Rara Lake Region
Introduction
Rara Lake is the largest lake of Nepal, situated in Mugu district in the far western region of Nepal, near Gam Ghadi (district-headquarters of Mugu) and Talcha airstrip. It takes around 3 to 4 days of walking to reach Rara from Jumla.
The surface is around 8 square kilometer and the perimeter 9 kilometer. The length of the lake is 5 kilometers and it is 2 kilometers wide, the altitude around 3060 meter and the max. depth is 167 meter.
Unique place
Rara is an unique spot in Nepal. The lake is situated in the Rara National Park and because of its remote location and the violence/threat of a revolutionary communist group (Maoists) the lake has been visited by only few tourists in the past. Only in the second half of 2006 the situation improved and foreign visitors do not need to pay the high fee of around $100 per person to these Maoists anymore.
Conservation
Due to its remoteness the surroundings of Rara Lake are both poor and quite unspoiled, which, for such a beautiful place, is very unusual in an era of extensive traveling and booming tourist business world wide. We hope the Nepali government, local residents, travel agencies and tourists will make efforts to conserve this area. Attention for the conservation is especially important at this very moment (year 2007/2008), since Rara might face a rise in the number of visitors now the region is more accessible and tourists will start searching for alternatives to the Annapurna region now roads are (being) build on both sides of the famous Thorong La pass, making the Annapurna Circuit Trekking and the Jomsom-Muktinath trekking less attractive.
We like to thank you profoundly for the magnificent trip we had in the good care of you and your team. We very much enjoyed the impressive landscapes, the rich nature and the plain fact of our trekking and camping in that region. We also got a good impression of the way people live in that part of the world and their culture. We had a great time and it was indeed an unforgettable trip.
We like to congratulate you, and your team, on organizing our three weeks of trekking so well. It went smoothly thanks to your professional attitude, knowledge and experience. We enjoyed the excellent service and the great company your entire team provided. Besides taking good care of us and our personal well-being, you inspire confidence. Special praise deserves Himal’s attention to detail in all practical aspects of the trip.
Another quality is the way you work to inspire all members in the group to become one team, both staff and guests. As a result the whole group gradually developed into a community. A treat of having Himal as our sirdar is his energy, good humour and sense of fun.
In short: we had a great trekking and we cherish fine memories.
Thank you so much and our best wishes,
Piet, Renate, Marianne, Carla, Eric, Renee, Nico, Rob, Yvonne, Gepke.
Haarlem, Alkmaar, Rotterdam – the Netherlands, December 2009
Dear "thinking about teaming up with Visit Himalaya Treks traveller".Since 1998 I have visited beautiful & exiting Nepal several times,always leaving with a strong desire to return as soon as I find a new chance! Nepal touched my heart completely, nature/climate, people, culture.In 2003 I learnt to know Himal Tamang, the company's MD. Besides cultural visits around Kathmandu, Chitwan Nat. Park in the south, also a wonderful group trekking experience to the area of Helambu, some hours by bus north of Kathmandu. Since then we always kept in contact for my next NEPAL EXPERIENCE! I'll tell you why.
This Helambu trekking was so well organized and pleasant, supporting/guiding us to finally pass 4600m' Laurabina Pass. We could enjoy the trekking, scenery and the social aspects to the most thanks to our Nepali supporting team!
Himal's professional, responsible, relaxed but serious and caring attitude towards all of us + his team of Sherpa's and porters was exactly what is important on a trekking in my view. Responding well to any small or major trouble on the way, being sensitive towards the group's interest and individual wishes. Not to mention his patience for the passionate birds & flower, photography lovers amongst us, which slowed the team down a bit...haha.
In 2005 I returned on my own and was so excited to visit Khumbu Valley, but weather conditions forced a change of plan. Pure flexibility on both sides brought us the next day to Annapurna Base Camp area for a 10 days trekking. With our mini-expedition of 3p I enjoyed a fantastic experience again.
A big plus is also his (local) knowledge after so many years of working in and outside Nepal. Plus the bridge that can be built by your leader, guides, porters with the locals you meet on the way.
So, my opinion: BOTH THUMBS UP FOR HIMAL AND HIS TEAM ! 100% trustworthy for everyone!
The Netherlands
Petra Liefting