Best Time to Visit Rara Lake

Starting off: Explore the Magic of Rara Lake in Nepal

Imagine being on a quiet ridge high above a beautiful blue lake. There are pine-covered hills and snow-capped peaks all around the hilltop. Not a beat. No noise from the city. Only the soft whisper of the wind and the singing of Himalayan birds. In Nepal, people often call this lake the "Queen of Lakes."

One of the most stunning lakes in Nepal is Rara Lake, which is also the largest lake in the country. It is 2,990 meters (9,810 feet) above sea level. In Rara National Park, it is in the middle of nowhere, making it a peaceful and beautiful place to be.

But there is one very important thing you need to know before you pack your bags: when is the best time for a Rara Lake tour?

This guide tells you everything you need to know, from the best times to visit and the weather to how to get to this hidden gem and what to expect all year long.

🔗 Explore the Rara Lake and Bardiya Wildlife Safari Tour

Rara Lake: Where Is It?

The Mugu District is located in Nepal's northwest, and Rara Lake is on its shores. It is in the Rara National Park. Secluded in the Karnali region, it is not on the typical paths that tourists take when visiting Nepal.

• The coordinates are 29.5272° N and 82.0955° E.
• The height of Rara Lake is 2,990 meters (9,810 feet).
• Rara Lake is just under 3,000 meters above sea level.

It's out in the middle of nowhere, but you can get there by plane or on foot, or by car if you want to go on an adventure.

Why Timing Matters: Seasonal Weather in Rara

What is the ideal time to visit Rara Lake?

September to November is the best time to visit Rara Lake when skies are clear, paths are dry, and surroundings are most beautiful. Each season is different from another, yet there is some experience or another every time—some offer blooms in flowers or white silence, others challenge you with rain or chill. If you know the seasons of Rara, the key to having an easy and fun trip.

Let’s break down the seasonal patterns:

Monthly Breakdown of the Best Time to Visit Rara Lake

Spring (March to May): Exciting and Wild

Why visit Rara Lake in the spring?

Spring is almost as good as summer as a time to visit Rara Lake. Rhododendrons bloom along the sides of hills in these months, making the trails pink and red. It's not too cold or too hot outside.

• Day temperature: 10°C to 20°C
• Clear skies: Yes
• Snow on trails: Mostly melted
• Trekking conditions: Ideal
• Bonus: Fewer tourists than autumn. Great for photography and birdwatching.

Summer/Monsoon (June to August) – Lush but Risky

Is it worth visiting in monsoon?

We don’t recommend a Rara Lake tour during monsoon. Heavy rain falls in the area, making the roads slippery and causing many flight delays and landslides.

• Day temperature: 15°C to 25°C
• Visibility: Low due to clouds
• Leeches and bugs: Common on the trail
• Road conditions: Poor

That said, the lake area looks lush and green during this time. If you love dramatic skies and are okay with the unpredictability, it’s a different kind of adventure.

Autumn (September to November) – The Perfect Time

Why is autumn the best time for a Rara Lake tour?

Everything is better in the fall. The dust has been removed by the rain, and the sky is now clean. Views of faraway snow peaks, golden woods, and perfect reflections of the lovely Rara Lake will be very clear.

• Day temperature: 10°C to 18°C
• Visibility: Excellent
• Festivals: Dashain and Tihar (adds cultural richness)
• Trekking conditions: Optimal

Note: It’s also the busiest time, so early booking is advised.

Winter (December to February) – Peaceful but Cold

Can I visit Rara Lake in winter?

Yes, but be prepared. Winter transforms Rara into a snowy fairyland. The lake may partially freeze, and there are barely any tourists. It’s quiet, peaceful, and magical—if you can handle the cold.

• Day temperature: 0°C to 10°C
• Night temperature: Drops below -5°C
• Road and flight accessibility: Limited due to snow
• Accommodations: Fewer lodges remain open

Ideal for photographers and adventurers seeking solitude. Not recommended for first-time trekkers.

How to Get to Rara Lake

There are several ways to get to Rara Lake, based on your time, money, and how well you can handle rough terrain.

Choice 1: Fly and hike (most common)

• It takes an hour to fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
• It takes 35 minutes to fly from Nepalgunj to Talcha Airport in Mugu.
• The hike from Talcha to Rara Lake takes about three to four hours.

• Pros: Flights are quick and beautiful.
• Cons: Weather delays happen a lot.

Second choice: travel by land (cheaper but longer).

• Kathmandu to Surkhet to Kalikot to Gamgadhi to Rara is the route.
• Three to four days by bus or car
• From the roadhead, the hike takes one to two hours.

• Pros: it's cheap and learns about other cultures
• Bad: rough roads, long hours

Things to Do Near Rara Lake

What else can you do at Rara Lake besides look at the view?

Plenty! The beautiful Rara Lake is the main attraction, but the area around it has lots of interesting things to do for nature fans, trekkers, and people interested in other cultures. Everyone can find something they like to do in Rara, whether they want to walk, relax, or meet locals.

• Walk around the lake.

  The trail around Rara Lake takes 4–5 hours to finish and is one of the most peaceful and beautiful walks in Nepal. To get around the lake, you'll have to walk through quiet pine forests, flower-filled meadows, and old-fashioned towns. The path isn't too steep, so most tourists will find it easy to go. Every time you turn, you'll see the lake from a different angle.

  Before noon, you can start your hike early to get the best views of the lake and avoid the heat.

• Take a trip on Rara Lake by boat.

  Rara Lake is a peaceful place to go boating. You can take a rowboat and float through the calm, blue water. The lake is like a mirror in the morning, the wind is calm, and the hills around are lit up by soft light. Now is a great time to think, take pictures, or just enjoy the peace and quiet.

  Bring your camera, because you might get a picture of clouds floating on the water!

• Ascend to the top of Murma (3,600m)

  Want to find the best place to see Rara Lake? We recommend a short walk of 1.5 to 2 hours to get to Murma Top. From this ridge, you can see the whole lake reflecting in the water below. There are forests and hills all around, and in the distance, you can see snow-capped peaks. It's a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset, and photographers love it.

  The trail isn't too steep, but it is, so wear strong shoes and stop every so often if you get out of breath at higher elevations.

• Explore Rara National Park.

  Rara National Park is home to Rara Lake. Among Nepal's parks, this one is among the most peaceful and unexplored. There are many kinds of rare animals that live there, including

  • Musk deer
  • A red panda
  • Black bears in the Himalayas
  • Leopard snow cats (not often seen)

  There are more than 200 kinds of birds here, such as pheasants, Himalayan monals, and migratory ducks.

  It's like walking into a Himalayan wilderness sanctuary when you walk through the park.

  Help keep this area as pristine as possible by not disturbing the wildlife or leaving any trash behind.

• Interact with Local Communities

  Rara is more than just scenery. The cultural activities here are just as remarkable. People from the Thakuri and Dalit groups live around the lake and in nearby towns like Gamgadhi and Murma. The way of life here is simple, but full of history.

  You can:

  • Have tea with people from the area
  • See traditional cooking methods that involve using a wood fire.
  • Observe the local farming and livestock practices.

  Saying "Namaste" and smiling might go a long way toward making someone feel at home.

Packing Tips for the Rara Lake Tour

What should you bring to Rara Lake?

The things you need to pack vary depending on the time of year, but some things are always useful. Due to Rara's remote position, there aren't many shops or supplies nearby, so make sure you bring what you need.

Essentials for Every Season

No matter where you go, you need these things:

• To get into Rare National Park, you need a valid ID and a pass.
• Wear warm clothes, like thermals, fleece, and down coats.
• Hiking boots that are worn in and, if possible, waterproof.
• Tablets that purify the water along with a reusable water container.
• Fuel bars and snacks for the trail.
• First-aid kit with altitude medicine in it.
• Headlamp or flashlight (because the power often goes out).

Be clever, but pack light. In high-altitude regions like Rara Lake, the weather and topography can vary rapidly.

Seasonal Extras

• Winter: Base layers of heat (December–February)
• An insulated hat and thick gloves
• Extra socks and snow gaiters
• Monsoon (June–August): A poncho or lightweight raincoat
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Socks with leech repellent and quick drying
• Wear a hat and sunglasses in the spring and fall (March–May/September–November).
• Sunscreen with a high SPF
• (At altitude, the air might be dry.) moisturizer

For short hikes around the lake or up to Murma Top, don't forget to bring a light daypack.

Tips That Will Help You Before You Go

Get some information before you go to Rara. This area is far away, so planning ahead is very important for making sure the trip goes smoothly and safely.

Needs for a permit

To get into the Rara area, you'll need:

• A permit to enter Rara National Park costs NPR 3,000 for visitors.
• You can get it at the Rara National Park Check post itself.
• At checkpoints, you may be asked to show the pass.

Connectivity for phones and the internet

There aren't many ways to connect in the Rara area. In some towns, you might get a weak NTC or Ncell signal, but it doesn't work very often. You can't connect to Wi-Fi at all.

Download maps that can be accessed without an internet connection and save valuable files before you leave for your trip.

Access to an ATM and cash

There are no trustworthy ATMs around Rara Lake. There are a few in Nepalgunj or Gamgadhi, but you can't depend on them. Most of the cabins and tea houses along the trail only take cash.

Bring enough Nepali rupees to cover all your expenses, including tips, snacks, and any other unexpected expenses.

Awareness of Altitude

Rara Lake is located approximately 2,990 meters (9,810 ft) above sea level. Some visitors may get mild altitude sickness, which can show up as headaches, nausea, or shortness of breath.

To avoid problems:

• Gradually climb
• Drink water.
• Do not drink.
• If symptoms show up, rest. Allow time to get used to the altitude, especially if you are going straight into Talcha Airport.

Conclusion: When are you visiting the stunning Rara Lake?

You don't just visit Rara Lake; you go on a trip into one of Nepal's most peaceful and untouched areas. This secret gem shows a different side each season, whether you choose the bright colors of spring or the crisp golden fall.

In the fall, you can enjoy beautiful views and fun hikes. Plants bloom and life returns to the region in the spring. If you're ready for an adventure, even winter can be magical.

When are you going to let the silence of Rara Lake speak to your heart?

Let's help you make it happen in a way that is safe, goes smoothly, and gives you stories that will last a lifetime.