Rara Lake

Rara Lake is the largest and deepest freshwater lake in the Nepal Himalayas. It is situated as the major landmark of Rara National Park located in the Jumla and Mugu Districts. In September 2007, it was declared a Ramsar site, covering 1,583 ha (6.11 sq mi) including the surrounding wetland.  

Rara Lake (also known as Mahendra-Taal) has the following parameter: it is located at 2,990 m (9,810 ft) above sea level, has a water surface of 10.8 km2 (4.2 sq mi), with a maximum depth of 167 m (548 ft); the length is 5.1 km (3.2 mi) and width is 2.7 km (1.7 mi). The lake drains via the Nijar River into the Mugu Karnali River. The water quality is reported to have a high pH value, conductivity, and total hardness. It has been classified as oligotrophic as it is slightly polluted.  

Summer is quite pleasant but the winter is cold. The best visiting time to the lake is September/October and April to May. From December to March, the temperatures go low below the freezing point and heavy snowfall occurs up to one meter, blocking the way to the lake. April to June is warm in this region.

Monsoon, in this region, falls during the months from July to October and is very short. In the ten years ranging from 1994–2003, the average rainfall was 800 mm. The surface temperature of the lake recorded to be 7.5 °C to 7.6 °C was visible below 14 m to 15 m.

 

Rara Lake is one of the mainstays in western Nepal with an extremely arduous trail amongst the visited areas. Scenic views and cultures you will go through during this area are dissimilar compared to the other places in Nepal. Due to being located on higher elevation, there lies the beautiful Rara National Park surroundings together with the species such as pine, spruce as well as juniper trees; meanwhile, various snow-peaks enhance attraction, such as, among snow-capped high Himalaya. Visitors must fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Jumla or Kolti. From there it is a three-day trek to the park office. Alternatively, it is possible to travel from Nepalgunj to Surkhet and then trek ten days to the park.