Jumla - Rara Trekking
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I visited Nepal in September 2006 for the purpose of trekking in the Annapurna Sanctuary area. I was introduced to Clan Treks and Bishwa Chapagain by a mutual friend from the United Kingdom.

The level of service I received from Clan Treks was second to none, in fact a close friendship has developed as a result of the 10 days we spend trekking in the Sanctuary...

Ian Harries Grantham,
Lincolnshire , UK

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Jumla / Rara Trekking, Rafting & Bardia National Park

tiger-in-bardiaJumla is a trans-Himalayan valley with high ridges covered with forests and alpine pastures. Jumla town (2,340 m) is located in a delightful valley and the villages nearby have many archaeological monuments dating back to medieval times. Rara Lake, the largest lake in Nepal, is 28 kilometres north of Jumla and can be reached in four days. The one and a half hour flight from Kathmandu to Jumla that passes through the south of the Dhaulagiri range is itself a revelation of a large section of Nepal's western landscape. One main attraction of this trek is opportunity to visit Rara National Park, which has lapped the biggest lake of Nepal –Rara Lake, which like most of Nepal is a naturalist’s fantasy. The region is made-up of long ridges covered with temperate forests and alpine pastures enclosing high valleys. Summer rainfall is low, but winter snow can be heavy and persistent. Since the region is fairly high and free from monsoon thunderstorms, the summer season is ideal for trekking. Winters are cold, but the autumn seasons trekking is rewarded with a profusion of alpine flowers.

Nepal's longest and largest river for rafting, the Karnali, springs forth from the base of Mt. Kailash in Tibet, the nerve centre of the universe for both the Buddhist and Hindu religions. Its tributaries drain most of the far west of Nepal, rising in the vicinity of Tibet's holy Mount Kailash and glacier of Kanziroba Himal, other small peaks, as well as Rara Lake. The Karnali rafting is one of the finest colossal volume river trips in the world, a classic expedition into Nepal's remote, unpopulated "wild west". As the river flows through some quite narrow canyons the flow of the water increases, as does the frequency of the rapids.

The Safari experience in Bardia National park, a land of opportunity to explore and enjoy the wilderness, is amazing and rewarding. This National park proffers you chance to observe 30 different mammals and 250 species of birds. The Park contains 70% of shore Robusta and the remaining 30% is covered with the balance mixture of grasslands and reverie woods. Catching views of a wide spectrum of wildlife and birds sitting on the specially trained Elephant top happens to be a lifetime memory for you. The splendid Jeep Safari is yet another opportunity to have a quick recap over the beautiful and rare wildlife jungle adventure. Last but not the least you will enjoy your moments discovering the unique tradition and culture of an interesting ethnic people of Nepal – the Tharu.

Summary of Jumla - Rara Trekking

  • 1 Day Kathmandu City Tour
  • 12 Days Trek through a western hillside, enjoy the magnificent scenic routes along with Rara Lake
  • 2 Days Leisure in Kathmandu
  • 8 Days Rafting in Karnali River
  • 4 Days Bardiya National Park

Fact of Jumla - Rara Trekking

Jumla - Rara Trekking Title: Jumla / Rara Trekking, Rafting & Bardiya National Park
Category: Highly Adventurous
Grade: Strenuous & Difficult
Total Days: 27 Days
Group Size: 2 to 12 Pax
Departure Date: Everyday During the Season
Maximum Elevation: 3,700m. (11,840ft.)
Transportation: Drive / Flights
Accommodation: Tent (Camping) Trekking
Trekking Hours: Approximately 5 to 7 hrs. Each Day.
Best Season: Sep. to Nov. / March to May
Trip cost: USD 3,190.00

Day to Day Outline Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive at Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner
Day 02. City Tour and freelancing
Day 03. Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, by Flight
Day 04. Nepalgunj to Jumla by Flight
Day 05. Trek to Danphe Lagna
Day 06. Trek to Chautha
Day 07. Trek to Dhotu
Day 08. Trek to Rara Lake
Day 09. Rara Lake - Explore around Rara Lake and relaxing day
Day 10. Trek to Ghursen Gaon
Day 11. Trek to Sinja
Day 12. Trek to Jaljala Chaur
Day 13. Trek to Jumla
Day 14. Fly back to Nepalgunj
Day 15-21. Rafting
Day 22-24. Bardiya National Park
Day 25. Fly Back to Kathmandu
Day 26. Free day in Kathmandu, Traditional Nepali Dinner
Day 27. Departure

Day to Day Detail Itinerary

Day 01. ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU: Pick up from the airport, transfer to hotel. While in Kathmandu fascinating Buddhist and Hindu temples and shrines reflecting ancient local traditions are highlighted on our guided tour. There's time to explore the city's scores of charms on your own too. In the evening delicious traditional Nepali welcome dinner will be awaiting you.
Day 02.

KATHMANDU CITY TOUR: Which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley - famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with wood, stones and metals.

Pashupatinath: It is one of the most known holy places for Hindu pilgrims in Kathmandu valley. The whole vicinity of Pashupatinath is densed with ages old pagoda model temples with golden plated roofs and the gorgeous woodcarvings on the doors and windows. To the south of the temple, the holy Bagmati river flows down sweeping the burnt dust of dead bodies produced from the cremation on its side. A small green holy wood forest breeze maintains the site cool all the time.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Around the square there are some temples stood upright piercing the sky canopy and through the thousands of pigeon they spread the message of peace. Kumari temple is one of the most important parts of the square site where the ‘Living Goddess’ resides. Apart from those temples, a museum will be waiting for its visitors with an opportunity to unravel the treasures unabashedly. To visit this site is to know the historical facts of Nepal.

Soyambhunath: It is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’. The wide area of Soyambhunath is a hillock surrounded by small forest with some golden temples of Lord Buddha at the western gate and a main temple at the top of the hill. The most interesting thing with Soyambhunath is the nice view of Kathmandu valley to be seen from the top of the hill. Various kinds and sizes of monkeys are seen guarding the hillock. A lot of monasteries with big prayer wheels are the main attraction for the visitors.

Boudhanath: It is one of the nice places to visit in Kathmandu valley, which has the biggest stupa. When someone enters the gate the holy prayer to sense peace is heard all around. All the Buddhists want to visit Boudhanath to feel the real sense of Buddhism. Boudhanath Stupa - one of biggest stupas in the valley, has been built on 17th Century.

Day 03. KATHMANDU – NEPALGUNJ: In the afternoon you will be headed towards Nepalgunj by flight. Nepalgunj is a commercial centre of the western Terai having very hot climate.
Day 04. NEPALGUNJ – JUMLA: Early in the morning you will have flight scheduled for Jumla. Jumla town having the highest limits of paddy cultivation is in a delightful valley mostly having settlement of Tibetan-like people quite different from urban people in terms of their language, culture and costume. The town is the administrative headquarters of the entire Karnali zone and Jumla district too. Today’s camp will be installed in here.
Day 05. JUMLA – DANPHE LAGNA: From Jumla there are two tracks to Rara. Normally people trek through lower route. The trail follows the Tila River, passing through fields and pine forests. Upon arriving Uthugaon, the trail ascends up the Ghuseni Khola valley. Afterwards you will arrive at Padmara passing through a deep forest of pine, spruce and firs. The climb continues in the forest over the pass at 3400m and descends to Danfe Lagna. Overnight stop will be made at the other side of Danfe Lagna.
Day 06. DANPHE LAGNA – CHAUTHA: Today’s trail descends passing through fir, birch, walnut and bamboo forest. After crossing a bridge you start climbing until you arrive at Bhar Gaon (classic Tibetan style village) and then descend to Chautha.
Day 07. CHAUTHA – DHOTU: The trail climbs to Curchi Lagna pass ascending through forest with a few local teahouses and treeless meadow half way to the pass.
Day 08. DHOTU – RARA LAKE (3040 m.): It is a short, pleasant trek with fine views to the north. From Dhotu, take a trail turning west that traverses a steep north-facing slope. After crossing a stretch of fields, climb a small spur and descend to the stream. Cross the bridge and climb up to the hamlet of Jhari 2500m. From Jhari, ascend west along a ridge of a hill to reach a low saddle in another two hours. The Large Rara Lake is visible directly north of this saddle. From here, it is a pleasant descent to the meadows on the south side of the lake. The former village site of Rara on the north side is two hours walk along the western bank of the lake. Rara area was designated as a National Park in 1975. There is much wild life, including aquatic birds and rich forest around this large lake at a height of 2980 meters. You can spend a day or two in the Rara area.
Day 09. RARA LAKE: Explore around Rara Lake, the most pristine lake of the most isolated area, and enjoy the relaxing day.
Day 10. RARA – GHURSEN GAON (3271 m.): After 15 minutes of walk from Rara the trail ascends all the way to Gurchimara. Then the trail descends to Ghursen Gaon.
Day 11. GHURSEN GAON - SINJA (2438m.): This is also a very interesting trail with better scenic views is having opportunity to climb Lumsa. Arrive on the top and descend to Sinja, the Thakuri village.
Day 12. SINJA – JALJALA CHAUR (3350m.): Most of the trek is through forest of pine, birch and oak, as well as a few scattered houses and fields of barley and corn. Then the trail makes a steep climb to Jaljala Chour.
Day 13. CHERE CHAUR – JUMLA: Keep climbing through forest to yet another meadow, just below the ridge, then a pleasant descent to Jumla.
Day 14. JUMLA – NEPALGUNJ: This morning you proceed to check in the airport and then you will be transferred to the Jumla Airport for your flight back to Nepalgunj. River crew will pick you up in Nepalgunj. A 7-hour drive takes you to the river starting point. After packing and loading a raft gear, you will go for rafting adventure. In the evening you will camp on the riverside at Karaleghat.
Day 15. RAFTING: Early in the morning you will have a nice breakfast. After the breakfast, you will be waiting for the rafting trip until packing completes. Everything of yours goes in a camping gear. Then you will be given a short briefing on the safety part, camp hygiene etc. After 3 hours of adventurous and rewarding rafting, you will stop for lunch break. Then continue rafting to the next campsite punching some class III white water with big wave trains. You will be having camp on a white sandy beach for your overnight stay.
Day 16. RAFTING: Get ready for a wild ride! You are going to punch some great world-class white water rapids like ‘Jail House’ entering the first gorge camping on the river beach.
Day 17. RAFTING: Today’s added attraction is opportunity to grab the beautiful views of Nature’s jewels ranging traditional human habitations to splendid natural Shangri-La. Few meticulous local people may be visiting in the camp. In the course of today’s rafting also white water continues pumping through some nice waterfalls and streams coming into the main river. With attractions of beautiful villages and jungle corridors on the way you will come across the famous ‘The God’s House’ rapid. It is a solid class IV rapid leading into the jungle quarter.
Day 18. RAFTING: It’s not over yet! Keep paddling hard until you come into the second gorge. The river is still of class III+. You have a half-day today to take some rest and enjoy and admire the nature. Your camp will be fixed on the white sandy place and there will be plenty of time to enjoy and relax. Experience the beach volleyball or just read a book and chill out!
Day 19. RAFTING: After a couple of hours of rafting today, the river starts mellowing out. This is a great opportunity for those who want to try how to kayak. So far you have covered over a half way. Here comes the Seti-Karnali River from the right and the river takes the big band heading south to the Indian sub-continent.
Day 20. RAFTING: Today is a drifting day. People try Kayaking and learn even to guide a raft. This is your own holiday! Enjoy your surroundings and relax on a great sandy beach and make the most out of it.
Day 21. RAFTING: This day you will get to catch glimpses of various villages with greeneries. A good opportunity to meet local fishermen too! You see there is more to a rafting expedition than just rafting.
Day 22. RAFTING / BARDIYA NATIONAL PARK: Today is the concluding day on the river so we paddle couple of hours down to the Chisapani Bridge right next to the Bardia National Park. Jeep Drive will head you towards Bardia National Park. After entering the Bardia National Park and the resort inside, you will be given a short briefing on the program and facilities you will enjoy. Now you will be taken for Elephant-back safari: You will ride on an elephant to explore the jungle and wildlife enabling you to see verities of attractive birds and animals like the one-horned rhinoceros, several types of deer, monkeys, wild boar, bison, sloth bear, leopard and, if lucky, the Royal Bengal tiger.
Day 23. BARDIA NATIONAL PARK: You will be given a wake up call quite early in the morning. After the tea, you will proceed on a Nature Walk with Jungle Guide. Walking on foot through to the jungle of Sal and open grassland you will enjoy the beautiful environment with chirping of birds, humming of insects and roaring of animals. Take part in Elephant briefing program for some while: Sharpen your knowledge about habits, habitats and lifestyle of this gigantic animal (For the brave ones there is even a crash course in riding and leading the elephants). After the lunch follows canoeing: A traditional dugout canoe takes you on a silent trip down the Karnali river to view aquatic birds and the animals of the riverbanks.
Day 24. BARDIA NATIONAL PARK: Early in the morning you will be served with nice a breakfast. Then you will enjoy day with Jeep Drive Safari for a couple of hours. After Jeep Safari you will have lunch at your resort. Now you will be free for relaxing or bathing sitting on the Elephant top. In the evening, after the dinner, inside the resort itself you take part in a cultural programme. The main attraction is Tharu Stick dance: Tharu people will show some of their traditional skills and dances with their sticks along with campfire.
Day 25. BARDIA NATIONAL PARK – KATHMANDU: Early in the morning you will have a nice breakfast and set off for the visit to Karnali River for Dolphin Sightseeing. After the lunch, you will proceed to the journey to Kathmandu (Driven to the Nepalgunj Airport and Fly Back to Kathmandu). The flight duration is approx.1 hour 10 minutes.
Day 26. FREE DAY IN KATHMANDU: After breakfast you are free on your own in Kathmandu. You will be served with Traditional Nepali Dinner.
Day 27. DEPARTURE: After breakfast is leisure for you until time to leave the international airport for your final destination.

Trekking Season for Jumla - Rara Trekking

September to November & March to May is the best seasons for attempting Jumla – Rara Trekking and December, Jan & Feb are consider as a good Trekking months. The weather is sunny and warm, although the nights are cold and temperatures can fall to freezing. Weather can change rapidly and be unpredictable. Please note that when climbing to Jumla – Rara lake, you will be moving from warmer climates at low levels to conditions of well below freezing. Be prepared for all eventualities! Summer (June, July & August) is finest temperature and trekking can be done without any problem.

Equipments Check List for Jumla - Rara Trekking

The following basic equipments checklist should help you with your packing before you traveling. Please remember that you should always try to keep the weight of your equipments to a minimum while you are in the Trekking. At the start of the trek your packed trek bag should weigh not more then 20 kg.

01. Sunglasses with UV protection
02. Sun hat / scarf
03. Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
04. T-shirts
05. Light and expedition weight thermal tops
06. Fleece jacket or pullover
07. Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
08. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
09. Down jacket
10. Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
11. Small wash towel
12. Underwear’s
13. Hiking shorts
14. Lightweight cotton long pants
15. Fleece or wool pants
16. Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
17. Thin, lightweight inner socks
18. Thick, warm wool hiking socks
19. Hiking boots with spare laces
20. Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
21. Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
22. Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F
23. Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
24. Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
25. Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches)
26. Water bottle
27. Toiletries

Trip Cost Includes

  • English Speaking Tour / Trekking guide (First Aid and Eco trained)
  • All Local Transport, Airport pickup and drop, Domestic Flight Tickets1
  • Hotel and Breakfast During the Tour
  • Deluxe Hotels Kathmandu with B/B plan
  • Conservation Park fee and Trekking Permit
  • Sightseeing at Kathmandu Valley, Each Place with all Entrance Fees
  • Necessary Sherpa Porter, Mule, Yak during the trekking
  • Each Sherpa (Asst. Guide) for Each Group
  • Travel & Rescue arrangements
  • Insurance for Trekking Crews
  • Special Trekking permit for Non-Tourist Areas
  • Clan Treks Kit Bag
  • All government and local taxes if necessary
  • All Camping Gear and kitchen Crews
  • Trekking food 3 Times a Day as Expedition Style
  • Rafting, All Food, Camp & Equipments
  • Bardiya Jungle Safari as our Package Trip
  • Welcome & farewell dinner

Trip Cost Excludes

  • Your Personnel Equipments / Travel & Rescue Insurance
  • Your Visa Fee for Nepal / International Airfare To / From Home City
  • Lunch and Dinner in The City Stay
  • Emergency rescue evacuation
  • Cost arising from outside the control of Clan Treks
  • Your Personal Expenses, Telephone, Laundry, Bar Bills & Extra Porters
  • Tips for the trekking Crews

Pre - Meeting Before Trip

Prior to all our expeditions and treks, we host a Pre-Trip meeting here in Kathmandu on the 2nd day of your itinerary starts in the morning during the breakfast and introduced your trek Leader mean time and it will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the your trek and to introduce you to other team members.

Accommodation in Kathmandu and Trekking

Accommodations are included in the trip cost and Clan Treks has chosen accommodation options based on the following criteria; standard of hygiene, standard of service, location, food standards and cost. There are two styles of accommodation and this depends on the itinerary you choose. During the Jumla – Rara Trekking you will spend Six nights at 3-star in Kathmandu and Ten nights at the locally best available Tent Camp in your trekking route. All accommodation is based on twin share, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex; or Group Leader.

Meals during Jumla - Rara Trekking

All Meal will be provided during the spent on trekking. There are (Nepali, Sherpa, Tibetan, Continental, Italian and Indian cusion) a day will be provided from our own kitchen. Your cook-man offering various different items in a day and will be different each single day menu. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same Camp, you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.

Trekking Staff:

The Guide is in overall charge of your trip and of looking after you. This is the person you should go to with all problems, concerns and questions. All our guides are highly trained in all aspects of trekking, conservation, and high altitude medicine, first aid and emergency procedures. They are professionals selected for their knowledge and passion for Nepal and its peoples. Remember the trekking guides are local citizens and their English may be basic and limited to trek related topics while the city guide have the excellent English with the broad knowledge of the destination involved. Porters transport your luggage – one porter between every two trekkers.

Clan Treks currently train all their Guides in the following courses and your trek leader will be one of the fully train Trek Leader.

  • Intensive Wilderness First Aid KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Educational Project)
  • Trekking Guide Training - Nepal Government's Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation department of Hotel Management & Tourism Training Centre of Nepal.
  • Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet TAAN (Trekking Agents Association Of Nepal)
  • English Language
  • Conservation & Biodiversity
  • Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (optional) Nepal Mountaineering Association

Acceptance of risk:

The Client acknowledges that the nature of the tour is adventurous and may involve a significant amount of personal risk. The Client hereby assumes all such risk and does hereby release the Company from all claims and causes of action arising from any damages of injuries or death resulting from these inherent risks.

INSURANCE:

It is mandatory that all Clients obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$ 50,000 while travelling with the Company and this insurance must cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and emergency evacuation expenses. It is strongly recommended the coverage be extended to include cancellation, curtailment, loss of belongings and all other expenses, which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the Client. The Company shall have no liability for loss, theft of or damage to baggage or personal effects

Climate:

Nepal has a generally temperate climate, however altitude makes distinct variations.

The monsoon sweeps up from India each summer, making mid June to mid September humid and wet. The three other distinct seasons are all suitable for trekking and each has its own advantages. Changing global weather patterns have had their effect on the Himalayan climate making mountain weather notoriously changeable. Always be prepared for a change in conditions and note that if severe or dangerous weather conditions occur your guide’s decision on any course of action is final.

Autumn (September – November): This season offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

Winter (December – February): This season is noted for occasional snowfall only at higher elevation. Hence it is ideal for trekking at lower elevations, generally below 3000 meters.

Spring (March – May): Different varieties of wild flowers, specially the rhododendrons make the hillside above 5000 meters a haunting paradise during this season. It is mildly warm at lower elevations and at higher elevation over 4000 meters the mountain views are excellent and temperature is quite moderate.

Summer (June – August): Summer months, continues up to mid September making travel wet and warm. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. It is recommended to carry insect repellent when trekking during summer months.

Health:

There are no specific health requirements for entry into Nepal. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check up can save you from unexpected hazards. Nepal does not require any particular inoculation but Cholera, Meningitis, Tetanus and Diphtheria, Typhoid and Gamma Globulin are some of the vaccinations that should be considered for your trip. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid Box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for your trip. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperature and at high altitudes, so it is recommended having them checked

Altitude Sickness:

Altitude sickness often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is particularly an important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevation above 3000 meters. The initial symptoms of AMS are as follows:

  • Nausea, Vomiting
  • Lose of appetite
  • Insomnia/Sleeplessness
  • Persistent Headache
  • Dizziness, Light headiness, Confusion
  • isorientation
  • Weakness, Fatigue, Lassitude, Heavy legs
  • Slight swelling of hand and face
  • Breathlessness and breathing irregularity
  • Reduced urine output

These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms, immediately contact your travel guide.

Client Details:

In order for the Company to confirm and guarantee the Client’s travel arrangements the Client must provide all Client details with their final payment as per the dates specified. Client details include passport number; passport expiry date and medical form (where applicable), full name as it appears in the passport you are travelling with, date of birth and nationality.