Rara Lake is the largest lake of Nepal, situated in Mugu district in the far western Karnali region of Nepal, near the district headquarter Gam Ghadi and Talcha airport. It takes around 3 to 4 days of trekking to reach Rara from Jumla. Rara Lake is the centerpiece of Rara National Park.

The lake is stunningly beautiful, with unbelievably tranquility, a paradise untouched. The region around Jumla and Rara Lake is still relatively unexplored. The large lake, at an altitude of 2,980 metres, is perched on a high shelf on the northern flank of Ghurchi Lekh (4,067 m). The surface of Rara Lake is around 8 square kilometer and the perimeter 9 kilometer. The length of the lake is 5 kilometers and it is 2 kilometers wide, the altitude around 3060 meter and the maximum depth is 167 meter. The peaceful surroundings are enhanced by the reflection of Ghurchi Lekh in its blue waters.

The lake is encircled by alpine paddocks and forests of pine, juniper and spruce, whilst in the background you may be able to view the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The entire route is off the beaten track which involves the crossing of Ghurchi Lagna pass at 3450m on the trek to Rara Lake and a small number of edges at around 3000 meters when hiking on the trek back.

Best season to make a trip to the area is May, September, October and November. Summer rainfall is low but winter snow can be heavy and persistent. Since the region is fairly high and free from monsoon thunder storms, the summer season is ideal for trekking. Winters are cold, but in the autumn season, trekking is rewarded with a profusion of alpine flowers.

There are several alternatives to reach Rara Lake.The most common proposed option is a 14 day camping trekking via Jumla. You can reach Rara Lake in 3 or 4 days of trekking from Jumla. You can reach Jumla by plane from Nepalganj or a bus ride. The best alternative is to fly directly to Talcha airport near Gam Ghadi  or directly reach there by helicopter from Nepalganj or Surkhet.

From Jumla, one can trek along the broad valley of Tila river, 18 kilometers west of Litakot, where there is a hot water spring at Tatopani. Another interesting trek takes one 20 kilometers east to Gothichaur (2,750 m), a circular bowl of grassy slopes and pine forests.

The culture and people living in the area are very different from the rest of the county alongside the trail to mountain. There are series of picturesque villages and a distinctive culture and traditions of the local people residing in the area, which provide visitors a unique experience. The Rara National Park is an attraction in itself as it is considered to be a dream spot, as it is a great place for those who love nature and different species of animals and birds. 

The Rara National Park adjoins the Rara Lake and provides shelter to various species of birds and animals.  Himalayan black bear and Red Panda are the major attraction of the place. The trek to Rara National Park brings delight for botanists, nature-lovers and bird watchers. The National park consists of Leopard, Black Panther, Thar, Musk Deer, Ghoral, Wild Boar, Rhesus and Langur monkeys and numerous species of birds. Rhododendron, Juniper, Oak, Spruce and Cyprus are the rich vegetations of this area.