

  • Summer and Monsoon are the least recommended times to trek in Nepal.

  • Heavy monsoon rains can make trails muddy and treacherous.

  • Landslides and swollen rivers can disrupt itineraries.

  • Flights to Talcha or Jumla are often delayed or cancelled.

• Why some still choose this season:

  • The landscape is at its greenest and most lush.

  • The rice terraces shimmer in the valleys.

• Things to note:

  • Carry waterproof gear and expect unpredictable conditions

  • Avoid camping near rivers or landslide-prone slopes

Autumn (September – November)

• Temperatures: 

  • Day: 4°C – 18°C (39°F – 64°F)

  • Night: -2°C – 5°C (28°F – 41°F)

• Why visit in autumn:

  • Autumn is the most popular trekking season.

  • It brings out clear blue skies, dry trails, and stable weather.

  • The perfect time for sweeping Himalayan views.

  • The air is crisp, and visibility is excellent.

  • Villages celebrate major Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar.

  • It adds vibrant cultural experiences to your journey in Nepal.

  • Trails are well-maintained, and teahouses are fully operational.

• Things to note:

  • This is peak season, trails in Rara Lake may be at their busiest.

  • Still far quieter than Everest or Annapurna.

  • Nights can be cold, especially in November, so pack warm layers.

Winter (December – February)

• Temperatures: 

  • Day: -5°C – 10°C (23°F – 50°F) 

  • Night: -10°C – -2°C (14°F – 28°F)

• Why visit in winter:

  • Rara Lake is at its most serene and magical.

  • Snow-capped forests and mountains surround the lake.

  • Trails are quiet.

  • You may have entire valleys to yourself.

• Challenges:

  • Heavy snowfall can block high passes.

  • Some remote routes are inaccessible.

  • Nights are extremely cold.

  • Limited teahouse availability.

• Best suited for:

  • Experienced trekkers who are prepared for harsh conditions.

  • Those seeking solitude and the beauty of snow-covered landscapes.

Accommodation & Food in the Rara, Mugu & Jumla Region

Trekking in the remote corners of Nepal connects you with local communities. Especially when you spend the night at a teahouse, lodge, or homestay. Not only do you get the authentic Nepali experience, but you also get to try out their food. So, let’s see the breakdown:

Accommodation & Facilities

Teahouses:

• Found along the main trekking routes to Rara Lake and in larger villages.

• Offer basic facilities. They have simple bedding, communal dining areas, and home-cooked meals.

• Meals usually consist of Dal Bhat, noodles, or potato-based dishes.

• Toilets are usually shared. Hot showers (if available) often come at an extra cost.

• Great option for budget trekkers who want a traditional experience.

Lodges:

• Available near Rara Lake and in major villages like Gamgadhi.

• Slightly better amenities than teahouses.

• Lodges usually offer private or semi-private rooms with thicker bedding.

• They occasionally have electricity (solar-powered). Sometimes basic Wi-Fi.

• Meals are similar to teahouses but with a slightly wider variety.

• Besides the basics, they also have momo dumplings, pancakes, and fried rice.

Hotels:

• Limited to larger hubs like Jumla Bazaar and Nepalgunj.

• They provide proper hotel facilities.

• You can expect private bathrooms, reliable electricity, and more dining options.

• These are ideal for your arrival or departure nights.

• They’re rarer deeper in the trekking region.

Homestays:

• One of the highlights of trekking in the Rara, Mugu & Jumla region.

• Stay in local family homes, often in stone-built houses.

• They have cozy kitchens centred around a wood-fired stove.

• You’ll experience true rural hospitality.

• Activities: share meals, join in farm activities, and learn about traditions.

• Facilities are basic, but the cultural immersion is unmatched.

Food from the Rara Region

The rugged high-altitude life shaped the food found in Rara, Mugu, and Jumla. The meals are simple, hearty, and locally grown ingredients. Here’s a list of must-try food in the region:

Must-Try Food:

• Phapar ko Roti (Buckwheat bread):

A high-energy flatbread served with local pickles or butter.

• Kodo ko Dhido (Millet porridge):

A staple dish, often eaten with lentil soup and greens. Sometimes, it’s served with chicken soup or curry.

• Wild mushroom curry: 

Seasonal delicacy gathered from surrounding forests.

• Yak butter-based dishes: 

Adds richness and energy for long trekking days.

• Gundruk (fermented leafy greens):

Served as a curry or soup, packed with vitamins.

Must-try drinks:

• Tongba:

A traditional hot alcoholic drink. You pour warm water over fermented millet. It's perfect for chilly evenings.

• Po Cha (Butter tea): 

Tibetan-style salty tea mixed with yak butter. It is believed to help fight altitude and cold.

• Local herbal teas: 

Often brewed with wild herbs. They’re refreshing and warming.

What Permits Are Required for Trekking in the Rara, Mugu & Jumla Region?

The region falls within Rara National Park. Rara, Mugu, & Jumla cover remote districts of Nepal. As such, you will need permits to trek through the region. Here’s what you need:

Rara National Park Entry Permit

• Purpose: 

  • Required to enter the protected area surrounding Rara Lake.

• Cost:

  • Foreign Nationals: NPR 3,000 (USD 25)

  • SAARC Nationals: NPR 1,500 (USD 15)

• Where to Get:

  • Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu

  • Entry checkpoints at Rara National Park

TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)

• Purpose: 

  • Records trekker details for safety and search/rescue purposes.

• Cost:

  • For Independent trekkers (FIT): NPR 2,000 (USD 20)

  • Through a registered trekking agency: NPR 1,000 (USD 10)

• Where to Get:

  • TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal) offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara

Restricted Area Permit (RAP):

You’ll need a Restricted Area Permit if you want to go near the border. These can only be arranged through a government-registered trekking agency. The cost is USD 50 per person for the first 7 days. Then USD 10 per day thereafter.