Rara National Park
Rara National Park is the protected area in the Himalayas and one of the most famous trekking destinations of Nepal. With an area of 106 sq km, its altitude ranges from 2800 m to 4039 m. The park was established in 1976 while a buffer zone of 198 sp km was declared in 2006. It is the smallest national park in Nepal however it is an important nature conservation site.
The main highlight of the park is Rara Lake, located at an altitude of 2900 m. It is the largest lake in Nepal with a surface of 10.8 sq km and a depth of 167 m. The lake was declared as Ramsar Site in 2007. The water source of Rara lake is the peaks like Chuchemara (4,039 m) Ruma Kand (3,731 m) and Malika Kand (3,444 m). While it drains into the Karnali river and Nijar Khola.
Location
Rara National park is located in the far northwestern part of Nepal. It is extended almost 90% in the Mugu district and rest 10% lays in the Jumla district.
Climate
The climate of Rara National Park is pleasant and warm during the summer (April to June). Followed by monsoon season (June to August) making it difficult and challenging to access. During winters (December to March), the temperatures drop below freezing and many high passes remain blocked by snow. The best months to visit the park are November, September, October, April, and May.
Getting there
To get to Rara National Park from Kathmandu visitors must fly/drive to Nepalgunj, followed by a flight to Talcha airport. From there Rara NP can be reached in few hours of walk. Another option is to fly to Jumla or Kolti from Nepalgunj and trek for three days to Rara NP. Or Nepalgunj to Surkhet followed by a three-day trek to the park.
Wildlife and settlement in Rara National Park
The park is characterized by, subalpine and temperate vegetation. The plants like pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce are commonly available here. The park is also home to 51 different species of mammals including Musk deer, Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Jackal, Himalayan Tahr, yellow-throated marten, otter, wild dog, common langur, rhesus macaque, and red panda. There are 272 species of birds which include coots, snow cock, and different species of pheasants, grebes, mallard, common teal, red-crested pochard, and gulls. During winter, many migratory birds join the residential birds.
There are no settlements within the boundaries of Rara National Park, as the two villages once inside the area, Rara and Chhapru, were resettled in the Banke District when the protected area was established. Agriculture is the basis for the local economy in the surrounding areas.
Things to do in Rara National Park
- Trekking
- Nature Hikes
- Village walks
- Boating
- Wildlife & bird watching
- Cultural programs
- Botanic excursions, etc.
Protected Mammals |
||
| S.N | Name | Scientific Name |
| 1 | Red Panda | Ailurus Fulgens |
| 2 | Musk Deer | Moschus Cyrysogaster |
| 3 | Pangolin | Manis Patacdacyla |
| 4 | Assamese Monkey | Macaca Assamenis |
| 5 | Leopard Cat | Pronalurus Bengalensis |
| 6 | Gray Wold | Canis Lupus |
Protected Birds |
||
| S.N | Name | Scientific Name |
| 1 | Impeyan Pheasant | Lophophorus Impejanus |
| 2 | Crimson Horned Pheasant | Tragopan Satyra |
| 3 | Cheer Pheasant | Catreus Wallichii |
Itinerary
| Day 01 | Flight from Kathmandu to Nepaljung |
| Day 02 | Morning Flight to Talcha Airport and hike to Rara Lake |
| Day 03 | Explore National park |
| Day 04 | Β Explore Community and Culture |
| Day 05 | Flight to Nepaljung – Kathmandu |
For more information: