Tibet Travel Info

Trip Information

Trip Title:	Dunai to Rara Lake
Trip Duration:	15 Nights / 16 Days
Trip Grade:	Moderate
Accomodation:	Camping / Guesthouse
Max. Elevation:	3850m
Mode of Transport:	Flight

Trip Map

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Dunai to Rara Lake Trek - 16 Days

Many people described Western Nepal is an unexplored destination. Western Nepal was once the centre of a large empire that rara lake extended in to Tibet and India and it now has a large population of both Hindus and Buddhists. It is remote and unknown from the western viewpoint because of its relative inaccessibility and its distance from Kathmandu.

In the far reaches of Northwestern Nepal lies the extreme landscape of Upper Dolpo. The route begins by meandering through pine and cedar forest with views of the massive Dhaualgiri range in the background. The entrance to Dolpo lies beyond the Jangla Bhanjyang Pass, (4500m). At the head of the valley lay snow-capped peaks and the desolate Tibetan plateau beyond. Protected from rain, this region is dry where the Dolpo inhabitants have carved out a niche of survival in the harsh surroundings by trading with nearby Tibet. A vision of beauty, the Phokshindo (Ringmo) and the legendary monastery of the pre-Buddhist Bonpo sect is our momentous destination. As the most remote and least developed district in Nepal, this trek is reserved for those with a true sense of adventure.

Regular flights to Jumla, Simikot (Humla), Dunai (Dolpo), Gamgadi (Mugu) and other airstrips in the west reduce this remoteness. People have seen "before airplane instead of vehicle". They are uneducated but smiley and good heart. The cultural diversity and geographical beauty is the wealth of Western Nepal. We advice you to join with us because our intimate contact extend in this area.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Katmandu - Nepalganj by plane.

Day 02: Nepalganj - Juphal (2550m) by plane - Tibrikot (2100m). 3-hour walk.
The trail follows the Thulo Bheri river, through immense terraced rice plantations.

Day 03: Tibrikot-Balangchaur (2850m). 5h.
The trail goes along the Thulo Bheri river towards Tharakot. This village was an ancient fortress and a caravan stop.

Day 04: Balangchaur - Balangra La Pass (3760m) - Kaigaon (2650m) in 6h.
From the pass, the trail descends through birch and wild rose forests and later through meadows.

Day 05: Kaigaon - Chaurikot (3060m) in 5h.
Crossing of large walnut forests. Nuts are mainly used to make
cooking oil.

Day 06: Chaurikot - Mauri Lagna Pass (3820m) - Chatra (3380m) in 6h.
Mauri Lagna means " Honey Pass ". During spring, the trail is lined
with blue lilies, azaleas and blossoming rhododendrons. Magnificent panorama of snowy summits: Gutumba (5608m), Mata Tumba (5767m), Bhahul Himal (5460m).

Day 07: Chatra - Gotichaur (2650m).
Corn, potatoes, barley and buckwheat fields alternate with meadows and forests.

Day 08: Gotichaur - Jumla (2300m) in 5h.
Peaceful and verdant areas strewn with shining irrigation canals and
rivers. In summer, the flora blossoms brightly: orchids, forget-me-nots, geraniums, mint, buttercups, gentians…

Day 09: Jumla - Daphne Lagna (3130m) in 4h.
The path steadily rises up the side of the mountain.

Day 10: Daphne Lagna - Khali Lagna Pass (3500m) - Bhulbule (3130m) in 6h.
We will probably have the occasion to come across goat caravans,
loaded like mules and bringing the salt back from Tibet. the path leads us throughfir tree and birch forests.

Day 11: Bhulbule – Rara Lake (2980m) in 5h.
This is a new route, which follows anorth-south ridge. From here, we enjoy a magnificent panorama over the Sinja valley to the west, Rara Lake to the west and Mugu Karnali river to the north.

Day 12: Rara Lake (2980m).
One of the largest lakes in Nepal, Rara Lake has a perimeter of 13 km.
The surrounding hills are covered with superb fir trees and rhododendron forests. This region was declared to be a National Parc in 1975 and the two communities established on the west side were "invited to move" towards Teraï.

Day 13: Rara Lake - Chuchemara Danda Pass (3800m) - Bota (2700m) in 6h.
We climb up to the pass in 2 hours. At the top, the panorama is stunning over the Rara lake and the close summits reflect into its waters. Thethe Saipal (7050 m) foothills are visible on the horizon.

Day 14: Bota – Mashadhani (2800m) in 5h.
We head to Mashadhani through fir, birch and oak forests, which alternate with barley and cornfields.

Day 15: Mashadhani - Jumla (2300m) in 7h.

Day 16: Jumla - Nepalganj - Kathmandu by plane