Pokhara to Rara Lake

If you are looking for ways to travel from Pokhara to Rara Lake, you have come to the right place. This article will serve as a guide and provide information related to your travel. So make sure you read until the end!

Pokhara is a beautiful city in central Nepal of Gandaki Province and a tourism hub. It is the gateway to several famous trekking destinations. Some of them are the Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and more. Meanwhile, Rara Lake, also known as Mahendra Lake, lies in the northwest region of Nepal. It is the country’s deepest lake and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the Mugu District of Karnali Province. The lake is famous for its beautiful color-changing waters, calming atmosphere, and spectacular scenery. Moreover, it also falls within the Rara National Park.

Due to the lake’s popularity, many travelers look to visit Rara and bask in its serene beauty and atmosphere. So, how can you travel from Pokhara to Rara Lake? There are mainly two ways of getting there. Let us get right into the details!

Traveling From Pokhara to Rara Lake

There are different transportation modes available for your Pokhara to Rara Lake journey. Take a look:

Travel By Road

The best way to travel around Nepal like a local is to take a roadway. The country’s winding highways offer an incredible way to witness the scenic beauty and picturesque countryside with hillsides and terrace farms. Moreover, it is a more budget-friendly option for traveling. It is an adventurous ride that gives an authentic taste of rural Nepal. 

While traveling by road, you can take a local bus or hire a private jeep. The local bus fare is cheaper, but you must change several buses along the way to get to Rara Lake, which can be quite a hassle. Hiring a jeep is slightly costlier but faster and more convenient. The jeep accommodates 6-7 passengers at a time. You can hire a private jeep if you are a large group or take a shared jeep with fellow travelers. Either way, a jeep ride is more relaxing and comfortable than traveling by a local bus. The best thing about hiring a jeep is that you can stop by places where you find interesting and explore around.

You must first reach Surkhet from Pokhara, which is the gateway to Rara Lake. Usually, it takes 3 to 4 days to get to the lake from Pokhara. The drive is not smooth throughout the journey, as road conditions vary from place to place. You will travel on well-paved highways to rough, bumpy, and dusty roads. It is a thrilling experience to travel on the off-roads of Nepal while enjoying majestic views of green hills, rivers, colorful markets, traditional villages, and paddy fields. 

Travel By Air

Those with limited time to explore Rara Lake from Pokhara can take the flight option. However, they must take two flights: one from Pokhara to Nepalgunj and then a connecting flight from Nepalgunj to Talcha Airport near Rara Lake. It is faster and more comfortable but is an expensive mode of transportation. It takes 40 to 50 minutes to fly from Pokhara to Nepalgunj and 35 to 40 minutes from Nepalgunj to Talcha Airport. During the flights, you can enjoy the gorgeous aerial views of the landscapes and mountain vistas. Traveling by air considerably reduces the travel time from Pokhara to Rara Lake. 

Combine Air And Road Transport

Another option for traveling from Pokhara to Rara Lake is combining air and road transportation. Each way of traveling has its unique charm and advantages. This way, you can enjoy thrilling road travel and aerial views of stunning landscapes and mountain panoramas. The flight from Pokhara to Nepalgunj takes 40 to 50 minutes, which saves significant time. After landing in Nepalgunj, you can hire a private jeep to get to Rara Lake. It adds adventure to the beauty of road travel. You can stop at places you want to explore for a while. 

Combining air and road transport is the best way to travel, and the cost is also slightly lower than taking two flights. You can fly to Nepalgunj and then take a jeep drive to Rara Lake. It is also a more practical way of getting to the lake from Pokhara and reduces travel time.

Rara Lake Facts

Take a quick look at the facts about Rara Lake:

Highlight of Rara Lake 

• Rara Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Nepal. 
• The lake is the deepest in Nepal and is nicknamed the “Queen of Lakes.”
• It falls within the Rara National Park, home to diverse Himalayan flora and fauna. 
• The lake’s beautiful waters change colors up to five times daily, depending on the weather. 
• Spectacular mountains, hills, and diverse flora surround Rara Lake. 
• Enjoy the pristine nature and soothing atmosphere of Rara Lake and participate in bird-watching and boating activities. 
• Camp by the lake at the designated camping spots and visit the surrounding settlements for a unique cultural experience. 

Cost For Pokhara To Rara Lake

The cost of traveling from Pokhara to Rara Lake, depending on transportation and other services, ranges from $500 to $1000. Traveling via roadway is cheaper and more affordable but takes longer days. Meanwhile, traveling via airway is faster but more expensive. You will have to take a flight from Pokhara to Nepalgunj and again take another flight to Talcha Airport. Hence, it gets costly. 

Rara Lake Trek Difficulty

The Rara Lake is a moderate-grade trek that requires no prior experience. However, trekkers must have reasonable fitness and health to participate in the trek. You will still have to walk on off-beat trails while ascending and descending on varied terrains. The average walking hour is 5 to 6 hours per day, which can vary depending on the destination. Thus, physical and mental preparation is necessary for the trek. 

Compared to other treks in Nepal, Rara Lake Trek’s highest point is relatively at a lower altitude. As a result, the risk of altitude sickness is minimal during the trek. However, trekkers must still take proper precautions to avoid the risk. Ascending and descending on varied terrains can be demanding for first-time trekkers. Hence, beginners can undertake various exercises and training to prepare themselves physically for the trek. 

Similarly, they can research the destination, route, and challenges to mentally prepare for the trek. It helps to build mental resilience and realistic expectations for the trek. With proper preparation, anyone with good physical fitness can join the trek. Thus, Rara Lake Trek is a popular destination for beginners and experienced trekkers in Nepal.

Best Seasons For Rara Lake Visit

Nepal has four distinct seasons, spring and autumn being the best. The rain in the summer season and the harsh weather of winter make both seasons unsuitable for Rara Lake visits. Take a look at the reasons why these two seasons are the best for Rara Lake visit:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is ideal for Rara Lake Trek because of the beautiful weather, mild temperature, and blooming flowers. The days are sunny and pleasant, and the average temperature ranges from 10 to 20°C. Likewise, the precipitation is also pretty low. The visibility is excellent now, and you can enjoy the crystal blue waters of Rara Lake and the surrounding mountains. 

The blooming rhododendron forests and Himalayan wildflowers in spring enhance the scenic beauty of the lake. Spring is the most active time for flora and fauna. Since Rara Lake is a part of the Rara National Park, you may witness diverse biodiversity, including rare and endangered species. Hence, it is a perfect time to visit Rara Lake. 

Autumn (September to November)

Another perfect time to visit Rara Lake is in autumn. It is the most favorable weather for trekking and touring in Nepal. The days are sunny with crisp air and clear skies. With the beginning of autumn, the monsoon season ends in Nepal. Hence, the precipitation level is low, and the visibility is excellent. Likewise, the landscapes look lush and vibrant. You can enjoy the best views of the surrounding landscapes and mountain vistas.

The average temperature is between 8 to 16°C. Colorful autumn foliage further enhances the beauty of the landscapes. Moreover, the biggest Nepali festivals, Dashain and Tihar, fall this season. Therefore, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere while traveling to the pristine lake of Rara. 

Conclusion

The journey from Pokhara to Rara Lake is a beautiful opportunity to explore authentic Nepal and its natural beauty. Whether you choose a roadway or an airway, you are guaranteed an incredible experience. Upon reaching Rara Lake, the mesmerizing beauty of the lake and its surroundings will captivate you. The lake’s tranquil atmosphere and crystal-clear waters will remain memorable for the rest of your life. It offers a beautiful escape from your busy life.

You will find various trip packages from Pokhara to Rara Lake with different costs. But while choosing the package, make sure that it fits your preferences. Do your research and prepare yourself physically and mentally for the trip. You will also experience the rich local culture and warm hospitality during the journey. Be mindful and respectful of the local customs. This way, you can best enjoy your trip to Rara Lake!