12 Dec 2019 Outdoor Himalayan
Trekking to Rara the Queen of Lakes in the Himalayas is phenomenal. The Trek to Rara is a journey to discover the lesser-known far-western gem of Nepal. Leading ultimately to Lake Rara, every major and minor destination stops, and the path has a unique gift to share with travelers. Beholding in nature’s pristine lap, sheering through the pine and rhododendron forest, soaking in the fresh breeze and a slice of culture and lifestyle, Rara is just magical.
Provided with multiple options including flight, drive or trek to reach the lake, we decided to trek as it is the ultimate formula to miss nothing here. The decision was worth it too as we rejoiced each moment. Starting from the bustling and lively street of Kathmandu, we set our sail to this pristine destination hidden in the high hills.
So, it starts our first real adventure descending to the plain and vibrant Terai by bus. The winding highway showcased the skills of local drivers perfectly and each small stop had a charm of their own. Arriving at Nepalgunj, one can experience a transition of culture and lifestyle. With the option to fly here it would have been quicker but the journey was worthwhile with few good surprises.
From Nepalgunj, the wilderness starts as we fly from the airport to the hidden runway of Jumla airport in the morning. The weather was beautiful. An adventure in itself; this short flight offered some great views of landscape and Himalayas. The chilling fresh breeze hits you as soon as you’re out of the plane. The first thing to do is to admire the beauty surrounding and ask yourselves- where have I arrived. Within a short flight, you will connect to the world untarnished with western trends and far from the modernized luxury.
Keeping up the composure, the trek starts and with each new day comes even more delights. Walking in some of the locally traveled trails you will witness the true beauty of Jumla. Stopping in the small teahouses and sharing the local beverage is truly a connecting moment. Waving the little children and all the smiles the people share here makes you admire the trek even more.
Depending on the time of visit one can enjoy a different shade of Rara. We were there in late autumn and the beauty reflected upon the hills with blooming flowers and ripe fruits of a different variety. Passing by the terraced farmlands, we witness the harvest and shared many local snacks. Enjoying every small talk, a taste of selflessness and love combined with those meals. Every now and then we passed by small bazaars full of life and rural trades. Trekking to Rara The Queen of Lakes in the Himalayas is not to be missed.
The natural viewpoints with each ascend and the feeling of closeness with nature defined the days near to Rara. We loved spending the nights in the local teahouse and community lodges. Taking a bite of organic foods and hearing the stories from the owners was exciting. The monasteries, prayer flags and local temples were all uniquely amusing. Also, the legends from these places were marvelous always showing the devotion and gratification of life in the Rara region. The trail got up one final time and passing by a few of the clear streams we were in the entry point of the Rara National Park.
After clearing the permits to the park, we had a final section to cover leading us to Rara. We had a well-managed path leading to the lake with boards marking the way and other beautiful destinations around. Joining the walk were few others traveling via plane or bus to Rara. Also, we had few bikers a couple of whom had been here from India just to enjoy and praise the beautiful nature. The forest then cleared up, and before us lied pristine and crystal clear- ‘the queen of lakes’, Rara itself.
Delicate, magnificent, exquisite, dazzling and simply divine, each one of us was awestruck at the view from the piece of heaven from the first view of Rara. The views of the green hills and snow-capped mountains covering the horizon accompanied by this vast lake giving us one enchanting scene to remember forever. We walked around the lake for a while and treasured the beautiful scenery all around. Hopping in a raft operated nearby, we reached the other side of the lake admiring the picturesque view.
Rara trek is never complete without a bliss of culture and hiking visits around the lake. Staying at a community homestay on the shore, we were greeted with local cuisine and a slice of lifestyle. The sunrise the next day was one of the best from the homestay. The clear views of the snowcapped mountains reflecting in the calm Rara were fantastic. After trying some local bread and organic honey, we started the hike to the Murma Top. Passing by the Murma village on the way, the hike was energizing and fun. Upon reaching on the top, we enjoyed the panoramic view of surrounding hills and mountains accompanied by hot tea.
The return also stored some of the great stories and delights. Heading back to Jumla, we took a flight back to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu. The alluring Lake in itself was worth all our effort but what truly captivated us was the journey and each part of the trail taking us there. Marking an important and unforgivable chapter in our Travel diary, Rara is one place not to miss in Nepal.