Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Rara Trekking !





Rara and Jumla lie on the remote Karnali zone in the north – west of Nepal. The region is made up of long ridges covered with temperate forests and alpine pastures enclosing high valleys. Summer rainfall is low, but winter snow can be heavy and persistent. Since the region is fairly high and free from monsoon thunder storms, the summer season is ideal for trekking. Winters are cold, but in the autumn season, trekking is rewarded with a profusion of alpine flowers.


Itinerary Details :


Day 01: Kathmandu – Nepalganj Afternoon flight to Nepaljang, where we spend a night.


Day 02 Nepalgunj– Jumla Fly to Jumla. The town is in a delightful valley and here are the highest limits of rice paddy cultivation in the world. The town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali.

Day 03: Jumla – Chere chaur From Jumla there are two tracks to Rara. Normally people trek the lower route. The trail follows the Tilka river, passing through a patchwork of fields and fragrant pine forest. Arriving at Uthugaon, the trail climbs up the Gursini Khola valley, passing through a deep forest of pine, spruce and fir to the village of padmara. The climb continues in forest over the pass at 3400m and descends to Danphe Langa, where we spend the night.

Day 04: Chere chour – Nauri Gaud The trail descends through fir, birch, walnut and Bamboo forest. After crossing a bridge we climb to the classic Tibetan style village of Bhara and then descend to Chautha.

Day 05: Nauri Gaud – Vhulvule The trail climbs to the Gurchilanga pass through forest and grassy meadows, passing a few local teahouses.

Day 06: Vhulvule – Jyari It is a short, pleasant trek with fine views to the north. From Dhotu, we traverse a steep north- facing slope and cross a series of fields down to a small stream. Crossing the bridge, we climb up to the hamlet of Jhari (2500m) From Jhari, we climb steady up a ridge to a low saddle, from which there are fine views of the beautiful Rara lake. From here, it is a pleasant descent to the meadows on the south side of the lake. The former village site of Rara (3040m) is two hours walk along the western bank of the lake. Designated National park in 1975, Rara boast an abundance of wildlife, including aquatic birds and rich forest around its large lake at a height of 2980m. This is an ideal place to relax for a day or two.

Day 07: Rara Lake Rest and explore around Rara lake.

Day 08 : Rara – Ghorasain After 15 minutes walk from Rara the trail ascends all the way to Gurchimara at 3710m and then descends to Gossain (3271m)

Day 09: Ghorasain – Sinja A varied trail with scenic views climbs Lumsa before descending to the Thakuri village of Sinja.

Day 10: Sinja – Jaljala Chaur Most of the trek is through forests of pine, birch and oak, as well as a few scattered house and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a steep climb to Jaljala chaur(3350m)

Day 11: Trek to Jumla (2370m)

Day 12: Fly to KTM via Nepalgunj /Hotel

Day 13: Free day for shopping or relax

Day 14: Drive to airport for return flight

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