Wildlife · Rara
Rara National Park
Nepal's smallest national park, guarding its largest lake amid pine forest, red panda and musk deer.
Rara National Park is the smallest national park in Nepal, yet it guards the country's most striking body of water — deep-blue Rara Lake in the remote far-western highlands of Mugu. Established in 1976 and covering about 106 square kilometres, it rings the largest lake in Nepal with pine, spruce and juniper forest and a surprising wealth of Himalayan wildlife.
Landscape and wildlife
The park is compact but varied, climbing from the lakeshore at around 2,990m to high ridges over 4,000m at Chuchemara Danda. Its forests and meadows shelter rare and elusive animals — the red panda and Himalayan musk deer are the headline species, alongside Himalayan black bear, leopard and tahr, plus a rich cast of birds. The clean, cold lake and undisturbed forest make this one of Nepal's most pristine protected corners.
The forest is dominated by blue pine, black juniper, spruce and Himalayan cypress, with rhododendron adding spring colour and the open meadows along the shore grazed in the warmer months. The lake at the heart of the park, Rara Lake, is the largest in Nepal and a magnet for migratory waterfowl in passage. Birdlife is a real draw here, from forest pheasants to the ducks and grebes that rest on the water, making quiet early-morning walks rewarding even when the larger mammals stay hidden.
Visiting the park
A visit centres on the lake and the trails that radiate from it: the gentle shore loop, the easy climb to Murma Top and the strenuous ascent of Chuchemara. The park is small enough to explore over a few days yet remote enough that good preparation matters — bring warm clothing, arrange a permit and guide, and plan around the weather-dependent flights. A few traditional villages such as Murma sit within or on the edge of the park, and supporting local guides and lodges helps the communities that share this protected landscape. For the full list of activities, see the best things to do in Rara.
Good to know
- Fees: A park entry fee applies; arrange permits and a guide in Gamgadhi or through your lodge — see how to get to Rara.
- Best time: Autumn and spring give the clearest weather and best wildlife chances; check the best time to visit Rara.
- Bigger picture: See how Rara sits among the country's protected areas in national parks of Nepal.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Rara National Park?+
Rara National Park lies in Mugu and Jumla districts in Karnali Province, deep in Nepal's far west. It is one of the most isolated protected areas in the country, well away from the main Kathmandu and Pokhara routes.
How big is Rara National Park?+
Rara is the smallest national park in Nepal, covering about 106 square kilometres. It is centred on Rara Lake and the forested ridges that ring it, creating a compact, concentrated pocket of pristine highland scenery and wildlife.
What wildlife lives in Rara National Park?+
Despite its small size the park shelters red panda, Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard and Himalayan tahr, along with rich birdlife. Its pine, spruce and juniper forests and high meadows support this surprising diversity.
Do you need a permit for Rara National Park?+
Yes. A national park entry fee applies to all visitors, and there is also a TIMS or trekking arrangement for those walking in. Permits and a local guide are easily arranged in Gamgadhi or through your lodge or trekking operator.
