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Situated
about
370 km. north-west of Kathmandu, Rara is Nepal's smallest and most
scenic national park covers 106 square km. Much of the park is at an
altitude of about 3,000 meters forested by conifers. The par k was established in 1976 and protects some of
the most beautiful alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems of the Himalaya.
The centrepiece is the pristine Lake Rara, also Known as Mahendra Tal,
the biggest lake in Nepal. The lake is surrounded by richly forested
hills, Chuchemara Danda at 4,087 meters is the best vantagepoint to get
stunning views of the lake and the thickly forested hillsides and the
snow-capped peaks around it. Other summits in the park area are Ruma
kand (3,731 m.) and Malika Kand (3,444 m.), situated to the north of
the lake.
Rara comes within the catchment area of
the Karnali River, one of the three main river systems of Nepal. The
habitat supports animals like the red panda, black bear,
yellow-throated martin, ghoral, serow and musk deer. There have also
been reported sightings of leopard and wolf. The lake attracts migrant
wildfowl like teals, pochards and mallards. Resident birds include the
Impeyan, kalij and blood pheasant as well as others like the chukkor
partridge.
Entry Fee Per Person Per
Entry
For Nepalese Nationals,
Free For SAARC Nationals, Rs.
100/- For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs.
1,000/- (Note Entrance fee not required for
children under 10 years). Filming Permit Fee
(Documentary/Feature Films) For Nepalese
Nationals,
Rs. 5,000/- For SAARC Nationals, Rs.
25,000/- For Other Foreign Nationals, US $
1,000/- Helicopter Landing in Protected Area, Rs.
2,000/- per
landing |
Access Nepalgunj,
followed by a three-day hike to the
park office at Hutu. The alternative route is The easiest way to get to
Rara is by flying to Jumla or Kolti from Kathmandu via to take a bus
from Nepalgunj to Surkhet, from where it is a weeks' hike to the park.
Visitors should travel with camping gear and guides which will offer
them the flexibility to explore Rara where basic accommodation is
available only at the park office. The best time to visit the region is
from February to April and in October and
November.
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