Karnali Rara & Dolpo Packages

Six separate trips in western Nepal's Karnali region, from an easy drive to Rara Lake to a trek of nearly four weeks in Upper Dolpo.

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22 days5,500 m high pointExpedition

Area map

See where the trips go.

The map marks places visited across the trips listed below. Each trip covers only some of them, so check the package options for the route you choose.

Area map

Karnali Rara & Dolpo Packages

Loading route map

Loading the terrain, the route line, and the numbered stops.

About this map

Places visited across 6 trips

This map marks the places our Karnali trips visit, from Rara Lake, Jumla, and the Sinja Valley to Phoksundo Lake and Upper Dolpo. Each trip covers only part of it. The line joins the markers for reference and is not a single walking route.

Across the map

Place 1 of 80%

From Surkhet: 0 km
All markers: ~282 km

Elevation profile

Shey Gompa · 4,343 m

Start · Surkhet: 720 m
Highest point: ↑ 5,500 m
Net climb: 4,780 m

Between markers

Surkhet to Jumla

Est. distance: 92 km
Stop type: Day stop

22 days
Duration: 5,500m
Max altitude: Mar-May · Sep-Nov · May-Oct for Dolpo
Best seasons: $1,200+
Starting rate

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: Hotels, homestays, lodges, or camping, depending on the trip you choose

Customize your trip

jeep: The Rara jeep tour drives through Surkhet, Jumla, and Mugu, with short walks near the lake. It works well for families.
flight: Trips that fly in use Nepalgunj, Jumla, Talcha, or Juphal, which saves days on the more remote routes.

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Package options

Pick the trip that fits your time.

Each option below is a separate trip with its own route, length, and price.

Walk to Rara Lake

Rara Lake Trek

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

Best for: First-time trekkers, nature lovers, and couples

Visit Rara, Nepal's largest lake, inside Rara National Park

Go by jeep, fly in and trek, or walk the whole way

Quiet forest, wildlife, and lake views, with simpler logistics than Dolpo

Village stays on the way to Rara

Jumla-Rara Cultural Trek

10-14 daysModerate

Best for: Travelers interested in village life and homestays

Start in Jumla and walk to Rara Lake

Add the Sinja Valley, often described as the birthplace of the Nepali language

Stay with village families and eat local food along the way

Two lakes in one trip

Phoksundo + Rara Lake Trek

18-22 daysChallenging

Best for: Trekkers who want to see two of western Nepal's best-known lakes

See both Rara Lake and Shey Phoksundo Lake

Monasteries and Tibetan-influenced villages between the lakes

Longer and harder than the Rara treks, for experienced trekkers

A remote high-pass crossing

Dolpo to Rara Traverse

18-22 daysExpedition

Best for: Experienced trekkers who want real wilderness

Cross remote passes at or above 5,000 m

Walk through Bon and Tibetan-influenced communities

Run as a private guided trip with a full support team

The longest and most remote option

Upper Dolpo Trek

24-28 daysExpedition

Best for: Experienced trekkers ready for a long, remote camping trip

Visit Shey Gompa and the high valleys of Upper Dolpo

Expect passes of around 5,500 m and mostly camping

Needs restricted-area permits, early planning, and a full support team

No trekking needed

Rara Jeep / Overland Tour

6-10 daysIntroductory

Best for: Families, older travelers, and visitors from Nepal and India

Drive via Surkhet, Jumla, and Mugu to Rara

Gentle walks by the lake, short hikes, and viewpoint stops

Possible across a wide range of seasons