Rara National Park, National Parks, Reserves
Rara National Park is so captivating it begs you to get lost for a few days in the aroma of this natural splendor. If you are looking for peace and solitude, then this is the place to come. The park was established in 1976 and is Nepal’s smallest and most scenic National Park. Rara National Park lies at an altitude of about 3000 meters and is protected by the most beautiful alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems of the Himalayas.
The pride and joy of the National Park is the tranquil Lake Rara, also known as Mahendra Tal. This Lake has a lovely oval shape and is the biggest lake in Nepal. The Rara Lake is surrounded by rich forest hills and take note of the thickly forested hillsides and the snow-capped peaks around it. Some other summits in the park that may interest you are Ruma Kand and Malika Kand situated to the north of the lake. Rara National Park is also near the Karnali River one of the three main rivers of Nepal. The snow trout is the only fish seen in these lakes.
The Rara National park is inhabited by many beautiful animals like the red panda, black bear, yellow throated martin and musk deer. Also seen are the leopard and the wolf. The lake attracts some of the most stunning birds that will be appreciated by visiting birding enthusiasts. Also, here at Rara National Park, there are more than 500 different kinds of colorful flowers on display. At the Rara National park you will be able to view all the beautiful trees to name a few the pine trees the black junipers and the Himalayan cypress also oak trees are found. The easiest way to get to Rara National park is by flying to Jumla or Kolti from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, followed by a three-day hike to the park office at Hutu.
Summer is pleasant and the best time of year to visit the park is September to October and April to May. December through March, the temperatures drop to below freezing and heavy snowfalls do occur, closing high passes.
So waste no time – come and visit this amazing place!