Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake has been a popular destination for a hidden treasure route in western Nepal for trekkers. Rara Lake is truly off-the -beaten-track trek in Nepal. The glimses of culture and magnificient views are unique and quite different from the rest of Nepal.The views of snow-capped himalayan enhance the attraction of trekkers. Infact, Rara is the biggest  lake in Nepal . The Late King Mahendra was so mesmorised by its beauty that he had the lake alternatively named as Mahendra Daha( where daha means the lake). Rara Lake trek begins from Jumla which is known as the largest upland hill town in west Nepal. Actually, the region around Jumla and Rara Lake is still considered to be relatively unexplored.

Features

Rara Lake is situated at an altitude of 2990m (9810ft.)above sea level. A maximum depth of  167 m(548ft), is 5.1 km(3.2 mi) long and 2.7km(1.7mi) wide. It has a water surface of 10.8 sq.km.Water quality is characterisized by high pH, which drains into the Mugu Karnali river via Nijar river. Talking about climate condition, summer is quite pleasant but winter is cold. The surface temperature of the lake was found to be 7.5 °C to 7.6 °C and was visible below 14 m to 15 m. The temperatures go low below the freezing point from December to March and heavy snowfall occur up to one meter, blocking the way to the lake. Similarly, it is warm in the month of April – June.

Flora and Fauna

Rara Lake is being surrounded by Rara National Park which offers a unique window to wilderness.The park was established in 1976 with a motto of preserving beauty of lake and protecting it from sedimentation and adverse human activities. It consists of 1074 species of flora whereas 265 species o fauna including 51 species of mammals and 214 species of birds.

Socio-cultural and religious values

People of Rara region are mainly engaged in agricultural field.People also rear goats and extract medicinal herbs and sell them for their living.Thakur Baba’s Temple is situated in the southeast corner of the lake. Local people believe that the god Thakur shot an arrow to open the passage of the lake reducing the damage caused by flooding.Due to this the Thakur society is being dominated by community.

Thus, Rara Lake offers an isolated and mysterious beauties of remote Nepal.If you do believe in the world there is heaven that may be one of them Rara lake trekIt is calm and awesome scenery with it’s mesmerizing mountain views back side of the lake.