Rara Lake Trek (GHT)

Altitude above sea level : 1,302 m / 4,269 ft.-Kathmandu

Driving Time: Approx. 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu,, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative, who will be holding a “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” sign outside the terminal to greet you.

You will be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. After checking in and freshening up, our representative will meet you to give a detailed briefing on the upcoming itinerary, along with important safety guidelines and hygiene to ensure a smooth and safe trek.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m / 4,269 ft.
Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar
Meal: Breakfast

9:00 AM: Guided Cultural Tour of Kathmandu Valley

After breakfast, begin your day with a guided cultural tour of the Kathmandu Valley. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore the rich heritage, ancient architecture, and spiritual landmarks that define the city.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Your first stop is Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka Durbar), a historic royal complex filled with centuries-old temples, palaces, and shrines. Highlights include the Kumari Ghar, home of the Living Goddess, and Kasthamandap, an ancient structure built from a single tree.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Next, visit Swayambhunath, commonly known as the Monkey Temple. This iconic hilltop stupa is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Enjoy panoramic views of the valley, the scent of incense, and the spiritual ambiance created by spinning prayer wheels and fluttering flags.

Afternoon: Boudhanath Stupa
In the afternoon, head to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most significant stupas in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a major center of Tibetan Buddhism, surrounded by monasteries, colorful prayer flags, and the rhythmic chanting of ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’.

Pashupatinath Temple
End your cultural exploration with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located along the sacred Bagmati River, the temple is a place of powerful spiritual energy. Here, you’ll witness traditional rituals and the poignant open-air cremation ceremonies that reflect the deep spiritual beliefs of Nepali culture. After the tour, our representative will transfer you back to your hotel.

Altitude above sea level: 150m / 492ft
Flight duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Nepalgunj. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayan range from the air. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, you’ll be escorted to your hotel. The afternoon will be free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Altitude above sea level: 2,405 m / 7,890 ft
Flight duration: 35 minutes approx.
Hiking duration: 5 hrs approx.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Juphal (2,475 m / 8,120 ft). During the short flight, enjoy stunning aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, perfect for photography and orientation to Nepal’s majestic landscapes.

Upon arrival in Juphal, you will meet your trekking crew and begin your Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek. From Juphal, the trail descends gradually to the Thuli Bheri River, offering a unique perspective as the landscapes shift dramatically, giving the feeling of being at a higher altitude.

Following the river downstream, you will arrive at Tripurakot, a well-known village famous for its Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari Devi, where you can stop for lunch. After lunch, the trek continues along the river, passing the small settlement of Chungar and crossing several suspension bridges until you reach Liku (2,405 m / 7,890 ft), where you will set up camp for the night.

Altitude above sea level: Kaigaon 2,642 m / 8,668 ft, 
Hiking duration: 8–9 hrs approx.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is a long and challenging trekking day, offering spectacular scenery and a sense of accomplishment. After breakfast, you leave the village and begin trekking westwards along the main trail, passing through open fields and descending to a wooden bridge. The trail then leads past the villages of Muhu and Huma, before entering a forest trail with gradual climbs and a few steeper sections, following the Chu Gad River upstream.

As you continue, you will pass the Magar villages of Bangtari and Ghodakhor, where you can stop for lunch and experience local culture. After lunch, the trail leads into a beautiful pine forest draped in light-green moss, creating a serene and enchanting trekking environment. About an hour later, you will reach the Balangra La Pass (3,822 m / 12,536 ft), a rewarding vantage point with panoramic views.

After crossing the pass, the trail descends gradually toward Khame La. The final stretch becomes steeper, leading you to Kaigaon (2,642 m / 8,668 ft), where you will rest and camp for the night, reflecting on the day’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural encounters.

Altitude above sea level: 3,103 m / 10,184 ft, 
Hiking duration: 8–9 hrs approx.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is a long and challenging trek, offering a mix of forests, riversides, and high-altitude landscapes. After breakfast, you rejoin the trail, leaving the village by crossing a large suspension bridge and following the river downstream. The trail gradually ascends through a forest path, passing the villages of Mazgaon and Bolas.

You then continue ascending to a small pass with multiple stone walls, before descending to Chaurikot, where you stop for lunch. After lunch, the trek continues uphill, entering another beautiful forest. Trekking for approximately three hours brings you to Nauli, where the scenery transitions to desolate high-altitude landscapes.

The ascent continues until you reach Maure La Pass (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Crossing the pass, the trail leads into Jumla, followed by a long descent of about three hours to the small village of Chotra (3,103 m / 10,184 ft). This village is home to Chhetri, Rokas, and Buddhist communities, offering a glimpse into the region’s diverse cultural heritage.

Altitude above sea level:2,350 m / 7,710 ft
Hiking duration: 9 hrs. approx.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you enter the forest trail following the Chotra Khola. The path takes you past the village of Mani Sagu, then along the Juli Odar River to Satepani Village. As you follow the Gogane Khola upstream, the landscape gradually becomes more desolate and high-altitude, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

You will arrive at a small settlement called Gothichaur, where the climb to the next pass begins. Descending from the pass, you are greeted with breathtaking views of pine forests and alpine pastures, reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. The trail then descends further, passing through the main Gothichaur Village, where you may choose to spend the night.

Alternatively, you can continue trekking through the villages of Jharjwula and Depalgaon, crossing two suspension bridges before arriving at Jumla Bazaar (Khalanga Bazaar). Jumla serves as the headquarters of Jumla District and provides a glimpse into local life and regional culture, completing a rewarding and scenic trekking day.

Altitude above sea level: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft, 
Hiking duration: 7 hrs. approx.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, you will rejoin the trail, beginning your trek along the path marked by a wooden bridge with a signboard: “Way to Rara Lake”. The trail gradually climbs, with a few steep sections, passing through small settlements like Panegaon, Sinimul, and Cherechaur.

From Cherechaur, the trail ascends steeply through the dense forest before reaching the Daphe Lekh Pass (3,900 m / 12,795 ft). Crossing the pass, the trail begins a gradual descent, taking you through the village of Khali Gaon, and then another 15 minutes to reach Tharmali Village.

Continuing down for about an hour through the forest trail, you will arrive at Nauri Ghat (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), where you will set up camp for the night. This day offers a mix of forest trekking, cultural encounters in small villages, and high-altitude panoramic views, making it both challenging and rewarding.

Altitude above sea level: Jhyarigaon 2,672 m / 8,763 ft. 
Hiking duration: 8–9 hrs. approx.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you begin the day with an easy walk through forests and fields, passing small settlements including Kabra, Bhad, Chautha, Bulbule, and Dabha. The trail then climbs to Ghurchi Lagna Pass (3,447 m / 11,308 ft), offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

After crossing the pass, the trail descends gradually at first, then becomes steeper in certain sections. The descent leads to a dirt road, where you cross a river. Continuing along the trail, you pass a small wooden bridge, and shortly after, you reach the village of Jhyarigaon (2,672 m / 8,763 ft), where you will set up camp for the night.

This day combines scenic forest walks, high-altitude trekking, and charming village encounters, providing a rewarding and immersive experience in the Shey Phoksundo region.

Altitude above sea level: Rara Lake 2,986 m / 9,797 ft.
Hiking duration: 2–3 hrs. approx.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is a short and relaxing trekking day, giving you time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. After a hearty breakfast, the trail climbs gently through pine forests for about an hour before leveling out. Soon, you will reach the magnificent Rara Lake, allowing plenty of time to relax, explore, and take in the lakeside views.

Rara Lake is Nepal’s largest lake and lies within Rara National Park, the country’s smallest national park. The lake is framed by dense pine forests and snow-capped Himalayan peaks, which are beautifully reflected on its turquoise waters, making it a perfect spot for photography and serene contemplation.

Altitude above sea level: Kathmandu 1,302 m / 4,272 ft
Hiking duration: 2 hrs approx.
Flight duration: Talcha Airport – Nepalgunj: 30 mins approx., Nepalgunj – Kathmandu: 45 mins approx.
Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar
Meals: Breakfast

After an early breakfast, you will take a short trek to Talcha Airport. From there, you will fly to Nepalgunj (or Surkhet) and continue on to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to your hotel, marking the end of your memorable Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek.

This final day provides a relaxing conclusion to your journey while allowing time to reflect on the breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and spiritual encounters you enjoyed throughout the trek.

Accommodation: Hotel Tibet or similar
Meals: Breakfast

This day is reserved as a buffer for potential flight delays due to weather conditions in Lukla. Use this leisure day to shop for authentic Nepalese souvenirs, explore Kathmandu’s vibrant culture, or simply unwind after your epic trekking adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

As your unforgettable journey comes to an end, it’s time to fly back home, cherishing all the incredible memories of Nepal. A representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Please make sure to check in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight for a smooth departure.