For travellers who love the open road, the 7 Days Rara Overland Tour (6 nights / 7 days) is a true Himalayan road adventure: three days by jeep from Kathmandu across the length of the Terai and up the wild Karnali River gorge into the far-western hills, to reach Rara Lake (2,990 m) in Mugu – Nepal’s largest and deepest lake and one of its most remote and beautiful places. Along the way you see a side of Nepal few visitors ever experience: Tharu villages on the plains, the hill bazaars of Surkhet and Kalikot, terraced valleys and mule trails clinging to the canyon walls.
The first day crosses the Terai on the East–West Highway to Kohalpur, near Nepalgunj. Next you climb past Surkhet, the capital of Karnali Province, and follow the Karnali gorge north to Manma, headquarters of Kalikot. A final mountain drive through Jumla’s pine forests and Mugu villages brings you to Rara in time for sunset over the lake. Inside Rara National Park you have a full day to hike to Murma Top (about 3,700 m) for the classic view of the lake against the Kanjirowa and Saipal ranges, go boating on the clear water and walk the forest trails where red pandas, musk deer and Himalayan black bears live.
The return follows the same spectacular route back to Kathmandu – or you can fly from Nepalgunj on the last day to save time. Full board, jeep transport, boating and park fees are included, making this a great-value group adventure.
Why choose this tour?
- An epic overland journey through Karnali – the least-visited region of Nepal.
- All meals, accommodation, jeep, boating and national park fees included.
- Two nights at Rara Lake with a hike to Murma Top.
Who is it for?
Groups of friends, road-trip enthusiasts, photographers and domestic and Indian travellers looking for adventure and value (minimum seven people). The sightseeing is easy, but the long driving days (8–13 hours) on mountain roads need patience. Best from March to May and September to November.
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