Rara Lake Trek via Simikot & Changkheli – 17 Days Remote Himalayan Adventure

Trip Overview

(Listed on Steve Razetti’s Top 10 treks in the world.) Highest point: 4300m. This trek follows through the Southern Humla with incredible views of foothills, hills, mountains, lush forests to arid lands. The trail leads along the Karnali River, the longest river of Nepal touching various village settlements of ethnicities like Khasas, Thakuris, Brahmins, Byansis and occupational castes. It ends at Rara Lake, the biggest lake in Nepal which lies in the Rara National Park.

The area is a home for hundreds of species of trees, plants, birds and animals. This trek can also be done in reverse starting from Mugu or Jumla upwards. The alpine meadows and forests blended with the Khasa culture and village settings provide a unique experience of southern Humla where the Rara Lake adds spice making your trip memorable forever.

There is no direct air service from Kathmandu to Simikot, so travelers generally have to fly Simikot via Nepalgunj, the regional hub of Western Nepal. Nepalgunj-Simikot flight operates early in the morning, so we must stay a night in Nepalgunj to catch early

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 01:     Arrival Kathmandu
Day 02:     A full day sightseeing within the Kathmandu valley
Day 03:     Fly to Nepalgunj (150m)
Day 04:     Fly to Simikot, (2950m)
Day 05:     Simikot to Gagru, (2650m)
Day 06:     Gagru to Gatya Khola, (2800m)
Day 07:     Gatya Khola to Pangkha, (2800m)(Via Margo La pass, 4300m)
Day 08:     Pangkha to Puma Lekh, (2800m)
Day 09:     Puma Lekh to Melchham (2800m)
Day 10:     Melchham to Darma, (2550m)
Day 11:     Darma to Changkheli (3800m)
Day 12:     Changkheli to Banwa (2500m)
Day 13:     Banwa to Rara, (2980m)
Day 14:     Explore Rara Lake
Day 15:     Rara Lake to Talcha Airport, (2800m)
Day 16:     Fly to Nepalgunj and to Kathmandu.
Day 17:     Departure

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to relax or explore Thamel’s vibrant culture.

Meals: Breakfast

Max Altitude: 1,350m

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Enjoy a guided exploration of Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Patan Durbar Square. A full cultural immersion into the city’s rich history.

Meals: Breakfast

Max Altitude: 1,350m

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj (150m)

Take a scenic one-hour flight to Nepalgunj, the gateway to western Nepal, close to the Indian border. The city offers a blend of southern plains culture and bustling local markets.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Max Altitude: 150m

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 4: Fly to Simikot (2,950m)

Board a mountain flight to Simikot, the gateway to Humla. Enjoy panoramic views of the Karnali region’s remote landscapes. Acclimatize and prepare for the trek.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Max Altitude: 2,950m

Accommodation: Local Guesthouse

Day 5: Trek to Gagru (2,400m) – 5-6 hrs

Begin your trek along a peaceful trail through pine forests and small villages. Interact with Humli locals, known for their warm hospitality and rugged resilience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,400m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 6: Trek Gagru to Gatya Khola (2,800m)

On this day, we’ll trek from Gagru to Gatya Khola, which takes about 5-6 hours. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and landscapes. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of the area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,800m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 7: Trek Gatya Khola to Pangkha (2,800m) via Margo La Pass (4,300m)

Today, we’ll ascend to Margo La Pass, one of the highest points on this trek at 4,300 meters. The pass provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. After crossing the pass, we’ll descend to Pangkha, where we’ll set up camp or stay in a basic guesthouse.

Accommodation: Camp or guesthouse in Pangkha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 7-8 hrs

Max Altitude: 4,300 m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 8: Trek to Puma Lekh (2,800m) – 5 hrs

Pass through alpine forests and scattered settlements. Puma Lekh lies in a beautiful alpine setting surrounded by pristine mountain views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,800m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 9: Trek to Melchham (2,800m) – 5-6 hrs

Today’s trek takes us to Melchham, a charming village that sits at an altitude of 2,800 meters. The trek is relatively easy and provides great views of the region. Melchham is a place rich in local culture and traditions.

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,800m

Day 10: Trek Melchham to Darma (2,550m)

On this day, we’ll trek to the village of Darma, located at 2,550 meters. The trek is moderate, taking about 5-6 hours. Darma offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Humla people, and you’ll have the opportunity to experience the local culture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,550m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 11: Trek Darma to Changkheli (3,800m)

We’ll begin ascending today, trekking to Changkheli at 3,800 meters. The trek will take about 6-7 hours, passing through high-altitude terrain. Once in Changkheli, we’ll have stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 6-7 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,800m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 12: Trek Changkheli to Banwa (2,500m)

Today’s trek takes us downhill to Banwa, a peaceful village at 2,500 meters. The trek takes about 5-6 hours and allows us to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Max Altitude: 2,500m

Day 13: Trek Banwa to Rara Lake (2,980m)

Today, we will trek to the stunning Rara Lake at 2,980 meters. The trek will take about 6-7 hours. Once we arrive at Rara Lake, we will take time to explore this beautiful lake, surrounded by mountains.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 6-7 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,980m

Accommodation: Camp near Rara Lake

Day 14: Explore Rara Lake

Enjoy a rest day at Rara Lake to explore the area. You can enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake or visit nearby villages. This is also a great opportunity for photography and to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camp near Rara Lake

Day 15: Rara Lake to Talcha Airport (2,800m)

Today we’ll trek to Talcha Airport, which takes about 3-4 hours. Upon arrival, we’ll catch a flight back to Nepalgunj, and then fly to Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 2-3 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,800m

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 16: Fly to Nepalgunj and to Kathmandu

This day will be dedicated to flying back from Talcha Airport to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu. After arriving in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

Day 17: Final Departure

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home.

Cost Includes

Accommodations in Kathmandu twin share with breakfast
Twin sharing basis hotel in Nepalgunj with Dinner
Guide, cook and kitchen support staff.
Mules or porters for luggage on the trekking.
All meals during the treks
All camping and cooking equipments.
All camping Charges.
Clients Airfare Kathmandu / Nepalgunj / Simikot & Talcha/Nepalgunj /Kathmandu.
Humla restricted area permit fee.
All travel expenses for Nepali staffs.
All pick up and drop services.
DDC tax.
All local official donations if any.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu (Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur) with tour guide

Cost Excludes

Insurance for Clients and Emergency Rescue and medicines and medicals.
Sightseeing entrance fees in Kathmandu.
Personal beverages.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Domestic access baggage charge (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj weight limit is 20 kg and Nepalgunj to Simikot weight limit is 15 kg).
Sleeping bag & mattress during trip.
International flights.
Flight cancelations & its further more expenses
Tips

Accommodation

Kathmandu & Nepalgunj:
Comfortable hotels with private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. Meals included as per itinerary.

Simikot to Rara Lake (Trek Section):
Camping accommodation throughout the trek. All nights are spent in fully supported tented camps from Simikot to Rara Lake. Each campsite includes:

Sleeping tents (twin-sharing)
Dining tent
Kitchen tent
Toilet tent
Support from experienced camping staff and kitchen crew
Freshly prepared meals using local ingredients when possible

Rara Lake & Talcha:
Camping continues at Rara Lake with peaceful lakeside views. Optional stay in a basic lodge at Talcha (if required by flight timing).