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Situated about 370 km. north-west of Kathmandu, Rara is Nepal's
smallest and most scenic national park covers 106 square km.
Much of the park is at an altitude of about 3,000 meters forested
by conifers. The park was established in 1976 and protects
some of the most beautiful alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems
of the Himalaya. The centrepiece is the pristine Lake Rara,
also Known as Mahendra Tal, the biggest lake in Nepal. The
lake is surrounded by richly forested hills, Chuchemara Danda
at 4,087 meters is the best vantagepoint to get stunning views
of the lake and the thickly forested hillsides and the snow-capped
peaks around it. Other summits in the park area are Ruma kand
(3,731 m.) and Malika Kand (3,444 m.), situated to the north
of the lake.
Rara comes within the catchment area of the Karnali River,
one of the three main river systems of Nepal. The habitat
supports animals like the red panda, black bear, yellow-throated
martin, ghoral, serow and musk deer. There have also been
reported sightings of leopard and wolf. The lake attracts
migrant wildfowl like teals, pochards and mallards. Resident
birds include the Impeyan, kalij and blood pheasant as well
as others like the chukkor partridge.
Entry Fee Per Person Per Entry:
For Nepalese Nationals, Free
For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 100/-
For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs. 1,000/-
Access:
The easiest way to get to Rara is by flying to Jumla or Kolti
from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, followed by a three-day hike
to the park office at Hutu. The alternative route is to take
a bus from Nepalgunj to Surkhet, from where it is a weeks'
hike to the park. Visitors should travel with camping gear
and guides which will offer them the flexibility to explore
Rara where basic accommodation is available only at the park
office. The best time to visit the region is from February
to April and in October and November.
Note:
Entrance fee not required for children under 10 yearsPark
Entrance fees is regulated by Department of National Parks
and Wildlife Conservation (Phone: 4220850). Entrance fees
for mountain National Parks can be paid at ACAP counter (Phone:
4222406) at Sanchaykosh building in Thamel, Kathmandu, or
at the Park gate. For other National Parks entrance fees are
to be paid at the Park gate
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