Simikot to Rara lake Trekking
The Simikot to Rara lakes trek in Far West Nepal is a moderate altitude trek. It takes you from Simikot to Nepal's biggest lake, Rara. The trek offers unique opportunities to explore Western Nepal, which is less traveled and preserved.
During the trek, you'll pass through various villages like Chhetri, Bramanes, and Thakuri before reaching the beautiful Rara Lake. The trek is done in a traditional way, camping in tents with a kitchen team. This helps preserve the region and its natural beauty.The trail offers incredible views of high mountains, hills, lush forests, and arid lands. You'll follow the Karnali River and encounter different ethnic groups like Khasas, Thakuris, Brahmins, and Byansis in various villages.
Rara National park
The trek ends at Rara Lake, which is inside the Rara National Park. Rara National Park is the smallest and most scenic national park in Nepal. It is located in the Far Western region and encompasses Rara Lake, the largest lake in the country.
The park is rich in biodiversity, with various species of flora and fauna. It offers stunning views of high mountains, lush forests, and picturesque landscapes. The area is home to different wildlife, including musk deer, red panda, and various bird species. Rara National Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility in the lap of pristine nature.
Alternative route From Mugu and Jumla
You can also do this trek in reverse, starting from Mugu or Jumla. To reach Simikot, there is no direct air service from Kathmandu. Most travelers fly to Nepalgunj first and then take a morning flight to Simikot. This adventure is a great way to explore a lesser-known and stunning part of Nepal.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
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
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
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
The Karnali River flows at the very bottom of the valley. You have to take the wide path that descends directly to Kharpunath. A bridge awaits us to cross the Chuwa khola. Then two paths are available to us. We leave that of Kharnaki to rise towards Kharpel and at the end of the day it is River Camp which welcomes us. A day between rice fields and forests in a rarely visited valley, that of the Yanchu khola.
7hrs of walking
Final altitude: 3,015m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
There are still 1,000 meters to climb to reach our first pass, that of Margor Lek. The forest becomes less dense before diving towards Pukha khola, our next camp. Depending on the season, this path is regularly traveled, allowing us to meet these villagers from the Nepalese Wild West.
6 hrs of walk
Final altitude: 3010m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
Short day to reach Apsia lek, but we will have to make a choice on the route. By Rodikot or by the heights and Tach. In both camps, always this environment of cultures. The villages have kept the discreet charm of these regions out of tourism. Aspia lek allows to have a beautiful view of some surrounding mountains: Chankeli Himal, Saipal Himal, Darma Himal, Buhari Himal....
6 hrs of walking
Final altitude: 3,195m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
It is preferable to take the option of Chargaon, a small village in a small valley. The cultures in espaliers are numerous and the villagers will certainly be very surprised to meet us. It's time to take a moment to discuss and discover an ancestral way of life. Small Villages are scattered along the descent which will lead us to Piplan, our stop for this evening. A beautiful camp on one of the few flat spaces in the region...
5 hrs of walking
Final altitidu: 1,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
We leave the Kharnali to take a southern axis. From village to village, there are many climbs to reach our camp at the foot of the Chankheli pass. Torrents are numerous and active in this season. Fortunately, it is a priority travel axis to go to the Gamgadhi market, in two days.
6 hrs walking
Final altitude: 3005m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
The village of Bam is not so far, but we cannot continue with the climb to Gamgadhi. This is a fairly short day after crossing the Chankheli pass. The villages are more numerous and the ridges multiple to be able to reach Bam.
6 hrs of walking
Final altitude: 2,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
Gamgadhi seems so close, but you have to cross two beautiful ridges to reach the Mugu Kharnali. Luma can be a stopover before attacking the climb which will propel us towards Gamgadhi. If the sun is at its zenith, the climb will seem steep, very steep. Fortunately we discover this village/street/market. The population seems dense in this small town at the bottom of the world.
4 hrs walking
Final altitude: 2,095m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
This day can be used as a safety day, but it is more interesting to take advantage of it to discover Lake Rara. Depending on the schedule we can go to Chhapri. You still have to go up 1,000 meters to reach this lake. Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal and belongs to the eponymous national park. At its western end we have a view of the mountains of the Tibetan border... Lake Rara is surrounded by magnificent coniferous forests. Its blue waters are home to the snow trout, the only fish present in the lake, but not so easy to observe.
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a tent
Direction Talcha for a flight to Nepalgunj then Kathmandu.
by private vehicle, by plane
about 1 hour
about 1 hour 20 minutes
Meals: breakfast – lunch
Accommodation: overnight at the hotel
Safety day which can be used during the trekking or as a free day in Kathmandu.
free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
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.
Note: 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.
Trip Organization
Your Guide and Team
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Cook is responsible for all meals and is on a trek that doesn’t use lodges for meals. (camping trek )
The Kitchen-boy is an assistant to the cook. ( camping trek )
The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg. In addition, the Nepal Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Ramada: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet.
Accommodations during the trek
For camping: during the Trek, breakfasts, Lunch, and Dinner are prepared by the kitchen team. They are taken to the mess tent. additional energy food is provided. Purchased locally, they offer a more limited. You can, if you wish, bring some complementary cereal bars adapted to your taste.
For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.
Here is a typical one-day menu:
breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: provide tablets (Hydroclonazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that required short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Your Personal Trekking Gear
- woolen hat
- fleece hat
- T-shirt
- Thermal full t-shirt (base layer)
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- light insulating wear (mid-layer)
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Thermal Trouser (base layer)
- Trekking trousers (flexible )
- down pant
- Gore-Tex pants
- Gore-Tex gloves
- thin/warm gloves
- Rain punch
- woolen shock (thick)
- sandal
- camp shoes (sports shoes)
- Trekking boot
- sun /glacier glass (uv protect )
- snow gaiter
- sleeping bags -20
- personal first aid
- pocket knife
- washing soap, towel, toothpaste/ brush
- sun lotion enough +30 /50 & lip guard
- Trekking poles (u can buy in Nepal as well)
- headlights, water bottles, Thermos
- books, a camera, playing card
