Rara Lake Journey by Helicopter
Five days at Rara, Nepal’s largest lake, high in the far north-west, with a private helicopter from Nepalgunj to the lakeshore and back. A boat on the lake, a walk or ride up to Murma Top and three quiet nights by the water.
5 days · Nature Escape · From US$ 4,840
Enquire- Duration
- 5 days
- Group size
- Private — from 2 guests
- Best season
- Apr–May, Sep–Nov
Overview
Rara is Nepal’s largest lake, about 10 square kilometres of clear blue-green water at almost 3,000 m in Rara National Park, in the remote Mugu district of the far north-west. Pine, spruce and juniper forest comes down to the shore, snow peaks stand on the horizon, and there are no roads, no towns and very few visitors.
Getting there is the adventure. You fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on the plains, and a private helicopter takes you on to the lakeshore in about 45 minutes and collects you again at the end. Scheduled flights to the nearby Talcha airstrip are few and depend on the weather, so the helicopter gives you fixed days and more time at the lake.
At Rara the days are simple: a boat on the lake, a ride or walk up to the viewpoint of Murma Top, and evenings in a small lodge with home-cooked meals. The lodges are basic, but the place is quiet and beautiful.
Highlights
- Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest lake, at about 2,990 m
- A boat on the blue-green water, ringed by pine and juniper forest
- Murma Top viewpoint over the lake and the Mugu hills
- Few visitors: one of the quietest corners of Nepal
- Private helicopter from Nepalgunj straight to the lake: no small-plane flights or walk from Talcha
Gallery
Day by day
Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on the western plains (about 1 hour) and a night at Siddhartha Hotel, with lunch and dinner. Your guide checks the helicopter and the weather for the next day.
A private helicopter from Nepalgunj, about 45 minutes, landing near the lakeshore at Rara (about 2,990 m). Afternoon by the water and a night in a simple lodge, with all meals.
A boat on Rara Lake in the calm of the morning, then walk or ride up to Murma Top for the view over the whole lake and the hills of Mugu, and back to the lakeside lodge.
A walk along the shore, birdwatching or simply rest, and a third night at Rara.
The helicopter collects you at the lake for the flight to Nepalgunj. Lunch in Nepalgunj, then the flight to Kathmandu and a private transfer to your hotel.
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop by private car in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
- Flights Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu and a private helicopter Nepalgunj–Rara–Nepalgunj, with airport taxes
- Rara National Park entry fee
- Four nights in a hotel and lodges, with breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Boat ride on Rara Lake and a horse with handler for the Murma Top day
- Licensed guide from Kathmandu, and his flights
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa
- Kathmandu hotel before and after the trip (we can arrange it)
- Drinks, hot showers and battery charging where charged
- Extra nights if flights are delayed by weather
- Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover (required)
- Tips for your guide and horse handlers, and personal expenses
Dates & departures
April–May and September–November are the best months: clear skies and mild days at the lake. The summer monsoon brings cloud that often stops flying, and winter is cold with snow. The helicopter can go any day the weather allows. Keep a spare day after the trip. The price shown is per person for two guests travelling together and sharing a room. The helicopter price is our current estimate; we confirm the exact price in your quote.
Questions, answered
Why a helicopter and not the scheduled flight?
Scheduled flights to Talcha are few, run on fixed days and are often delayed by weather, and you still walk or ride to the lake. The private helicopter flies from Nepalgunj on the day you choose, lands near the lakeshore and gives you three full nights at Rara.
What are the lodges like?
Simple. The lodges at Rara are small and family-run, with basic rooms, shared or simple bathrooms, limited hot water and home-cooked Nepali food. There is no luxury hotel at Rara; the helicopter is what makes the trip comfortable.
How fit do we need to be?
The walks are short and gentle — a few hours up to Murma Top, with a horse if you like. At about 3,000 m you will feel the altitude a little, so take it slowly.
What happens if a flight is cancelled?
If weather stops the helicopter, it flies on the next clear day and you wait in Nepalgunj or at the lake. Extra nights and changes caused by weather are not included, which is why we suggest a spare day before your international flight.
Is there phone signal or Wi-Fi?
Very limited. There may be patchy mobile signal near the lake, and Wi-Fi, if any, is slow. Tell family you may be out of touch for a few days.
Is the price per person?
Yes. The price shown is per person for two guests travelling together and sharing a room. Tell us your group size and dates and we will send an exact quote.
Rara Lake Journey by Helicopter: the complete guide
The route at a glance
Kathmandu → Nepalgunj (flight, about 1 hour) → Rara Lake (private helicopter, about 45 minutes) → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu.
Permits
You pay the Rara National Park entry fee, which is included. No restricted-area permit is needed for Rara.
Weather and what to pack
Days are mild and sunny in spring and autumn, but nights at the lake are cold, often near freezing. Bring a warm jacket, a hat and gloves, comfortable walking shoes, a torch, sun cream and sunglasses.
Luggage
The helicopter carries strict weight limits, often about 10–15 kg per person including hand luggage. Leave extra bags at your Kathmandu hotel.
Money and power
Bring Nepali rupees in cash for drinks and tips; there are no ATMs or card payments at Rara. Electricity can be limited, so bring a power bank.
Enquire about this journey
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