Jumla & Ra Ra Lake
Trip Facts
Program Code: NHG-RT07
Duration: 16 days
Program Type: Jumla & Ra Ra Lake
Minimum pax: 2 +
Start Trip: Nepalgunj
End Trip: Nepalgunj
Program Grading: 
Trip Highlights
Nepal's largest lake, pristine forest, stunning landscapes, magnificent scenery, western himalayan mountain range, less frequented region, isolated traditional villages, high scenic passes in complete wilderness.
Overview
A journey into the Jumla region and the Ra Ra lake, is probably one of the most incredible and fascinating treks in all the Himalayan range with its unique tranquility, blending well in perfect harmony with the surrounding mountains and beautiful landscapes. Our adventure starts from the hill town of Jumla in the remote north-west of Nepal.
From Jumla, the trek heads north passing through beautiful country side, farm villages and valleys with excellent views of snow capped peaks of Dolpo and the Tibetan mountain ranges. You will feel as if you have entered a totally different world, as you enter the Ra Ra National Park and its beautiful surroundings including the pristine lake RaRa.
It's scenery and unbelievable quietness is fascinating amidst its charming forest and landscapes. We will camp here for two nights in order to explore around the largest lake in Nepal.
After an enjoyable stay here, we return to Jumla by an alternative route in order to give you the best of this magnificent country, we conclude our wonderful and memorable journey at Jumla with a flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu.1,300m.via respective airlines.
Day 02: In Kathmandu. O/N Hotel.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel. O/N Hotel.
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla 2,370m. and begin trek to Charya Chaur 2,800m. Overnight Camping.
Day 05: From Charya-Chaur to camp beneath the unnamed grassy pass 3,500m.6 hrs walk. O/N Camp.
Day 06: Trek to Botan. 2, 680m via Sinja Khola. 2,440m. 6-7 hrs. O/N Camp.
Day 07: Trek to Rara Border.3,190m. 3-4 hrs. O/N Camp.
Day 08: Trek to Rara Lake. 2,980m. 6-7 hrs. O/N Camp.
Day 09: Rest day at Rara Lake. O/N Camp.
Day 10: Trek to River Camp or Pina via Jhyari 2,580m. O/N Camp.
Day 11: Trek to Chauta 2,770m via Ghurchi Lagna Pass 3,460m. 5-6 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Tharamara. 3,270m. 5-6 hrs. O/N Camp.
Day 13: Trek to Jumla 5-6 hrs. O/N Camp.
Day 14: Fly Jumla-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu. O/N Hotel.
Day 15: At leisure in Kathmandu. O/N Hotel.
Day 16: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.
Jumla & Ra Ra Lake
Itinerary Detail
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu.1,300m.via respective airlines.
On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be received by our staff and will escort you to the Hotel, where one of our leader or a Sherpa guide will give you a brief orientation of the Hotel, Kathmandu, Trek/Camping, do's and don't and other related information that you might require while in Nepal. Our Tour Officer will ask for your International flight ticket and your passport for safe keeping and for reconfirmation of your out bound flight from Kathmandu to your next port of arrival. Do not hesitate to do this, this is one of our routine service and it will be in the safe hand while you are on the trek, and after the trek you will get it back.
Day 02: In Kathmandu. O/N Hotel.
After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about the the time for your half day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of interest. Sometime, depending upon your flight arrival if its late in the night we will do this tour in the afternoon instead of morning to give you a nice sleep and rest before you venture out of the Hotel for our interesting tour.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj & transfer to Hotel. O/N Hotel.
As per the flight schedule for Nepalgunj we transfer to the domestic airport for one and half hour scenic flight to Nepaljung. At Nepalgunj we will have time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town which is situated on the southern Nepal border with India. Here it is quite hot and tropical in character.
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla 2,370m. and begin trek to Charya Chaur 2,800m. Overnight Camping.
After a pleasant overnight at Nepalgunj, early morning transfer to airport for half hour flight to Jumla over the Himalayan foothills, with views of the distant snow capped peaks. On arrival at Jumla our trekking staffs will receive you, who have walked all the way from Nepalgunj with the camping gear and food supply taking 5-6 days. Jumla is the largest upland town in the Karnali District, Nepal's most sparsely-populated adminstrative zone with no roads communication and is only accessible on foot or by air. We will have time to explore Jumla to see the bazaar and temple dedicated to Chandan Nath, a mythical saint who defeated serpents demon and emptied the lake which flooded the valley. Some half an hour's walk from Jumla towards the college is the small village of Micha where, in a small walled enclosure, stand a number of stone stupas telling of the Buddhist history. The stupas were erected in memory of important dignitaries of the region and date back from the late 15th century. From here we take a short walk climbing away from the Jumla Valley to the campsite at Charya Chaur high above the Karnali Technical College.
Day 05: From Charya-Chaur to camp beneath the unnamed grassy pass 3,500m.6 hrs walk. O/N Camp.
Our day start with a morning climb through birch and pine forests to the unnamed grassy pass sometime known as Jaljala. As the walk progress view of Kanjiroba himal can be seen to the east, with its twin peaks that towers over the adjacent area. At afternoon we descent of about 870m through beautiful forests and find a suitable spot for overnight camping on the pastures with a nearby Shepard's hut after a relatively moderate day on the trail.
Day 06: Trek to Botan. 2, 680m via Sinja Khola. 2,440m. 6-7 hrs. O/N Camp.
Our morning walk completes the descent to Sinja by following the Jaljala Khola downstream through forests with immense gnarled pines and through terraced farmland. Just before the final descent to Sinja the trail passes the 300 year old Kanaksundari Temple where ancient stone lions guard the inner sanctum. Sinja was once the ancient and thriving winter capital of the Malla kings and a few Malla stones dating from the medieval Khasa kingdom can still be seen alongside the trail on its steep, low knob. The trail passes south of the peaked, white temple and descends to the main river, crossing a thick plant bridge at a place where the water has cut a deep, narrow furrow through bedrock. Sinja village rests upon a small alluvial plain on the west bank of the clear Lah Gad River, here called the Sinja River. The ruined town actually stood on the east bank of the Sinja Khola, at a place known as Kotgaon or Lamathada, where you can poke among ancient sculptured stones overgrown with weeds. Just north of Sinja stone-bound aeries once used by meditating re-annunciates are visible along the rock walls. Maybe we will have lunch stop or a short break near the bridge over the Khola and then following the river upstream passing by the small village of Ganj through a spectacular gorge to the campsite at the village of Botan.
Day 07: Trek to Rara Border.3,190m. 3-4 hrs. O/N Camp.
Today will be a short walk to the entrance of the Rara Lake National Park where we camp. Our route leaves the Sinja Khola from Botan to follow the Ghatte Khola north and then walking towards north-eastwards up a beautiful miniture valley through farmland and past primitive flour mills to enter the Rara National Park at the Ghorasain police post, with enough time for short walk around or catch up on some laundry or simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Day 08: Trek to Rara Lake. 2,980m. 6-7 hrs. O/N Camp.
Leaving the Ghorasain campsite our route leads to a climb all the way to the Chuchemara Danda ridge at about 4,260m which will take us nearly 2 hours, the climb is not too hard and on reaching the crest of the ridge an excellent panorama can be seen against the northern horizon. Descending the trail northwards, Rara Lake will soon be seen to the north-east and the trail passes through bamboo and birch forests before crossing the Khatyar Khola which is followed upstream to our overnight camp near the shore of Rara Lake.
Day 09: Rest day at Rara Lake. O/N Camp.
A well earned rest day to explore and climb up to the wooden observation tower for fine views of the lake and surrounding hills. The National Park Headquarters can be visited and a leaflet about the National Park can be obtained there. Swimming is allowed in the lake and is piercingly refreshing.
Day 10: Trek to River Camp or Pina via Jhyari 2,580m. O/N Camp.
Another short day on the trail to leave Rara Lake behind and cross a ridge to the villge of Jhyari. following the Jhyari Bira Khola downstream for only short way, the route then crosses inot the Dhauligar Khola valley to our overnight campsite beside the river. Farming is very evident in these valleys with terraced fields on all but the steepest slopes and snow capped peaks will be seen to the north east. We can (time permitting and willingness of the group and the porters) also trek on to a delightful campsite at Pina if we want to make the next day shorter.
Day 11: Trek to Chauta 2,770m via Ghurchi Lagna Pass 3,460m. 5-6 hrs. From the campsite on the Dhauligar Khola, our walk leads through farmland to the village of Pina where there is a police post and a small local hotel before climbing to the Ghurchi pass. The long climb from Pina is mostly through forests with fine views to the north which are best enjoyed during rest stops. The pass is marked by several chortens and the trail then descends across alpine pastures, through walnut groves and to a steep narrow valley all the way to the village of Chauta for our overnight stop, where there are shops and local hotels.
Day 12: Trek to Tharamara. 3,270m. 5-6 hrs. O/N Camp.
Our journey from Chauta follows the northern bank of the Sinja khola through Bumra and past the small hotel and health clinic under the massive overhanging rock at Kamra, source of the important medicinal mineral, Silaji. Descending to the Sinja Khola the route passes the village of Nyawre, supplied by hydroelectricity, to the next bridge upstream before climbing for some 600meters to the pasture at Tharamara, we will be camping here or an hour further above Tharamara.
Day 13: Trek to Jumla 5-6 hrs. O/N Camp.
Our last day of trekking begins slowly and gradually dropping down a really lovely valley from high alpine pastures, through magnificent forests and eventually into a fertile well farmed valley. It has pretty little villages such as Padmara and the track is not too steep and following the same river all the way down to Jumla. This makes a nice circuit and avoids having a repeat part of the outward trek. On reaching Jumla rest of the afternoon can be spent exploring the busy market town.
Day 14: Fly Jumla-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu. O/N Hotel.
Early morning 30 minutes sweeping wonderful flight to Nepalgunj over the Himalayan foothills, overlooking stunning views of the snow capped peaks. On arrival at Nepalgunj depending upon the connecting flight schedule to Kathmandu. If its in the afternoon we will have time, few hours for refreshment in the comfort of the Hotel Batika at Nepalgunj.
We then connect with flight back to Kathmandu.
Day 15: At leisure in Kathmandu. O/N Hotel.
A free day in Kathmandu, please let our staff or tour officer know if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley or for scenic mountain flight or hot air ballooning.
Day 16: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.
Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, departure tax (in local currency) and your passport handy. Our Tour Officer will take you to the airport for your final departure from this amazing country, Nepal.
Note: The above itinerary should be taken only as a guide line, it could change due to weather, availability of clean water and campsite, trail or any other unforeseen conditions. In case of trek Itinerary alteration or if it needs to be re-routed to other area your Group Leader or Sherpa Guide decision will be the final.
Jumla & Ra Ra Lake
Essential Information
When trekking in Nepal Himalayas "Altitude related Problems" are the important factors to be considered because there is always a real danger of mild to serious problems related to altitude and it is important that trekkers understand that they will be affected to a greater or lesser extent when they ascend to altitudes over about 3000 meters. Altitude sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and it means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The victim can develop severe symptoms very rapidly if the mild effects are ignored.
We advise our clients to remember the following suggestion when you are on trekking in the high altitude areas above 3000 meters. The following are the basic symptoms of the altitude sickness and to avoid such sickness we recommend few important points.
1. Basic Symptoms: - Loss of appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Difficult to pass urine
2. Medium Symptoms:
- Headache which is bad
- Irregular breathing
- Nausea
- Mild weakness
3. Serious Symptoms:
- Slight swelling of hands and face
- Cannot stand upright without swaying while eyes are closed.
- Can hear gurgling sound in the chest.
- Zero energy.
What to do about Altitude Sickness?
Altitude illness can be prevented by acclimatization; that is, by a graduate rate of ascent (not more than 400 – 500 meters), allowing sufficient rest at various intermediate altitudes. The dry air of the mountains tends to dehydrate you so an increased fluid intake is necessary. Try to drink at least four liters of water a day. On the trail you can drink hot garlic soup that will help you to some extent. When we reach to our destination it is better to make some hiking up to a bit higher point and come down to the camp or hotel. This is a really good way to get acclimatization. You may take Diamox 250mg tablets the night before flying / going to altitude. Sometimes the symptoms often disappear and the trek can be resumed.
If you feel obviously suffering from the serious symptoms of AMS then descent should not be delayed even if it means going down in dark. In such case, should an emergency situation arise, horse, or porter will be arranged; or we carry you and run to lower (descend) altitudes. There is communication facility at Namche Bazaar; Doctors at Khunde hospital in the Everest Area and HRA Clinics and in some trekking areas also have the Gamow Bag. The hospital or the clinic will take fees or charges for such services. We can arrange for immediate evacuation, by horse or helicopter, depending on the severity of the case.
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