Rara National Park
Rara National Park
Rara National Park, named after Rara Lake/Mahendra Lake containing the most beautiful and biggest Lake (10.8 sq. km) lies in Mugu and Jumla districts in the mid-western region of Nepal. The Park is rich in coniferous forest and was established to protect Rara Lake which is an important staging point for migratory birds and to conserve representative flora and fauna of the central Himalaya. The Park flora consists of 1074 species, of which, 16 are endemic to Nepal, 51 species of mammals, 272 species of birds. The Park also consists of coniferous forest. Blue pine is predominant below 3,150m, particularly around the lake where it may be mixed with oak, rhododendron, juniper, and spruce. Pine forest becomes increasingly mixed with spruce and fir, Abies spectabilis at higher altitudes on the northern slopes of Chuchemara. Above 3,350m fir is the dominant conifer, while oak and birch Betula utilis are relatively more plentiful and juniper persists as a shrub. Above 3,660m fir gives way to birch-rhododendron scrub and a narrow belt of dwarf rhododendron, which fringes the alpine grassland. Rara National Park is one of the most attractive eco-tourism spots in Nepal with rich biodiversity, natural beauty, and rich-in-culture. One of the objectives of Rara National Park (RNP) is to promote eco-tourism to uplift the livelihood of local natives. The Park has enormous tourism resources.
Information of Rara
Area |
: 106 sq. km. |
Lake area |
: 10 sq. km. |
Altitude |
: 3060m (above the sea level) |
No. of VDCs |
: 9 (6 Mugu, 3 Jumla) |
Buffer Zone Population |
: 17,809 (8040 Female, 9769 Male) |
Bioclimatic Zone |
: Temperate to Alpine |
Physiographic Zone |
: High Mountains |
Highest Point |
: Chuchemara Peak (4039m) |
Major Vegetation Type |
: Humla-Jumla of Western Himalayan Floral |
Biodiversity |
: Mammal 51, Birds 272 and Plant 1074 |
Main features
- Rara Lake - Nepal’s largest and deepest lake.
- Chhayanath, Ranimokcha, Naudhari, Chankeli, Chuchemara, Murma top and view of Himalayan Range.
- Meditational plants, evergreen coniferous forest, and unique scenery.
- Religious sites.
- Unique of fishes.
Social features
Lowest life expectancy rate (36 years)
Extreme poverty and illiterate (Literacy Rate: Male - 26% & Female - 9%)
Especially females are much suffered and suppressed.
Early marriage and male dominate.
Typical culture: Dressing Pattern, Language, etc.
Tourism at Rara National Park
Rara National Park is one of the most attractive eco-tourism spots in Nepal with rich biodiversity, natural beauty, and rich-in-culture. Rara Lake is Nepal’s largest and deepest lake with crystal clears water and free from any pollution. One of the objectives of Rara National Park (RNP) is to promote eco-tourism to uplift the livelihood of local natives. Unfortunately, tourism-related activities in RNP are much less than expected. The Park has enormous tourism resources.
Main Attraction
Largest and deepest lake of Nepal
High Himalayan ranges, valleys, and villages
The unique landscape and cultural heritage
Numerous tourism spots and trekking routes
High-value vegetations and endangered wild animals
Attraction at Rara Lake
There are various tourism-related activities that can be held at Rara National Park and its proposed buffer zone.
Boating
Visitors can enjoy boating in the lake for a few minutes to half a day.
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing from half to full days is interesting and can see many species of wildlife depends on the covered area.
Bird Watching
During winter migratory water flows in the lake and local forest birds can see while staying near the park and surroundings. Tracking to different heights has more chances to see new species of birds.
Walking around Lake
It takes 4 to 5 hours of walking around the lake and see various shapes one can experience different vegetation, landscape, and wildlife.
Trekking to Murma top
Murma top lies in the buffer zone and takes 3 to 4 hours track on top. From the top, one can see a bird's eye view of the lake and most of the park and surroundings. From the summit, 10 districts can be seen. Panorama of Mount Saipal, Mt. Kanjiroba, Chhayanath can be seen in clear days. The track passes from different vegetation and national birds cannot be missed.
Chuchemara Lekh (Hill)
The highest hill in the park and takes 4 to 5 hours to get on the summit and one can experience similar vegetation, panorama view of the lake. Many species of birds, wildlife such as Musk deer, Red Panda, Danfe can be seen. Visitors can camp two hours down near the Gorusen post or can do 2 to 3 days tracking inside the park.
Camping
Camping sites are located near the park and Milichaur.
Horse riding
Horse riding can be an option for old and children around the lake and the nearest track.
Cycling
Cycling around the lake and the nearest track would be a new experience.
Accessibility
Rara can be reached by air to Talcha (Rara) Airport and only two hours walk to National Park headquarter and about 3 hours of walk from Gamgadhi (i.e. district headquarter) where regular helicopter service is available. Before the operation of Talcha Airport visitors used to fly Jumla and walk 2 to 3 days to Rara. Jumla airport is in operation the whole year, but Talcha airport will not operate any flights during the winter and snowfall season. Rara can be reached from Kolti Airport lies in Bajura District and take 2 to 3 days a gradual walk to reach Rara. Visitors can also walk 6 to 7 days from Dailekh and enjoy local culture and natural beauties on the way. Motor-able road is linked with Karnali highway from Jumla to Talcha.
Accommodation
Newly opened Village Heritage & Resort is tourist-type accommodation in front of Rara Lake. First heritage resort to fulfills accommodation problem in Rara National Park.