Rara National Park
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 centerpiece 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. You can also go thru road transportation. Take a bus from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Surkhet, from where it is a week 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.
|
