Simikot to Rara lakes moderates altitude trek in Far West Nepal.traverse from Simikot to Nepal's biggest lake. A unique opportunity to explore Western Nepal, very little traveled. We cross the villages of Chhetri, Bramanes and Takhuri before arriving on the banks of the largest high altitude lake in Nepal. It's not an altitude trek, but the old-fashioned way, in tents, with a kitchen team in a preserved region. It is time to give back some visibility to this forgotten region.
This trek follows through the Humla with incredible views of high mountains, hills, and lush forests to arid lands. The trail leads along the Karnali River, the longest river in Nepal touching various village settlements of ethnicities like Khasas, Thakuris, Brahmins, and Byansis. Treks end at Rara Lake, the biggest lake in Nepal which lies inside the Rara National Park. The area is home to hundreds of species of trees, plants, birds, and animals. This trek can also be done in reverse starting from Mugu or Jumla upwards. There is no direct air service from Kathmandu to Simikot, so travelers generally have to fly to Simikot via Nepalgunj, the regional hub of Western Nepal. Nepalgunj-Simikot flights operate always early in the morning, so we must stay one night in Nepalgunj to catch the early morning flight the next day.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrived in Kathmandu, we are greeted at the airport by our local team and transferred to the hotel, to take advantage of a time of rest, briefing of presentation of the progress of the trek, then free time. In case of arrival in the morning, free day: rest or the possibility of making free visits for those who wish. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse you in Nepalese culture
Approximately 15 hours of driving to the hotel
Final altitude: approximately 13,50 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Day 2
Have breakfast and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally the Royal Palace, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your trek on the Annapurna Circuit, so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb. Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu
Day tour
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Day 3
Flight of about an hour with superb views of the Manaslu, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri massifs – Nepalgunj is located in the Terai plain, not far from the Indian border.
Transport private vehicle, by plane 30 minutes
Final altitude: approximately 280 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Day 4
We are happy to leave the humidity of Nepalgunj to go up the Himalayan foothills. The hills follow one another and we leave the last rice fields. A final ridge, a bend and the Simikot airfield appear. It is in the heart of the village. The flight being early in the morning, we have part of the day to walk around and discover the surroundings. There are still some formalities to complete before reaching our campsite, followed by a first hot tea.
Transfer private vehicle, by plane in 30 minutes
Final altitude: 2,980m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: Night in the tent
Trip Included
- transfers in private vehicles as mentioned in the program.
- 2-night hotel in Kathmandu and 1-night hotel in Nepalgunj on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
- Domestic Airfare
- Lodge accommodation as described in the program.
- Full board during the trek except meals mentioned as "free".
- camping equipment
- Supervised by an English-speaking Nepalese guide throughout the trip.
- Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment, transportation, and local tax for guides and porters
- Ground Transportation Charge while returning back to Kathmandu from the trekking destination
- All necessary staff with the experienced leader (guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
- All necessary paper works; trekking permits.
- Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, duffel bag, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
- All government taxes, VAT, and service charges
- Farewell dinner prior to departure
- First Aid Kit
Trip Excluded
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Travel Insurance
- Any kind of Drinks and Liquors
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, heater, etc.)
- Optional trips for activities and sightseeing if extended
- All items not listed in Cost included a section
- Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Tips for Trekking Staff
Tipping is an integral part of the country's culture. This gesture of thanks, which varies according to the itinerary and the duration, has become an obligation. A tip is given at the end of the trip to the members of the team. However, it is important that the tip remains a gratuity, our teams being very well remunerated elsewhere. We invite you to distribute tips only if the service has met your expectations,
Notes: Costs may prone to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified.
For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form, or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of force majeure )your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.
