Karnali · Expedition

Karnali Rara & Dolpo Packages

A western Nepal collection built around Rara, Jumla, Phoksundo, and Dolpo, from easy lake escapes to full remote expeditions.

Route planning map

Explore the route before you commit to it.

Switch between topographic context, overall route shape, and stage-by-stage stops so you can see how the trek unfolds in real terms, not just as a line between famous names.

Route map

Karnali Rara & Dolpo Packages

Loading route map

Drawing the topographic base, route line, and stage markers for this itinerary.

NEPAL

20 km

Route read

Surkhet to Shey Gompa

8 mapped stages, about 282 km on the visible line, showing where the trek leaves road access and moves into higher mountain terrain.

Route progress

Stage 1 of 80%

0 km

Completed

~282 km

Total route

Elevation profile

↑ 2,270 m

Elevation gain

↓ 3,120 m

Max elevation

Current leg

Surkhet to Jumla

92 km

Est. distance

Transit

Stage type

Duration

22 days

Max altitude

5,500m

Best seasons

Mar-May · Sep-Nov · May-Oct for Dolpo

Starting rate

$1,200+

Permits and access

Permits

Rara National Park, Shey Phoksundo National Park where included, Restricted Area Permit for Upper Dolpo, Licensed guide required for restricted areas

Access

Fly or drive via Nepalgunj/Surkhet, Jumla, Talcha, or Juphal access depending on package, Private jeep support for overland Rara tours

Stay style

Flexible mix of hotels, homestays, lodges, and camping support depending on the selected package

Customize your trip

jeep

Rara overland programs can run as family-friendly jeep tours through Surkhet, Jumla, and Mugu with short hikes near the lake.

flight

Flight-supported Rara and Dolpo departures use Nepalgunj, Jumla, Talcha, or Juphal sectors to keep remote itineraries workable.

Build a proposal

Package options

Choose the Karnali product that fits the traveler.

Classic package and best seller

Rara Lake Trek

7-17 daysModerate$1,200-$1,700

Best for: Beginners, nature lovers, couples

Visit Nepal's largest lake inside Rara National Park

Choose budget jeep, flight-and-trek, or full trekking formats

Quiet forest, wildlife, and lake scenery with easier logistics

Authentic rural tourism package

Jumla-Rara Cultural Trek

10-14 daysModerate

Best for: Cultural travelers and homestay-focused groups

Start from Jumla and walk toward Rara

Add Sinja Valley, associated with the origin of Nepali language

Use village stays and local food experiences as the core story

Two iconic lakes in one trip

Phoksundo + Rara Lake Trek

18-22 daysChallenging

Best for: Trekkers who want two iconic western Nepal lakes

Combine Rara Lake with Shey Phoksundo Lake

Layer lake scenery with Tibetan-influenced culture and monasteries

Strong mid-to-premium package for experienced travelers

Premium adventure package

Dolpo to Rara Traverse

18-22 daysExpedition

Best for: Foreign trekkers and remote-wilderness clients

Cross remote high passes around or above 5,000m

Travel through Bon and Tibetan-influenced communities

Built for private guided teams with serious logistics

Extreme remote expedition

Upper Dolpo Trek

24-28 daysExpedition

Best for: High-value luxury adventure and expedition clients

Visit Shey Gompa and the high valleys of Upper Dolpo

Expect high passes around 5,500m and camping-heavy support

Requires restricted permits, early planning, and full logistics

Non-trekking starter package

Rara Jeep / Overland Tour

6-10 daysIntroductory

Best for: Families, older travelers, Nepali travelers, and Indian travelers

Drive via Surkhet, Jumla, and Mugu toward Rara

Add gentle lake walks, short hikes, and viewpoint stops

Easy local-market product with broad seasonal appeal