Mahadev Malla
My journey to Rara Lake with Leaf Travels and Tours was a truly memorable experience. Starting from Kathmandu, we travelled through Kohalpur, Surkhet, Kalikot, Manma, Nagma, Sinja Valley, and Mugu, experiencing the changing landscapes, remote villages, forests, rivers, and mountains of western Nepal. The long journey itself became a big part of the experience.
The road through Karnali
The road through Karnali was challenging but fascinating. As we travelled deeper into the region, we saw a completely different side of Nepal. The simple lifestyle of the local people, traditional houses, small villages, local markets, and the peaceful rhythm of daily life gave us a real feeling of Karnali culture. The people were warm and welcoming, and we had opportunities to experience local hospitality and taste traditional food and local products. Their simple way of living, strong connection with nature, and respect for their traditions made a lasting impression on me.
Into Rara National Park
After reaching the Rara National Park area, the journey became even more exciting. Walking through the peaceful forests with fresh mountain air and finally arriving near Rara Lake felt like entering another world. I also had the opportunity to experience horse riding around Rara, which was a wonderful way to explore the surrounding landscape. Riding through the quiet trails with the mountains, forests, and lake views around me made the experience even more memorable. It was a peaceful and enjoyable way to experience the natural beauty of Rara at a slower pace.
Seeing the lake
And then came the moment we finally saw Rara Lake. Surrounded by dense green forests and mountains, the crystal-clear water looked incredibly peaceful. The reflections of the hills on the lake, changing shades of blue and green, and the complete silence around us created a sense of tranquility that is difficult to describe. After such a long journey through Karnali, seeing Rara for the first time felt even more special.
A night beside Rara
We also spent a night near Rara Lake, which became one of my favorite parts of the trip. The hotel was simple but comfortable, and after a long day of travelling and exploring, it was wonderful to rest in such a peaceful environment. The evening atmosphere around Rara was completely different from city life. The cold mountain air, quiet surroundings, simple local hospitality, and the feeling of being surrounded by nature made the night very special. Enjoying a warm meal and relaxing after the journey while knowing that Rara Lake was just nearby was an experience I will remember.
What impressed me most about Rara was its natural and untouched character. There was no feeling of a crowded tourist destination. Instead, there was silence, fresh air, forests, mountains, and open space. It gave me the chance to slow down, disconnect from the busy world, and simply enjoy nature.
How it was arranged
The accommodation and food arrangements throughout the journey were also very well managed. The hotels were comfortable, and the meals were satisfying, especially after spending long hours on the mountain roads. Leaf Travels and Tours coordinated the transportation, accommodation, meals, and other arrangements carefully, allowing us to focus on enjoying the journey rather than worrying about the logistics.
For me, Rara was much more than just a beautiful lake. It was the entire experience of travelling through Karnali, meeting its people, seeing their culture and simple lifestyle, tasting local food, spending a peaceful night near the lake, and finally witnessing the magnificent Rara Lake. The journey from Kathmandu through the mountains, valleys, forests, and remote landscapes made this one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I have had in Nepal.
Rara is a place where the journey, Karnali culture, local people, and untouched nature come together to create an experience that stays with you long after you leave.