Rara Lake (Rara Tal/Mahendra Tal) is the biggest freshwater lake in the Nepalese Himalayas. With a circumference of about 13 km, it is the largest lake in Nepal. It is also termed the queen of the lakes. Situated at an altitude of 2990 m in Jumla and Mugu Districts of Karnali Province a remote northern part of the western region of Nepal.

Rara Lake was described by Bill Greer founder of GORP as "a shimmering blue jewel set in a ring of snowy peaks". As described by Bill Greer, it is an idyllic place with alluringly clear water surrounded by green hills and a protected forest. The water of a Lake is crystal clear mirroring the surrounding view of the snowcapped mountains and hills. An impressive snow-capped panorama of peaks such as the Chuchemare peak, Ruman Kand and Malika Kand overshadows the scene on the crystal clear waters of the lake.

Taking a boat trip in the lake will give you the most captivating mirror image of the Hills and mountains. Imagine being near the Lake overnight on a full moon. How amazing it would be to see the beautiful reflection of the full moon.

The region around Jumla and Lake Rara is still relatively unexplored and untouched as Air is the only mode of transportation for the tourists visiting the lake. Rara Lake is connected by Talcha Airport, which is 4 km east of the lake, with flights from Nepalgunj. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach Rara Lake from the airport on foot. If you cannot walk then mules can carry you there. The road to Rara Lake is still without any of the comfortable services and it is not an easy trek. However, once you overcome the obstacles, the rewards are incomparable natural splendor, untouched villages, blissful quietness, and a soul-touching aura of this Stunningly beautiful place.

Summer is quite pleasant but winter is cold. In winters the temperatures are mostly below zero degrees Celsius and there are heavy snowfalls that block the high passes. The high passes become accessible from April to June when the temperature rises until the monsoon starts. The monsoon season, which in this region occurs between July to October, is short. The average rainfall in ten years was 800 mm. September and October are excellent time for visiting the Rara national park. In summer rainfall is low, and ideal for trekking, and in the autumn season, trekkers are rewarded with a profusion bloom of alpine flowers. During November and April, many species of birds visit the National Park during their seasonal migration.

This mirror Lake has become a gem of Rara National Park which is the smallest National Park. The pivotal of Rara National Park is the pristine Rara Lake. The National Park of Rara is ideal for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers.

This region is said to be where the Nepalese language has originated. Some medieval history of Chhetri and Khas culture is there. Hike to the nearby hills covered with juniper bushes closer to the mountains and see the lake from the high hills. Stroll around the big lake on the road, watching the wildflowers or a rare bird. Meet the beautiful locals and learn their culture and heritage.

In the Rara National Park, you can see more than 500 different flower species, 20 different mammal species, and 214 bird species. The snow trout is one of the registered fish species and also hosts three of the six endemic fish species: Schizothorax Macrophthalmus, Schizothorax Nepalensis, and Schizothorax Raraensis. According to the study, the Rara National Park is an important habitat for the endangered red panda. The park’s rich vegetation supports a variety of species such as musk deer, Himalayan black bears, leopards, jackals, Himalayan Thar, red panda endangered, the martin yellow neck, the wild dog, the wild boar, the common langur, the rhesus monkey, and the common otter.

In winter there are countless parks in varieties of birds such as Coots, Great Crested Grebes, Black-necked Grebes, Pochard Red Hood, Mallards, Teal, Sawyer, and Seagulls. At certain seasons migratory waterbirds and Gallinaceae birds can also be observed.

Lake Rara was declared a Ramsar site under the Ramsar Convention (the convention on wetlands established by UNESCO) in September 2007 and covers 1,583 hectares (6.11 square miles), including the surrounding area. Rara Lakes' visit will give you the soul-searching experience to be more with yourself. Its beauty will mesmerize you and its solitude and serenity will give you peace. Your “Visit Nepal” will be incomplete bypassing this beautiful Lake.

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