Photo: Prabeshsdev (edit by Cart) · CC BY-SA 4.0National Parks / Rara
Est. 1976 · Nepal's smallest park, largest lake
Nepal's smallest national park guards its largest lake — the deep blue Rara, ringed by conifer forest and Himalayan peaks in the remote far west.
At just 106 km², Rara is the smallest of Nepal's national parks — but it holds the country's largest lake, the jewel from which it takes its name.
Established in 1976, the park protects the unique flora and fauna of the remote Humla–Jumla region of north-western Nepal, spanning the Mugu and Jumla districts. It ranges in elevation from about 2,800 m to 4,039 m at Chuchemara Peak on the lake's southern side, with the peaks of Ruma Kand and Malika Kand framing the water to the north.
The park is managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation with the assistance of the Nepal Army.
Photo: Prabeshsdev (edit by Cart) · CC BY-SA 4.0The Lake
Rara Lake is the largest in Nepal, covering 10.8 km² with a maximum depth of 167 m at an elevation of around 2,990 m. Oval-shaped on an east–west axis, roughly 5 km long and 3 km wide, its clear blue water shifts colour through the day and drains into the Mugu-Karnali River via the Nijar Khola. It is the serene centrepiece of the entire park.
Wildlife
The park's coniferous forests and alpine meadows shelter a range of Himalayan species.
Photo: Christian Mehlführer (edit by Böhringer) · CC BY 2.5Found in the park's forested zones.
Endangered
Photo: Gurung Pratap · CC BY-SA 4.0Among the park's notable high-forest mammals.
Endangered
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T · CC BY-SA 4.0Leopard, Himalayan black bear, ghoral and Himalayan tahr also range here.
Photo: Bharatadhikarimb · CC BY-SA 4.0Flora & Landscape
Above the lake, forests of blue pine, rhododendron, spruce, fir, oak and juniper cloak the slopes, giving way to alpine meadow at the highest elevations. In spring the rhododendrons bloom; in autumn the air is crisp and the lake mirror-still — the classic seasons to visit.
Visiting
Rara rewards the effort of reaching one of Nepal's most isolated and beautiful corners.
Trails circle the lake and climb to viewpoints like Chuchemara for the full panorama.
Remote — typically reached via flights to Jumla or Talcha airstrip, then a trek.
Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) for clear skies and blooms.
Reference