Rara Lake Trek - 15 Days

Transcription

1 Rara Lake Trek - 15 Days Rara Lake is Nepal s biggest Lake, located in the Mugu district of Karnali zone in Nepal. Situated at the altitude of 2,990m above the sea level, the lake is surrounded by the pine, spruce and juniper forest of the Rara National Park. The Rara Lake Trek or trekking to this hidden gem of Nepal, promises unlimited adventure, culture and panoramic geographical landscape, so beautiful and serene that it will make you want to come back to this place again and again. Despite being one of the most famous trekking routes in the western Nepal, the trail is the least visited trekking trail in Nepal. Although the place is very remote and not easily accessible, the destination, that is, the Rara Lake and the trail leading to the destination is all worth your effort. The standard 15 days Rara Lake Trekking package by Amigo Treks and Expedition, allows you to enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu; Nepalgunj- one of the biggest cities in Nepal s Terai region; scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Jumla; trail leading through the forest of Pine, Rhododendron, Juniper, Oak; ancient remains of the Malla civilization in the Sinja Valley; the Rara National Park featuring a wide variety of plants and animals and the Rara Lake itself the biggest Lake in Nepal. This package ensures bed and breakfast in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj and full board (meal+accommodation), during the trek; an English speaking guide, all ground transportation and the domestic flight tickets. Moreover, this trekking package is a fully customizable package, therefore, we can sit together and design a new package considering your personal needs, requirements and budget, with 100% guarantee on departure. The company also offers special discount, if you bring a group along with you. The trekking starts with a flight to Nepalgunj and then to Jumla. From Jumla, the trail passes through Chere Chaur, Chala Chaur, Sinja Valley, Gorosingha, Rara Lake, Pina, Bumra and back to Jumla circling the Rara Lake. From Jumla, a flight back to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu will bring the Rara Lake trek to an end. Spring and Autumn are the best season to plan a trek to Rara Lake. This trekking in Nepal does not require any technical training or prior experience. Moreover, if you are looking to explore more we suggest you to go for Khaptad-Rara Trek. Enjoy! Outline Itinerary Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing day tour Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m/492ft) 1 hour

2 Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2,540m/8,334ft) 20mins Day 05: Trek from Jumla to Chere Chaur (3,055m/10,023ft) Day 06: Trek from Chere Chaur to Chalachaur (2,980m/9,777ft) Day 07: Trek from Chalachaur to Sinja Valley (2,490m/8,169ft) Day 08: Trek from Sinja to Ghorosingha (3050m/10,006ft) Day 09: Trek from Ghorosingha to Rara Lake (3,010m/9,875ft) Day 10: Explore Rara Lake Area Day 11: Trek from Rara Lake to Pina (2,440m/8,006ft) Day 12: Trek from Pina to Bumra (2,850m/9,351ft) Day 13: Trek from Bumra to Jumla (2,540m/8,334ft) Day 14: Fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) Day 15: Day 15: Departure day Trip Includes Airport Pick-up and Drop-off service in a private vehicle 3 nights twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu at tourist standard hotel with breakfast Full day guided city tour in Kathmandu (Day 2) by a private vehicle Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the best Nepalese restaurants with traditional, ethnic music and dance Airport transfer for domestic flight Special travel permit Kathmandu-Nepaljung (to Jumla) and return to Kathmandu flight tickets and departure tax Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek All accommodations on a trek (Lodge/Tea house/tent)

3 Fresh seasonable fruits after dinner (while on a trek) Tea/Coffee (Served in a cup only) Purified drinking water (medicated safe to drink) during the trek Government licensed and well trained English speaking guide and his entire expenses Porters (One porter for each 2 members) and his entire expenses Insurance of Guide and Porter All required local and government taxes Down jackets and sleeping bags (if required) Amigo duffel bag if required Amigo Trekking T- Shirt Trekking route map Note: Let us know if we are lucky to celebrate your birthday during your holiday so that we will do our best to make it a truly memorable day. Trip Excludes: Nepal arrival visa Meals in the city except breakfast and other mentioned special dinner Personal expenses like all kinds of drinks including mineral water, and alcoholic and soft beverages Extra Hot showers, Wi-Fi & battery charging while on a trek Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla (only 15 kg included) Extra porter if you required (it cost USD20 per day) Monument entrance fees while on a tour in Kathmandu (aprox USD25 per person) Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation Any other extended trips and accommodation Tipping to staff (as an appreciation)

4 Arrival complications and Joining Instruction: If you ve paid for an arrival transfer while booking this trip, one of the company representatives will be awaiting your arrival outside the baggage hall as per your flight arrival schedule. Look for a person carrying your name on the piece of paper. This person will transfer you to the hotel booked for you in Kathmandu. Keep yourself out of any hassle by rejecting any offer to carry your luggage to the vehicle. Carry your luggage to the vehicle on your own. Travel Insurance: If you are planning your trek to the Rara Lake any time soon, we suggest you get a travel insurance. Make sure your insurance covers; 1. All unforeseen expenses that might result due to various health issues, injuries or accidents 2. The cost of air ambulance, helicopter rescue or other treatment costs, like the cost of the medicine, hospital charges, doctor s fee and repatriation cost. 3. All extra activities that you are planning, during your stay in Nepal. 4. Death, misplaced luggage, theft and liability, cancellations. Meals during the Rara Lake Trek: The company makes the arrangement of all meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) plus tea/coffee, during the trek. However, in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, only breakfast will be served. The team leaders, however, will suggest the best places for lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, so that you can eat as per your choice and budget. During the trek, the meals will be served as per the teahouse menu. Since the area is very remote, the menu at the teahouse will be very basic. Typical Nepali food, made using local ingredients will be served, during the trek. The chances of getting western food are very rare in this area. Nevertheless, the food served during the trek will be fresh and plentiful. Accommodation during the Rara Lake Trek: Your accommodation is arranged in a tourist standard hotel in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj. The rooms are on a twin-share basis. On request, triple share can also be arranged. Single supplements are also available, but at extra cost. During the trek, the accommodation is arranged in a very basic tea house or lodge with shared amenities. Tea houses in the higher altitudes have fewer facilities than those in the lower altitude. Transportation during the Rara Lake Trek: A comfortable airport shuttle will be provided to transfer you to and from the airports in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj. A private vehicle will be used for a sightseeing day tour. Domestic flights will be used from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Jumla and vice versa. The cost of the local flights is included in the trip cost. Communication during the Rara Lake Trek: Communication facilities are very less in trekking route in Nepal. However, our team leaders will be provided with a cell phone, to regularly be in touch with the

5 office and the project manager in Kathmandu. Trekkers can use this cell phone in the case of emergencies. Trekkers can also use this cell phone to send messages to the company, which will be sent to the concerned person (family, friends etc.). Solo Travelers: If you are a solo traveler, we suggest you to join our existing group. If you join our groups, you will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation of the same sex for the duration of the trip. This will save you a lot. Also, joining a group is a good idea as it will keep you safe during the entire trip. Group Leader Description: All the Rara Lake Treks are led by one of the best, experienced, trained and licensed guide. Apart from leading you to the destination, these leaders will also provide; 1. Interesting facts (history, culture, religion, society, community and the lifestyle of people) about the places you are travelling through 2. Suggest things to do and see 3. Recommend great eating options and venues 4. Introduce you to the local people and act as a facilitator to help you directly communicate with the local people. What should I bring? Although the company provides one porter for every two traveler, we suggest you to pack as lightly as possible. Our porters carry all the trekking gears in a shared water-proof duffle, provided by the company. Some of your extra luggage can be left in a hotel in Kathmandu (free storage available). We recommend you to carry a lightweight cotton or plastic bag to keep your trekking gears separate. Kindly follow the checklist below to pack the required stuff during the trip: Checklist for all seasons: Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher, passport sized photo Hand Sanitizers Reading/writing materials Travel games, like chess, backgammon, scrabble Binoculars First-aid kit (containing lip balm, Aspirin/paracetamol, Band Aids/plasters, bandage for sprains, iodine or water purifier, Moleskin for blisters, antiseptic for cuts, anti-bacterial throat lozenges, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for diarrhea, re-hydration powder, Norfloxacin or Ciprofloxin, antibiotic for Girdia, Diamox and any extra prescription drugs you are currently taking)

6 Protein bars, chocolates, dried fruits, candies and snack foods Money- cash Money bag Swiss army knife Sleeping bag Light weight Towel Swimsuit Toiletries (quick drying towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, multipurpose soap, deodorant, nail clippers, face and body moisturizer, feminine hygiene products, small mirror Day pack (with waist straps) Alarm clock and torch/flashlight/headlamp Lighter Insect repellent Ear plugs and eye mask Small padlock Small wash towel Refillable water bottle Sunhat, sunglasses, scarf Bag liners Sewing kit Wind and waterproof shell jacket & trousers (preferably breathable fabric) Comfortable walking shoes Running shoes or sandals Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination Lightweight thermal gloves Underwear and Shorts T Shirts 2 or 3

7 Long sleeved shirt Trekking/Hiking boots with spare laces Lightweight long trousers (no jeans) Special Checklist for winter and high altitude Layered clothing /Thermals and Extra warm clothing during winter (December to March) 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweight wool jumper/sweater/fleece jacket Fleece wind-stopper jacket (optional) Down jacket or down vest Fleece or wool trousers/pants Heavyweight gloves or mittens wool or fleeced with a waterproof shell outer A four season sleeping bag/sleep sheet Thick, warm wool hiking socks Gaiters (optional) Special Checklist for summer Lightweight wool jumper/sweater/fleece Umbrella/water proof jacket and trousers (May to September) Sunscreen lotion with maximum SPF Water bottle Suggestion for the success of the trip Trekking in Nepal includes a lot of uphill and downhill walk, but all within the capabilities of any healthy person. With the increment in altitude, the walk might get tougher due to thinning air. Your success depends upon how you deal with the altitude. Therefore, we suggest you to plod, but at your own pace- slow and steady. Do not rush. Do not be in any kind of competition to reach the destination first. If you are tired walking, take a rest don t sit but stand to rest. If you sit, it becomes harder to get going again. During the walk, in order to protect yourself from intense sun we suggest you to wear sunscreen, sunglasses and hat and scarf. If you take off your layers, while walking make sure to put them on in the shaded area or as soon as you stop walking, in order to protect yourself from the cold. Extra Money (Personal Expenditure) The trip cost does not include the cost of your extra expenses like drinks, shopping and tipping. Therefore, we request you bring some extra money for these purposes.

8 Emergency Fund and Optional Activities We also request you to set aside USD 200 (or an amount equivalent to USD 200) as an emergency fund. This fund is kept as security money during the trek and will be utilized in the case of any changes in the itinerary caused by unforeseen natural disaster (which is very rare though). Tipping Tipping the service provider in Nepal is customary. This shows the expression of gratitude and satisfaction. In Nepal you can tip your service providers like guides, porters, drivers, and waiters. The tip amount entirely depends upon your wish. However, there is the custom of tipping 10% of the total trip cost in the ratio of 60:40 (60% of the total tip amount to the guide and 40% to the porter) to the guide and porters. Health and Medication The Rara Lake Trekking trails in Nepal demand excellent stamina, tough determination and the best health condition. Some days might require you to walk 6-8 hours. Therefore, one needs to be physically fit an be in the best health condition. Therefore, we highly suggest you to get a physical examination at least 4-6 weeks, or longer and seek advice, medication and permission from your doctor, in advance of your trip. It is also recommended to take expert guidance from your local General Practitioner or physician having good knowledge of travel medicines. Make sure that you are screened for illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, anemia, ulcer disease, cardiovascular disease and lung related problems. Cardiovascular risk assessment should also be made, especially for anyone with a strong family history or person with over the age of 40. Get a good dental check up. Identify medicines that you are allergic to. Make sure you are immunized and vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, varicella, Hemophilus influenza type b infection, Hepatitis A and B Typhoid, rabies, yellow fever, cholera, meningococcal disease and encephalitis. In the absence of GP, we recommend you to seek advice from travel clinics. Moreover, we highly recommend you to carry your regular personal medicines along with a First Aid kit. Additionally, we also request you to add blister kit, sunscreen, bandages, insect repellent containing DEET, topical antibiotic cream, iodine tablets and /or water filter, Diamox or Acetazolamide, Acetaminophen or Tylenol for analgesia, Ibuprofen or Advil for analgesia and as an anti-inflammatory agent, Immodium or Lomotil for diarrhea, Afrin-a nasal decongestant, Pepcid or Zantac for heartburn, an antibiotic, especially a Quinolone such as Ciprofloxacin or Leavaquin, pain medicine such as Tylenol with codeine or Hydrocodone and last but not the least, if you are prone to exercise-induced Asthma or Asthma associated with bronchitis or upper respiratory infections, we suggest you to bring Asthma inhaler. Nevertheless, we request you inform us regarding your present health condition, medical situation, preceding illnesses and the regular medications you are taking. We also expect you to be honest regarding these issues, so that we can get prepared for emergencies. Medical Facilities:

9 It is very easy to find a hospital or a private clinic in the Kathmandu Valley. In fact, Nepal s top general hospitals and private clinics are located in Kathmandu. These hospitals and private clinics provide top quality service. Nepalgunj also has a good number of general hospitals. All kinds of medicines are available in Kathmandu. So, in case you ve forgotten to bring your medicine, we recommend you to buy it in Kathmandu. During the trekking, you can take help from the health posts that have been set up by the government to provide health and medical facilities for both local and visitors. Safety and Security Your safety and security is our greatest concern during the trek. Therefore, during the trek, your team leader has full authority to amend or cancel the itinerary if it concerns your safety. The amendment or cancellation might be required in the case of unforeseen circumstances, like sudden weather change, natural disaster, bad health of a group member, or any kind of violent protest and demonstrations. For the safety and security of your belongings, like passport, air tickets, travelers checks, cash and other valuable items, we recommend you bring a neck wallet or money belt to carry these stuffs, while travelling. Do not bring your valuable jewelry along with you. Most of the hotels in Kathmandu provide safety deposit boxes, where you can safely store your valuables, while you are on a trek. However, for the security of your luggage, we suggest you bring a lock. Please note, neither the team leader nor the company will not be responsible for the security involved during any extra activities that you want to undertake which is not included in the itinerary. Therefore, calculate the risk before attempting any such activity, especially water based (do not go alone; take the help of your guide). Also, do not force our team leader to make arrangement on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s). Additional rules: We strongly recommend you not to contravene the laws and rules of the country. Do not carry illegal drugs and do not get involved with sex workers. Local Dress When packing your luggage, we recommend you to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing to help you stay cool in the hot and humid climate of Asian summer. Dress standard in Asia is more conservative, therefore, we recommend you to avoid very short dresses like shorts/skirts/singlet/tank tops especially, while visiting holy sites. Emergency Contact Detail If you need to urgently contact us, then we recommend you either call our local representative given below or directly contact our office. If in case you do not receive an immediate answer, we request you leave a detailed message and contact information, so that we may get back to you as soon as possible. Contact Detail Mr. Tika Regmi

10 From outside of Nepal: From outside and within Kathmandu: OR Contact our office at: From outside of Nepal: From within Kathmandu: From outside Kathmandu: If you are using NTC, Ncell or any other mobile networks in Nepal: