Simikot Rara Lake Humla-Mugu Trek

Journey through the remote regions of Humla and Mugu to reach the stunning Rara Lake, Nepal's largest and most serene lake. A trek filled with natural beauty, cultural exploration, and untouched landscapes.
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The Simikot Rara Lake Humla-Mugu Trek takes you through one of Nepal's most remote and unexplored regions, offering an unforgettable adventure filled with natural beauty, cultural richness, and serenity. Starting in the remote town of Simikot, the trek leads you through the rugged hills of Humla and Mugu, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, pristine forests, and traditional villages that have remained untouched by modernization.

Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest freshwater lake, is the highlight of this trek. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests, the lake’s tranquil beauty is a sight to behold. The trek offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich culture of the region, as you pass through villages where the local communities follow ancient traditions, with a blend of Tibetan Buddhist and Bon influences.

Throughout the journey, trekkers will encounter a range of landscapes, from high-altitude meadows to deep valleys and forests filled with wildlife. The trek is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness, as it involves crossing several high passes and trekking in remote areas. However, the rewards are immense: a deep connection with nature, an immersion in the local culture, and the rare opportunity to experience one of the least-visited parts of Nepal.

The Simikot Rara Lake Humla-Mugu Trek is perfect for adventurers seeking solitude, challenging terrain, and a journey that combines natural beauty with cultural exploration in one of Nepal's most unspoiled regions.

Region
Nepal
Duration
17 days
Level
hard
Max Altitude
3800 m.
Daily Activity
Daily activities
Season
February, March, April, May, September, October,november
Starting From
$ 3425
Nepal New Generation Trek Offer 2 +10 people
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Overview
Itinerary
Date/Cost
Includes
FAQ
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Brief Introduction

The Simikot Rara Lake Humla-Mugu Trek is a remarkable journey into the heart of Nepal's remote northwest, offering a rare chance to explore untouched landscapes and ancient cultures. Beginning in the isolated town of Simikot, this trek leads you through the rugged terrain of Humla and Mugu, regions that remain largely unaffected by modern development. As you trek through high-altitude passes, dense forests, and traditional villages, you'll experience the raw beauty of the Himalayas and encounter communities that continue to preserve their centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist and Bon traditions.

The highlight of this trek is the breathtaking Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest freshwater lake, surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests. Its serene and pristine beauty offers a peaceful escape from the modern world. The trek is physically challenging, involving steep climbs, high-altitude trekking, and remote areas, but the reward is a unique adventure that connects you deeply with nature and the local culture.

For trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience filled with natural beauty, cultural discovery, and the adventure of a lifetime, the Simikot Rara Lake Humla-Mugu Trek is an unforgettable journey into one of Nepal's least explored regions.

Highlights of Simikot Rara Lake Humla-Mugu Trek
  • Remote Wilderness: Explore the unspoiled and isolated regions of Humla and Mugu, away from the crowds, offering a true adventure into Nepal’s hidden landscapes.
  • Rara Lake: Discover Nepal's largest freshwater lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests, offering breathtaking views and tranquility.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience the rich culture of the local communities, with influences from Tibetan Buddhism and Bon traditions that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
  • High-Altitude Trekking: Conquer high-altitude passes, rugged trails, and diverse terrain, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas and surrounding valleys.
  • Pristine Nature: Trek through dense forests, alpine meadows, and scenic valleys, encountering wildlife such as Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and various bird species.
  • Authentic Villages: Visit traditional villages where the local communities lead a simple life, maintaining their ancient customs and way of living.
  • Challenging Adventure: A physically demanding trek, perfect for seasoned adventurers seeking a more secluded and less-trodden route in the Himalayas.
  • Serene Beauty: The untouched natural beauty of the region, from crystal-clear lakes to tranquil mountain vistas, offers a peaceful retreat from modern life.
Itinerary

Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

Schedule for each day
Days: 1 Arrival in Kathmandu 1,350 m / 4,430 ft and transfer to Hotel.  
After arriving in Kathmandu, a representative from Nepal New Generation will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest or visit Nepal New Generation’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Nepal New Generation. For dinner, you will be served authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country’s food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu. Included meals:Dinner
Days: 2 Full day guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley by private van  
Kathmandu has a special atmosphere during the early morning hours when the city is slowly coming to life yet not too chaotic. It's a great time to walk and explore the streets or have a chai overlooking one of the local courtyards or durbar squares. There are a number of ways you can spend the day given the many incredible sights around the Kathmandu Valley. Later in the evening, head out for dinner at one of the city's great eateries, or your specialist can arrange a home-cooked dinner with a local family.
Days: 3 Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj  
The flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj takes approximately 1.5 hours and is fairly dependable. During the flight we should catch a glimpse of the mountains we will be trekking among in the coming days. Overnight in Hotel.
Days: 4 Flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla 2370m  
Early in the morning flight to Jumla (35 minutes). This is the gateway to the wild northwest and one of the highest rice-growing areas in the world. The unique red rice is tastier than white rice but scorned by most Nepalis. Jumla Bazaar is 10 minutes more from airport, we’ll be exploring Jumla and its surrounding area. Overnight at tented camp.
Days: 5 Jumla to Danphe Langa (3130m)  
Today we start trek after having breakfast, the trail to Rara follows the north bank of Tila Khola, then turn up the other small stream. The Jumla Valley disappears behind the ridge as the trail follows the river, keeping fairly level and passing through fields and pine forests. Now trek begins an ascent up the Padmara Valley and becoming steeper as the climb continues. We have our lunch in proper place. Along the Padmara valley, the canyon becomes very narrow with vertical cliffs on both sides as the trail ascends through a deep forest of pines, spruces and firs. Finally, we arrive in the last village of Padmara and we continue the trek until reaching Danphe Langa. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: 5-6 hours
Days: 6 Trek from Danphe Langa to Chautha 2770m/5-6 hours.  
We start walking again after breakfast. The trail descent becomes steep, through forests of firs, birches, walnuts and bamboo. A short stretch of the trail zigzags down to the Sinja Khola, crossing it on a log bridge and follow the river downstream to Nyawer. Then we continue the climb, passing through marijuana fields and over a ridge into a side valley. Now the steep climbs continues for a while and the trail makes a turn into a big valley then descends until reaching Chautha. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: 5-6 hours
Days: 7 Trek from Chautha to Dhotu (2380m)  
Today, the rocky trail follows the stream uphill, crossing it as the wooded valley becomes narrower. The climb continues to Bhulbhule where our permit are checked. Above Bhulbhule the trail emerges into an immense treeless meadow and climbs gently but steadily to an assortment of Chortens, cairns and prayer flags atop the Ghurchi Lagna. From here, there are views of the Mugu Karnali River and snowy peaks bordering Tibet. The route descends gently on a broad path to a hut, and then drops precipitously down a rough trail through spruces forests. Follow the direct trail to Rara Lake, which stays more or less leveled through pine forests, and then descend to the Jhyari Khola. Another stretch of easy walking leads to Dhotu. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: 4-5 hours
Days: 8 Dhotu to Rara Lake (3040m)  
Today we start our walk by crossing a stream and climbing steep towards Thakuri Village of Jhyari, in a picturesque grove of giant cedars. Then we continue trekking through cedar forests to a huge meadow a top ridge with a great view of Rara Lake. Descends on the northern side of the lake where camping ground is available. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: 3-4 hours
Days: 9 Exploring the Rara Lake  
Today we are exploring the largest lake of Nepal. It is almost 13km around the lake and a day devoted to making this circuit is well spent. There are remnants of the now deserted villages of Rara and Chapra on the northern side of the lake, but otherwise it is an isolated region where birds, flowers and wildlife thrive. Rara is Nepal’s largest lake and is surrounded by the protected forests of Rara National Park in the Karnali district. There is an abundance of wildlife in this area including musk deer, leopard, ghoral, tahr, Himalayan black bear, and the rare red panda. The water of the lake is crystal clear and the area is a stunning place of natural beauty. We will spend a rest and acclimatization day here. The Great Himalaya Trail has 2 options in the far west – 1) From Gamgadhi to Simikot and the Yari Valley 2) Cross country from Rara Lake to Kolti and Chainpur and on to the Mahakali Nadi (river) in India. We will travel the Gamgadhi to Simikot and Yari route, as this route travels closer to the centre of the Great Himalaya Range. There is yet to be a crossing found to the Mahakali Nadi, which is further to the west, therefore our finishing point for the GHT is currently Simikot after trekking north to Yari. Stay overnight at tented camp.
Days: 10 Rara Lake to Karnali Riverside Camp  
Leaving our idyllic rest stop at Rara Lake we descend to Gamgadhi, taking a left turn in the bazaar before continuing another 40 minutes to the Karnali bridge. Another 4 hours brings us to Bala and then a further 1.5 hours to Karnali. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: approx. 4 hours
Days: 11 Riverside Camp to Bam (2700m)  
We cross the suspension bridge from Karnali and climb a steep, rocky trail, trending left until we crest a ridge at 2180 metres. We descend to a small river and then another climb brings us through fields and pine forest to a ridge and then a traverse to Bam village. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: 5-6 hours
Days: 12 Bam gto Jogimara (3005m)  
We follow a trail which contours around hillsides until we reach a stream at Ghachar. Here we begin a climb to the pass which should take approximately 3.5 hours, from the top it is an easy descent to a pretty campsite by a stream. There is a tea-shop close by which is 15 minutes before reaching Jogimara. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: 6 hours
Days: 13 Jogimara to Piplan (1700m)  
We make an easy short ascent from Jogimara to a ridge at 3120 metres before a longer descent of 500 metres to a small stream before climbing again, crossing a landslide area. From here we have views of the lower valley and the village of Rimi. We make a long traverse to Deori, passing by a school before descending to Darma village. Continuing through the village we drop down through a series of steep switchbacks to the main trail by the riverside, and then crossing a suspension bridge over the Humla Karnali and finally a short climb to Piplan. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: 7 hours
Days: 14 Trek from Piplan to Apsia Lekh (3200m)  
We continue trekking through the traditional villages of Nimagaon and Korka climbing a series of switchbacks and crossing a basin between ridges before halting at a stream for our lunch break. Climbing once again to the village of Puma we take a right fork and ascend more switchbacks in pine forest to Apsia Lekh. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: 7-8 hours
Days: 15 Apsia Lekh to Punkha Khola  
Today we have magnificent views of Saipal and surrounding valleys as we follow a contouring trail to Kallas. From here we descend to the river and then climb an easy trail to a ridge and descend once more to the Rodikot Khola. A further east climb of 1.5 hours brings us to our campsite beside the Punkha Khola. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: 6 hours
Days: 16 Punkha Khola to River Camp  
We start with a big climb of 500 metres through steep switchbacks to a kharka at 3512 metres. From here we continue climbing, gaining views north to Simikot and also to the south. We climb to over 4000 metres today before a very steep descent to the Yanchu Khola. We have a few camping options today, and there will more than likely be some livestock grazing in the valley. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: 5:30 hour
Days: 17 River Camp to Simikot (2900m)  
Depending on weather conditions today may be a very warm day as there is little shade along the trail. We descend for 15 minutes or so alongside the river before an easy gradient climb to Durpa village and a further descent to the pilgrimage site of Kharpunath. Continuing on another 30 minutes we turn into the Kudila Kola valley. from here we ascend to some teashops and cross a metal bridge before the final set of switchbacks which lead us to Simikot. Stay overnight at tented camp. Walking time: 6:30 hours
Days: 18 Flight from Simikot to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj(1330m)  
This morning we fly to Nepalgunj and to Kathmandu, a thrilling flight over forests, fields and villages, with the Himalaya in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Days: 19 Buffer day for flight delays or cancellation due to bad weather just for in case and overnight in Hotel.  
Buffer day for flight delays or cancellation due to bad weather just for in case and overnight in Hotel.
Days: 20 Free day in Kathmandu for individual activities.  
On this day, you can proceed to relax and can have another tour of the city or go shopping at the hub of “all things-tourist” at Thamel. Overnight stay at the Hotel. Meals: Breakfast included.
Days: 21 Farewell  
The airport representative from Nepal New Generation Family will transport you to Kathmandu International Airport around 3 hours before your scheduled flight from where you will depart. Meals: Breakfast included.
Reservation & Date
Tuesday
01 Apr 2025
Wednesday
01 Oct 2025
$175 Off
$3425
$3600
10 Seats
Available
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Inclusion/ Exclusion

Inclusion/Exclusion

Services Included
All local transfers, pick up drops
Trekking Information Management System Fee (TIMS Fee)
National park Conservation Fee, including Humla and Rara National Park Permits, special permits etc.
Tented camp accommodation during the trek with all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
1 night accommodation in Nepalganja, 2 nights accommodation in Simikot/Jumla on Standard hotels/lodges.
Services of English speaking trekking guide and porter (one porter for two people and the maximum weight carry by one porter is total 25kg)
Accommodation, meals (warm daily cooked meals in campsite, insurance, equipment and allowance of guide and porters, Yaks and Yakmans.
Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary.
All tents for camp including kitchen, dinning, and staffs tents
Just incase of any emergency, back up and supports such as any alternative arrangement services, helicopter booking, alternative flight booking etc.
First Aid-medical services
All cooking and kitchen utensils
All applicable government taxes and service charges.
Services Excluded
Any accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
Any sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
Any international and domestic airfare
Your personal travel insurance and medical.
Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).
Expenses of personal nature such as tips for guide, porter, and driver, laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc.
Liability for expenses against sickness, flight cancellation, road blockage, accidents, and other occurrence, beyond our control.
Nepal visa fee.
Any other optional services not mentioned above as included.
Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.

The best time to trek this route is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, stable weather, and optimal trekking conditions.

This trek is considered moderately challenging due to its high altitude, remote location, and rugged terrain. It requires good physical fitness, prior trekking experience, and an ability to cope with the demands of a high-altitude environment.

The highest point on the Simikot Rara Lake Humla-Mugu Trek is around 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) at the Rara Lake area. Altitude sickness can be a concern, so proper acclimatization is essential.

Yes, you will need a restricted area permit for Humla, a Rara National Park permit, and a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card. Your trekking agency will assist in obtaining all necessary permits.

No, independent trekking is not permitted in the Humla and Mugu regions. A licensed guide and necessary permits are required for trekking in these areas. It’s recommended to go with an organized trekking group.

Accommodation will primarily be in basic teahouses or lodges along the trail, with camping in more remote areas. You will also stay in hotels in Kathmandu and Simikot.

While the region is remote, it is generally safe to trek if proper precautions are taken. It’s important to trek with an experienced guide, follow a gradual ascent for acclimatization, and have appropriate insurance for emergency situations.

Essential items include warm clothing, trekking boots, a sleeping bag, rain gear, sunscreen, a first aid kit, a water bottle, snacks, and trekking poles. A detailed packing list will be provided by your trekking agency.

The trek typically lasts around 12 to 15 days, depending on the route and the pace of the trek. This includes travel time to and from Simikot.

Electricity is available in some villages, but it may be limited, especially in more remote areas. Internet access is also minimal or unavailable along the trail. It’s best to prepare for a digital detox and enjoy the natural surroundings.

To prepare for high-altitude trekking, it’s important to train your body with endurance exercises, stay hydrated, and acclimatize slowly by following the suggested itinerary. Ensure you have proper gear and consult a doctor before the trek for altitude sickness prevention.