Max. Elevation
Simikot to Lake Rara Trek
Overview
Reach Lake Rara, Nepal’s largest and most scenic high-altitude lake
This journey is a rare exploration into the heart of Western Nepal, beginning in the remote town of Simikot and crossing the culturally rich Humla region before reaching the pristine shores of Lake Rara. Far from the busy trekking corridors of Nepal, this route offers a unique opportunity to experience a region that remains largely untouched by mass tourism and deeply rooted in tradition.
As the trail unfolds, we walk through a series of authentic villages inhabited by Chhetri, Brahman, and Takhuri communities. Daily life here follows centuries-old rhythms, shaped by agriculture, trade routes, and strong cultural ties. Friendly encounters, traditional architecture, and local customs provide meaningful insight into a way of life rarely seen by outsiders.
The trek gradually leads us toward Lake Rara, Nepal’s largest and most beautiful high-altitude lake, set within the serene landscapes of Rara National Park. Surrounded by pine forests, alpine meadows, and rolling hills, the lake’s deep blue waters reflect the quiet grandeur of the Himalayas, creating a peaceful and unforgettable setting.
This is not a high-altitude expedition but a classic Himalayan trek focused on immersion rather than elevation. We travel at a comfortable pace, allowing time to enjoy the landscapes, interact with local communities, and appreciate the isolation of this pristine region. Nights are spent camping, supported by a dedicated kitchen and logistics team, ensuring comfort even in remote surroundings.
More than just a trek, this journey is about rediscovering and honoring a forgotten corner of Nepal. By traveling through Western Nepal, we help bring recognition to a region rich in culture, natural beauty, and untold stories—an authentic adventure for those seeking something truly different.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the
- local culinary delights.
- Transfer to hotel
- Final altitude: approximately 1,350 m
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: one night in the hotel
Have breakfast, and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally, the Royal Palace, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your Simkot to Rara Trek, so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb. Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu.
- Day tour
- Final altitude: approximately 1,350 m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: one night in the hotel
Flight of about an hour with superb views of the Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri massifs – Nepalgunj is located in the Terai plain, not far from the Indian border.
- Transport private vehicle, by plane 30 minutes
- Final altitude: approximately 280 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in the hotel
We are happy to leave the humidity of Nepalgunj to go up the Himalayan foothills. The hills follow one another and we leave the last rice fields. A final ridge, a bend and the Simikot airfield appear. It is in the heart of the village. The flight being early in the morning, we have part of the day to walk around and discover the surroundings. There are still some formalities to complete before reaching our campsite, followed by a first hot tea.
- Transfer private vehicle, by plane in 30 minutes
- Final altitude: 2,980m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: Night in the tent
The Karnali River flows at the very bottom of the valley. You have to take the wide path that descends directly to Kharpunath. A bridge awaits us to cross the Chuwa khola. Then two paths are available to us. We leave that of Kharnaki to rise towards Kharpel and at the end of the day it is River Camp which welcomes us. A day between rice fields and forests in a rarely visited valley, that of the Yanchu khola.
- 7hrs of walking
- Final altitude: 3,015m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
There are still 1,000 meters to climb to reach our first pass, that of Margor Lek. The forest becomes less dense before diving towards Pukha khola, our next camp. Depending on the season, this path is regularly traveled, allowing us to meet these villagers from the Nepalese Wild West.
- 6 hrs of walking
- Final altitude: 3010m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a tent
Short day to reach Apsia lek, but we will have to make a choice on the route. By Rodikot or by the heights and Tach. In both camps, always this environment of cultures. The villages have kept the discreet charm of these regions out of tourism. Aspia lek allows to have a beautiful view of some surrounding mountains: Chankeli Himal, Saipal Himal, Darma Himal, Buhari Himal.
- 6 hrs of walking
- Final altitude: 3,195m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
It is preferable to take the option of Chargaon, a small village in a small valley. The cultures in espaliers are numerous and the villagers will certainly be very surprised to meet us. It's time to take a moment to discuss and discover an ancestral way of life. Small Villages are scattered along the descent which will lead us to Piplan, our stop for this evening. A beautiful camp on one of the few flat spaces in the region.
- 5 hrs of walking
- Final altitidu: 1,700m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
We leave the Kharnali to take a southern axis. From village to village, there are many climbs to reach our camp at the foot of the Chankheli pass. Torrents are numerous and active in this season. Fortunately, it is a priority travel axis to go to the Gamgadhi market in two days.
- 6 hrs walking
- Final altitude: 3,005m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a tent
The village of Bam is not so far, but we cannot continue with the climb to Gamgadhi. This is a fairly short day after crossing the Chankheli pass. The villages are more numerous and the ridges are multiple to be able to reach Bam.
- 6 hrs of walking
- Final altitude: 2,700m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: one night in a tent
Gamgadhi seems so close, but you have to cross two beautiful ridges to reach the Mugu Kharnali. Luma can be a stopover before attacking the climb which will propel us towards Gamgadhi. If the sun is at its zenith, the climb will seem steep, very steep. Fortunately we discover this village/street/market. The population seems dense in this small town at the bottom of the world.
- 4 hrs walking
- Final altitude: 2,095m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
This day can be used as a safety day, but it is more interesting to take advantage of it to discover Lake Rara. Depending on the schedule we can go to Chhapri. You still have to go up 1,000 meters to reach this lake. Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal and belongs to the eponymous national park. At its western end we have a view of the mountains of the Tibetan border.Lake Rara is surrounded by magnificent coniferous forests. Its blue waters are home to the snow trout, the only fish present in the lake, but not so easy to observe.
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
Direction Talcha for a flight to Nepalgunj then Kathmandu.
- by private vehicle, by plane
- about 1 hour
- about 1 hour 20 minutes
- Meals: breakfast – lunch
- Accommodation: overnight at the hotel
Safety day which can be used during the trekking or as a free day in Kathmandu.
Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
Included Points
AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed and breakfast basis.
WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
PERMITS : All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit
STAFF INSURANCE : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
MAP : Region Trekking map.
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : Flight as per itinerary
MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
FOODS & LODGING : 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation on a sharing basis in a tea house/camp during the trek.
CAMPING EQUIPMENT : All necessary camping equipment during the trek if required.
GUIDE : Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
PORTER : Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff and porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food, and clothing.
MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit.
Excluded Points
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
NEPAL VISA FEES : Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
INSURANCE : Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical, and emergency evacuation.
PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
INTERNET SERVICE : Internet facility during the trek is not included.
TIPS : Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
EXTRA : Any other services or activities that are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Trip Information
Your Guide and Team
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
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Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
In addition, the Nepal Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Ramoda: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Simkot to Rara Trek
For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included.
Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: provide tablets (Hydroclovazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
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FAQ's
Expand AllTrekkers will pass through majestic Himalayan views, ancient villages, and the pristine Rara Lake, Nepal's largest and most scenic lake, on this well-known off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Depending on the route and walking speed, the trek often lasts 15 days.
The ideal seasons are spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) because the trails are at their best and the weather is clear.
The difficult paths, steep elevation, and isolated position make the trek quite difficult. Those with some prior trekking experience are advised to do it.
You will need two permits for this trek. You will need a Restricted Area Permit and Rara National Park Permit to enter these areas.
The hike reaches an elevation of about 3,800 meters (12,467 feet), therefore acclimatization is crucial.
Basic tea houses or tents in remote locations are the most common forms of lodging during the trek. The possibilities are slightly greater in more developed areas, such as Rara Lake. They provide basic facilities.
Seasonal vegetables, Nepali dal-bhat (rice and lentils), and a few snacks make up the majority of meals. It is a good idea to include high-energy snacks.
It requires a moderate degree of fitness. It is strongly advised to prepare beforehand with aerobic activities, hiking, or mild trekking.
The Simkot to Rara Trek is unique as it blends natural beauty with cultural exploration. This journey leads you into unexplored areas of western Nepal where traditional ways of life have not been altered, in contrast to well-known treks like Everest or Annapurna. You'll go by isolated villages, engage with the people of Jumla and Humla, and take in the stunning scenery, which includes the immaculate Rara Lake.