The Rara Lake Expedition offers an enthralling 6-night, 7-day tour package from Kathmandu to the stunning Rara Lake. Priced from $1,823.20 per person, this adventure delves into the natural splendor of the Rara National Park, blending scenic drives, hiking, boating, and even horseback riding. With accommodations, meals, and private transportation included, travelers can enjoy the region’s cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes. But what makes this expedition truly captivating is the opportunity to witness the serene beauty of Rara Lake, a jewel nestled in the Himalayas that will leave an indelible mark on all who venture there.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Tours In Rara National Park.
Key Points
- A 6-night, 7-day itinerary that takes travelers from Kathmandu to Rara Lake, including activities like boating, horseback riding, and hiking.
- The tour is priced from $1,823.20 per person and includes accommodation, meals, park fees, and private transportation.
- The optimal visiting seasons are spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) due to moderate temperatures and clear skies.
- Comprehensive pick-up and drop-off services are provided, ensuring seamless transportation logistics throughout the expedition.
- The tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours before departure.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Rara Lake Expedition Tour Package includes a 6-night, 7-day itinerary with pricing starting from $1,823.20 per person. It offers a reserve now and pay later option along with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour covers highlights like Kathmandu to Surkhet, Surkhet to Manma, and Manma to Talcha and Rara Lake, with opportunities for boating, horseback riding, and hiking.
Accommodation, meals, park fees, private transportation, and staff allowances are included. Exclusions cover personal expenses, unspecified meals, tips, and extra activities.
Travelers should pack appropriately and note restrictions on luggage, alcohol, and littering. The best seasons to visit are spring and fall, while the monsoon should be avoided due to landslides.
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Itinerary Highlights
It all starts with a 13-hour drive from Kathmandu to Surkhet on Day 1, where travelers will spend the night.
The following day, an 8-hour drive takes them to Manma, Kalikot at 2,033 meters above sea level.
On Day 3, the adventure truly begins with a hike to Talcha (2,735m) and the magnificent Rara Lake (2,990m), where they’ll spend the night.
The next day is dedicated to exploring Rara Lake, including:
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Boating on the serene waters
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Horseback riding around the lake
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A 4-hour hike to the viewpoint of Murma (3,300m)
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Taking in the tranquil beauty of this hidden gem.
Included Services
Travelers who embark on this Rara Lake Expedition Tour Package can expect a range of inclusive services to enhance their experience.
The package covers accommodation and meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring travelers are well-fed throughout the journey.
Transportation is provided via a private jeep with air conditioning, and pick-up and drop-off services are included, making the logistics seamless.
Plus, all necessary permits and fees, such as Rara National Park entry and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System), are covered.
The tour staff, including guides and porters, receive appropriate allowances, and applicable taxes are taken care of, allowing travelers to focus on the stunning scenery and rich cultural experiences.
Exclusions
While the Rara Lake Expedition Tour Package includes a comprehensive set of services, there are certain exclusions that travelers should be aware of.
Personal expenses and travel insurance aren’t covered by the package, so you will need to budget for and arrange these items independently.
Plus, any meals or beverages beyond what’s specified in the itinerary, as well as driver tips and costs from any unforeseen extra days, are the responsibility of the traveler.
On top of that, any personal excursions or activities beyond the outlined itinerary will incur additional costs.
The package is also not suitable for:
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Children under 5
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People with mobility issues
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Those with certain health conditions
Preparation and Recommendations
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable Rara Lake Expedition, organizers recommend travelers bring a few essential items, such as comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, gloves, cash, a charged smartphone, and motion sickness prevention medication. Plus, the tour has a few restrictions in place to maintain a safe and clean environment. Intoxication, bringing drinks into the vehicle, and littering are strictly prohibited. For the best experience, it’s advisable to visit during the optimal seasons of spring (April to May) or fall (September to October), when the weather is most favorable. Travelers should avoid the monsoon season (June to August) due to the increased risk of landslides and slippery roads.
| What to Bring | What’s Not Allowed | Optimal Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable shoes | Large luggage | April to May (Spring) |
| Change of clothes | Intoxication | September to October (Fall) |
| Gloves | Drinks in the vehicle | Avoid monsoon (June to August) |
Optimal Seasons
The best times to visit Rara Lake are during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) seasons when the weather is most favorable for the expedition.
These shoulder seasons offer:
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Moderate temperatures, typically ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F) during the day
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Clear skies and low chances of precipitation, ensuring optimal visibility of the stunning lake and surrounding landscapes
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Fewer crowds, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive experience
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Lush, vibrant vegetation and the chance to witness the migratory birds that frequent the area
Avoiding the monsoon season (June to August) is advised due to increased risks of landslides and slippery roads, which can disrupt the expedition and pose safety concerns.
Pick-up and Drop-off Services
Included in the Rara Lake Expedition Tour Package are comprehensive pick-up and drop-off services, ensuring a seamless start and end to the adventurous journey. Guests are picked up from their hotel or the Kathmandu airport and transported to Surkhet, the starting point of the trek. At the conclusion of the tour, travelers are driven back to Kathmandu, with a drop-off at their hotel or the airport.
| Pickup | Drop-off |
|---|---|
| From Kathmandu hotel | To Kathmandu hotel |
| From Kathmandu airport | To Kathmandu airport |
| To Surkhet | From Surkhet |
This door-to-door service allows participants to focus on the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences of the Rara Lake Expedition without having to worry about transportation logistics.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can cancel their Rara Lake Expedition Tour Package reservation up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund, providing a flexible cancellation policy for unexpected changes in plans. This allows for peace of mind when booking the tour, as customers don’t have to worry about losing their money if their travel plans shift.
The tour operator understands that trip plans can be unpredictable, and they’ve designed their cancellation policy to accommodate this.
Some key details about the cancellation policy include:
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Cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund
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No fees or penalties for cancellations within the 24-hour window
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Refunds processed promptly after cancellation
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Flexible options for rescheduling the tour if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Extend the Trip Duration?
Yes, there’s typically an option to extend the trip duration. Travelers can often add extra days to explore more sites or engage in additional activities beyond the standard itinerary, subject to availability and additional costs.
Can I Book the Tour for a Group of 10 or More People?
Yes, the tour operator offers group booking options for parties of 10 or more people. They can provide a customized quote and coordinate logistics to accommodate larger groups. Discounts may be available for group bookings as well.
Do I Need Any Special Permits or Visas to Join the Tour?
Travelers typically need a Nepal tourist visa to enter the country. For this tour, they’ll also require a Rara National Park permit and TIMS card, which the tour operator can arrange on the traveler’s behalf prior to the trip.
Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary for My Preferences?
Yes, the tour operator generally allows you to customize the itinerary to suit your preferences. They’ll work with you to adjust the activities, accommodation, and transportation based on your needs and interests, though some fees may apply.
What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
The average group size for this tour is not provided in the details given. Tour operators typically accommodate small groups, often ranging from 2 to 12 participants, to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. However, the exact group size may vary.
Recap
The Rara Lake Expedition offers an extraordinary 6-night, 7-day adventure from Kathmandu to the stunning Rara Lake.
Featuring scenic drives, hiking, boating, and horseback riding in the Rara National Park, this all-inclusive package provides an unforgettable experience to immerse in the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
With competitive pricing and comprehensive services, it’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking an enchanting journey through Nepal’s captivating landscapes.
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