Visitors to Rara Lake growing

BY HARI KRISHNA AIDI,Mugu, Oct. 13: With the onset of the peak travel season, the number of visitors to Rara Lake has begun to rise. 

The period between mid-September and mid-November is considered the most suitable time to visit the pristine lake, often referred to as the blue jewel of Nepal.

According to the Rara National Park Office, this season, along with the months from mid-March to mid-July, sees the highest flow of tourists due to favourable weather conditions. 

Acting Chief of the Park, Rishikesh Yadav, said that a total of 19,104 domestic and foreign tourists had visited Rara till date in the current fiscal year.

Ram Hari Khanal, a visitor from Chitwan, said, “The colour of the lake keeps changing along with the sky, sometimes blue, sometimes black, and sometimes white. The reflection of clouds and snow-capped mountains makes the lake look truly sublime.”

Despite its breathtaking beauty, tourism in Rara has not developed as expected. Social worker Roop Bahadur Malla said that all three tiers of government have failed to prioritise the promotion of Rara tourism. 

“Basic infrastructure such as regular flights, reliable roads, and quality hotels are still lacking,” he said. “This place could become one of the best destinations in the world for yoga and meditation.”

Tourism entrepreneur Durga Rawal of Durga Female Trek Nepal said that developing trekking routes connecting Jumla-Rara-Khaptad-Dolpa-Mustang would attract long-distance trekkers and create employment for local youth.

Local resident Birkha Rokaya accused elected representatives of neglecting Rara’s development. However, Chhayanath Rara Municipality claimed it is preparing various programmes to promote tourism. 

Mayor Bishnu Kumar Bham said plans were underway to provide training in hotel management, guiding, and tourism services to generate employment for local youth.

Situated at an altitude of 2,880 metres, Rara Lake stretches 5.1 km in length, 2.7 km in width, and is 167 metres deep, with a 14.6 km circumference. 

It takes about seven hours to walk around the lake. Cycling and horse riding are popular activities, though swimming and bathing are prohibited. The crystal-clear water, however, is drinkable.

The area also hosts religious sites such as Rara Mahadev, Chhabru Mahadev, and Laguda Temple, while the Chhayanath Himal and snow-clad peaks like Rinimoksha Chuli adorn the eastern horizon. 

Visitors can reach Rara via Karnali Highway from Surkhet in about two days or take a 35-minute flight from Nepalgunj to Talcha Airport.