WEST & FAR WEST REGION; HUMLA, SIMIKOT AND MUGU

On Dhaulagiri Himal’s western side, there’s a small grouping of mountains. A more petite version of the towering Himalayan peaks these cluster of no less impressive peaks do not rise much above 7000 meters. Names such as Kanjiroba Himal, Saipal Himal and the most western Api Himal are just a few. The main peak seen in this region is Kanjiroba Himal (6883m). But do not be fooled by their slightly less than stature because there are still more than ten 6000res in this region. Few trekkers visit Rara National Park with the sparkling Rara Lake as its centerpiece. This national park is just to the west of the Kanjiroba Mountains. Rara Lake is not the only highlight in this lesser known area as there are many other attractive spots. Humla Valley is worth a visit and it has only recently been open for trekking.  Though not traveled as heavily as other regions, this area will prove to be a destination in its own right as the roads and transportation in western Nepal improves with time. Since it’s a rarely visited area, it is absolutely perfect for those seeking a true off-the-beaten-path experience, and we provide some interesting offers in these regions! Rara National Park covers 106 square km and is the smallest national park in Nepal. Coniferous forests dominate this land that sits mostly above an altitude of 3000 meters. Here is a chance to visit a pristine and protected alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems of the Himalaya. Not to mention the lack of other trekkers makes this a gem in the crown of Nepal trekking. The park was established in 1976 and is considered one of the finest parks in the world. The pristine Lake Rara at 2990m, also known as Mahendra Tal, is actually the biggest lake in Nepal. It’s so big one can hardly see to the other side. The lake is surrounded by verdant forested hills, but to get the best vantage point of this incredible lake climb Chuchemara Danda at 4087 meters. Other summits in the park area are Ruma Kand (3731m) and Malika Kand (3444m), situated to the north of the lake. Rara National Park is part of the Karnali River watershed, one of the three main river systems of Nepal. Because of the pristine and protected nature of this area the wildlife is abundant. Among its inhabitants are a variety of fish, like the snow trout, and animals like the red panda, black bear, yellow-throated marten, Ghoral, and musk deer. Occasionally there has been reported sightings of leopards and wolfs. Rara Lake also supports a stunning array of birdlife. Migrant and resident birds can be viewed if you spend any time around the shores of this scenic lake.  Jumla is a village full of open and warm-hearted people typical of Nepal and the Himalayan Mountains. It is touted as offering some of the best scenery on the most north-western side of Nepal. The trek can begin in Jumla after a flight from Kathmandu or from Nepalgunj. Rara is a good destination point for trekking in the west. If you are craving quiet, remote, pristine wilderness with a completely different feel than the rest of the country then this region is waiting for you to come see and explore.