Beyond Imagination – Rara Lake

“Heaven is Myth, Rara is real”

Rara Lake is the biggest and deepest freshwater lake in Nepal and an absolute beauty. I heard a lot about its beauty since I was 10 years old. It has been covered a lot in Nepalese literature and tourism books. Some called it “Heaven on Earth” while other called “Heaven is Myth, Rara is real”. I started dreaming myself on the lap of such a beauty when I started learning more about it. However, it was never going to be easy task for me to reach there. I also asked myself several times that “How come Nepal’s largest lake is in such remote area?”

Indeed, it is in Jumla and Mugu districts (most remote areas of Nepal). As I grow up it became obsession to me. I have dozens failed plans to go there. It took me almost another three decades, I finally reached there in 2018. It was never been easy for me to decide as I had already relocated to Hong Kong. It further pushed my plans. Sometimes, the best thing to do is leave everything, pack your bags and go. That is what I did. Initially, I was not sure whether it was right decision or not. But eventually, it turned out to be the most rewarding experience of my lifetime.

Even today it is not easy ride to Rara. It took me three days from Pokhara. I took night bus from Pokhara to Nepalgunj. Stayed and visited Bagheswori Temple and Rupadia on the second day as my bus to Gamgadhi was in the evening. The bus ride from Nepalgunj is not for faint hearted. ‘Thrilling’ would be an understatement for this bus trip, one would call it a rip-roaring, hair-raising, blood curdling, deadly experience. One can feel the presence of ruthless Karnali flowing right down. Looking down from window would be self-harming, it will remind you constantly that your life lies in the hand of an over-confident local bus driver.

Rara Lake is one of the most recommended destinations, yet still not many local tourists dare to go to this remote. At the altitude of 2,990 m high from sea level with mind blowing green forest around and snowcapped mountains are mesmerizing. The beauty of profound presence of the lake was just above my imagination. The ambience was just so magical, I forgot how to blink-like someone had just put a spell on me. It was like seeing Aphrodite, the Goddess of love and beauty.

It was not just another lake. It was bluer than the sky and larger than life guarded by thunderous mountains. I felt like it is a treat to every sense in the human body – the sight, the feel and the smell all were different. I stayed in Danphe Hotel one of two hotels around the Lake. Next day, I explored more of it. There was a home stay nearby, only around 30 minutes’ walk from my Hotel.

Other fascinating activities around is horse riding, bird watching and hiking itself. It cost me around NPR 2,500 to go up to the top of a viewpoint “Murma” in horse. You can opt to walking for the majestic view. It only takes 2-2.5 hours hiking. After 3 days I returned via same route with my crystal-clear conscience as if I got enlightened.

If you are looking for real adventure, solitude and a totally unique experience, then Rara Lake is the place for you. It is not the place itself, but the journey to get there – and back again. Although of course, the place itself is worth the journey. It’s not touched by commercial tourism yet, and the local tourists that do show up usually don’t trek to Lake Rara but go with the bus or jeep all the way up. If you want to trek, I think it can be surreal experience with complete solitude.

Follow his journey @laotikrishna