Rara National Park

Rara National Park is located in the North-Western high mountains of Nepal. The park was gazetted in 1976 to conserve the unique beauty of Lake Rara, and to protect the representative flora and fauna of the Humla-Jumla region.

The park is Nepal’s smallest protected area, comprising an area of 106 sq. km. There were two villages Rara and Chhapru within the park. However, the residents of the two villages were resettle in Banke district, outside the park. Rara National Park lies in Mugu and Jumla districts in the mid-western Himalaya, about 371 km by air west-north-west of Kathmandu, the capital city.

Moreover, the southern border is about 24 km north of Jumla. It was gazette in 1976 with an area of 106 sq. km. This is the smallest Park in Nepal, containing the country’s biggest lake (10.8 sq. kms) and scenically the most beautiful lake at an elevation of 2999 m.

Therefore, the Park is rich in coniferous forest and was establish to protect Lake which is an important staging point for migratory birds, and to conserve representative flora and fauna of the central Himalaya. Similarly, the Park flora consists of 1074 species, in which, 16 are endemic to Nepal, 51 species of mammals, 214 species of birds.

How to get there?

By flight: There is no direct flight from Kathmandu so either you need to fly Nepalgunj or surkhet. Flying approximately 1 hrs and driving about 2 hrs you will reach to the National Park from Nepalgunj. Or alternatively  flying approximately 1 hrs to Surkhet and driving about 2 hrs you will reach to Rara National Park.

By Bus : The driving distance between Kathmandu to Rara National Park is 864 km. It takes approximately 17 hour  to drive from Kathmandu.

Where to stay?

There are two hotels just near the park. Similarly, few hotels and tea shops are within 30 minutes walking distance from the headquarter. The camping site is also available just near the park headquarter for visitors.