Rara National Park
Rara National Park, located in the beautiful Himalayan region of Nepal, is a wonderland and tranquil haven that is preferred by nature lovers and trekkers alike from far and wide across the world. It boasts rich biodiversity and a panorama of landscapes along with the iconic Rara Lake, thus remaining as one of the best-kept secrets of the country. Let's explore why Rara National Park should be on your travel list for 2025.
Where is Rara National Park Located province in Nepal?
Located in the far northwest part of Nepal, this conservation area lies in the rugged Karnali Province. The park touches the boundaries of the Mugu and Jumla districts to make it one of the most remote wild parks in Nepal that is truly amazing. The main attraction of the park is Rara Lake, also referred to as the "blue jewel of the Himalayas." Located at an elevation of 2,990 meters (9,810 feet), this is the largest lake in Nepal and presents one with breathtaking scenery, ideal for photography and nature study.
Where is Rara National Park on the Map of Nepal?
If you look for Rara National Park on the map of Nepal, you will find it falling on the far northwestern part of Nepal under Karnali Province. Precisely, the Park ranges between 29°30′ to 29°42′ N latitude and 82°30′ to 82°51′ E longitude. Being truly isolated, visiting this national park includes trekking through Jumla or taking a flight to Talcha Airport, from which visitors need to reach there with a hike over rugged geography.
Rara National Park falls within Karnali Province, which is considered one of the most virgin and untouched parts of Nepal. It is well noted for its pristine landscape, rich natural resources, and very warm and enthusiastic cultural heritage. Being remote, it's the right place to visit for adventure and an escape from city hustle and bustle.
Rara Lake
Rara Lake is the biggest lake in Nepal and is located in the remote northwestern part of the country, within Rara National Park. The lake is known for its scenic beauty, being surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dense forests. It has a surface area of about 10.8 square kilometers with an average depth of 167 meters. The area is relatively untouched and offers a peaceful environment, scenic enough to captivate trekkers who seek less-visited areas.
Which Districts Does Rara National Park Span?
Rara National Park lies in two districts of Karnali Province, namely Mugu and Jumla. Rara Lake is situated in the Mugu District, whereas Jumla provides the southern entrances to the park. Both the districts are culturally sound, with the local communities of Thakuri and Raji people showing glimpses of the traditional ways of life in the high Himalayas.
When Was Rara National Park Established?
Rara National Park was established in 1976 to preserve its unique biodiversity and aesthetic nature. It may be small compared to some of Nepal's other national parks, covering an area of 106 square kilometers, but it offers a very rich variety of wildlife and ecosystems, from dense forests to alpine meadows and rugged hills.
Why Was Rara National Park Established?
Mainly, Rara National Park is established to preserve the rich biodiversity and natural wonders of the place. It will be a protecting ground for the rare and endangered species so that the sensitive ecological balance will face no threat from outside.
Wildlife in Rara National Park
The richness of wildlife is one of the major attractions of Rara National Park. It is a home for some of the rarest and endangered species of the country, hence it is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers. Some of the most prominent animals that can be traced in the park include:
Red Panda: This shy and cute animal is often seen in the dense bamboo forests.
Himalayan Black Bear: The thick-furred bear that wanders in forests, and
it's a wonderful creation of Mother Nature. Snow Leopard: One of the most
prized wild sightings is actually that of a Snow Leopard, also very majestic
prey. Musk Deer: An endangered species, very highly valued due to its musk
gland. Himalayan Goral: A variety of goat-antelope that is rather common in
rock or high-elevation locations. Langur Monkeys: The playful things
complement this vital park very nicely.
How Many Species of Birds
Reside in Rara National Park?
Birdwatchers will find Rara National Park to be a real haven. The park is a home for more than 200 species of birds including species like the Himalayan Monal, Eurasian Cuckoo, and Snowcock. Different varieties of waterfowl also find Rara Lake and its surroundings a suitable habitat, thereby increasing the number of bird species in the park.
Landscape of Rara National Park
The landscape of Rara National Park is of outstandingly beautiful scenery; Rara Lake lies right in the center. With dense forests of pine, spruce, and juniper, the park offers dramatic scenery with rolling meadows, rugged hills, and towering snow-capped peaks. The backside of the lake forms a tranquil, magical environment, perfect for photography, meditation, and adventure alike.
Rara National Park Photos: Clicking the Beauty of Nature
Rara National Park is a home for some of the most photogenic landscapes of Nepal. From emerald blue water to the height of snow-capped peaks standing around, there comes a plethora of opportunities to capture the beauty of Rara National Park in its least disturbed form. These are visually appealing scenarios which any nature photographer will die for: during sunrise and sunset, the surrounding mountains reflect on the still surface of the lake.
What is the Area of Rara National Park?
Though Rara National Park is one of Nepal's smallest national parks, covering an area of just 106 square kilometers, this park is home to an amazingly varied kind of flora, fauna, and ecosystems; that again makes this place a hidden treasure in Nepal's vast national park system.
How to Plan Your Visit to Rara National Park
The best time to visit Rara National Park is during spring-March to May and autumn-September to November, as the weather is mild and skies clear, hence trekking and sightseeing are easier. Serene beauty coupled with unique wildlife provides an unforgettable experience. Be sure to bring a good camera to capture the park’s natural beauty, from the shimmering blue lake to the diverse wildlife that calls the park home.
Ticket Pricing for Rara National Park
Below is a detailed breakdown of the ticket pricing for Rara National Park:
| Visitor Type | Entry Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nepali Citizens | NPR 100 | Per person, per day |
| SAARC Nationals | NPR 1,000 | Per person, per day |
| Foreign Nationals | NPR 3,000 | Per person, per day |
It is advisable to check the latest pricing information at the park entrance or through authorized travel agencies, as fees are subject to change.
Why Visit Rara National Park?
Whether one seeks adventure, tranquility, or a closer rapport with nature, Rara National Park has it all. Undeniably, one of the most breathtaking and quiet places to travel to in Nepal, it has stunning landscapes combined with rich biodiversity, offering ample opportunities for trekking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.
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