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RARA
LAKE
 Situated
about 370 km. north-west of Kathmandu, Rara is
Nepal
's biggest lake in the smallest and most scenic
national park
Named
Rara
National Park
covering 106 square km. Much of the park is at an
altitude of about 3,000 meters forested by conifers.
The park was established in 1976 and protects some of
the most beautiful alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems of
the
Himalaya
. This pristine
Lake
is the centerpiece of this area. The lake is
surrounded by richly forested hills, Chuchemara Danda
at 4,087 meters is the best vantage point to get
stunning views of the lake and the thickly forested
hillsides and the snow-capped peaks around it. Other
summits in the park area are Ruma kand (3,731 m.) and
Malika Kand (3,444 m.), situated to the north of the
lake
 Rara
comes within the catchments
area of the
Karnali
River
, one of the three main river systems of
Nepal
. The habitat supports animals like the red panda,
black bear, yellow-throated martin, ghoral, serow and
musk deer. There have also been reported sightings of
leopard and wolf. The lake attracts migrant wildfowl
like teals, pochards and mallards. Resident birds
include the Impeyan, kalij and blood pheasant as well
as others like the chukkor partridge.
Entry
Fee Per Person Per Entry:
For Nepalese Nationals:
Free
For SAARC Nationals: Rs.
100/-
For Other Foreign Nationals:
Rs.
1,000/-
Access:
The easiest way to get to Rara is by flying to Jumla
or Kolti from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, followed by a
three-day hike to the park office at Hutu. The
alternative route is to take a bus from Nepalgunj to
Surkhet, from where it is a weeks' hike to the park.
Visitors should travel with camping gear and guides
which will offer them the flexibility to explore
Rara where basic accommodation is available only at
the park office. The best time to visit the region
is from February to April and in October and
November.
Note:
-
Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years
- Park Entrance fees are regulated by Department of
National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
- Entrance fees for mountain National Parks can be
paid at ACAP counter at Sanchaykosh
building in Thamel,
Kathmandu
, or at the Park gate.
- For other National Parks entrance fees are to be
paid at the Park gate
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