Rara National Park is located in the northwestern mountains of Nepal. The park was created in 1976 to conserve the unique beauty of Rara Lake and to protect the representative flora and fauna of the Humla-Jumla region. The lake is situated at an elevation of 2980m and is oval-shaped with an east-west axis. It has a maximum length of 5km and width of 3km. Surrounded by magnificent coniferous forests, it is Nepal’s biggest lake (10.8 sq.km.) with a depth of 167m. During winter, bird lovers can enjoy the arrival of many migratory birds. In summer, Himalayan flowers surround the lake, creating a colourful landscape. The elevation of the park ranges from 2800m to 4039m. Chuchemara peak (4039m) is the highest point in the park. Located on the southern side of the lake; it provides an excellent backdrop to Lake Rara and the graceful mountain panoramas of Mugu Himal. The majority of the vegetation in the park is dominated by blue pine. Interspersed amongst the pines are found several species of rhododendron.
The park is home to around 20 different species of mammals. They include musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, Himalayan thar, yellow-throated marten, otter, wild dog, rhesus macaque and red panda. The park has recorded 272 species of birds. Some of the important species include coots, snow cock, different species of pheasants, grebes, mallard, common teal and red-crested pochard. During the winter, many migratory birds can also be seen.
A trek here is quite a complex option, since access is only slowly improving. However, we at Yatra Himalaya are well used to providing all the logistical planning that is required for a wonderful, remote but exhilarating trek.