Rara Lake to Khaptad National Park trek Nepal

This extraordinary trek takes you from Rara Lake, Nepal’s biggest lake, to Khaptad National Park, a hidden gem in Far West Nepal.
The serenely beautiful Rara Lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and thick pine forests. It is a stunning sight, especially on a still day when the mountains and clouds reflect in the tranquil waters.

Khaptad offers you a beautiful variety of landscapes, with rolling green hills, moorlands, steep slopes and streams. 567 species of flora have been recorded in this protected area, including rhododendron forests, oak and pine forests. From the park you can see the Api and Saipal Himalayan ranges.

Khaptad is great for spotting wildlife and birds, with 23 species of mammals and 287 types of birds. Mammal species symbolic of the park are leopard, Himalayan black bear, wild dog and musk deer. Bird species include the beautiful Impeyan pheasant (danphe; Nepal’s national bird), Peregrin falcon, the white rumped vulture and many types of partridges, flycatchers, bulbuls, cuckoos and eagles.

Go into the wild and venture through thick forests, alpine landscapes and remote mountain villages which have seen very few tourists. This is a perfect trek for the adventurer looking for a real wilderness experience.

How to Reach: By Road/ By Rail/ By Air

By Air: The nearest airport is Talcha, It is about 6km away from Rara Lake.

From Delhi: Take a Overnight train from Delhi to Lucknow, From Lucknow take a taxi till Nepalgunj (border town in Nepal). Taxi will drop you at border, then take a Autorickshaw to Neaplgunj Airport. Visit the Nepalgunj airport and book a flight for Talcha. There is no online booking; one has to book from travel agent at the Airport. You can get the flight information at http://www.nepalflightticketbooking.com/domestic-flights.html.

Itinerary:

Day 1 (New Delhi – Nepalgunj):Catch an overnight train from Delhi to Lucknow and reach Neaplgunj Airport by taxi from Lucknow.

Day 2 (Nepalgunj –Rara (Flight 45 mins and trek 8km ): Catch a Flight from Nepalgunj to Talcha and  then walk for about 8km to Rara Lake. Stay at Guest house/Tent on Rara Lake.

Day 3 (Rara – Murma Top - Rara): It is a day trek about 8km from Rara Lake. Murma top you will be able to enjoy great view over Rara Lake.

Day 4 (Rara - Sirkot): Trek to Sirkot.  Overnight stay at Sirkot. 

Day 5 (Sirkot - Jugala): Trek to Jugala. Overnight stay at  Jugala. The Jugala is situated on the bank of Karnali river. 

Day 6 (Jugala - Kolti): Trek to Kolti. Overnight stay at  hotel in Kolti.

Day 7 (Kolti - Pandusain): Trek to Pandusain. Overnight stay at Pandusain. 

Day 8 (Pandusain - Martadi): Trek to Martadi. Overnight stay at Martadi.

Day 9 (Martadi - Dogadi): Take a jeep from Martadi to Aatichaur, from Aatichaur trek to Dogadi. Overnight stay at Dogadi.

Day 10 (Dogadi - Khaptad National Park): Trek to Khaptad National Park. The trek passes through dense forest. Overnight stay at Guest  House at Khaptad. It is advisable to carry at least 2 lts. of water per person on this trek. In the national Park, it is difficult to find drinking water.

Day 11 (Khaptad National Park – BichPani Camp): Trek to Beach Paani Camp. Beach Paani is situated in the middle of Khaptad nationl Park itself. It has food and accommodation facility.

Day 12 (BichPani Camp – Jhigrana – Shailgadi – Mahendranagar): Trek to Jhigrana (about 2 ½ hours), At Jhigrana you can get a jeep to Shilgadi. Take a Overnight bus from Shilgadi to Mahendranagar.

Day 13 (Mahendranagar(Nepal) - Banbasa(India) - Delhi): Take a Autorickshaw from Mahendranagar(Nepal) to Banbasa(India) and then take a Bus for Delhi at Banbasa(approx. 8 hrs).